Day 1-2: Picton
Compared with my last flight to NZ, the flight from Sydney to Picton was positively uneventful – boring really! No cyclones to prevent landings, no “did not depart” stamps in the passport, no alternative flight plans…….
When I asked Microsoft Bing AI ( similar to chat GPT) to find some information on Picton, here’s what i got back……….
Picton is a town and port located near the top of the South Island. The town was known by many names until finally being called Picton in 1859 in memory of Sir Thomas Picton, the hero of Badajoz, who fell at the Battle of Waterloo fighting Napoleon.
Picton has offered a safe harbour and port to travellers for centuries. The country’s first roll-on, roll-off ferry, the Aramoana, connected Wellington and Picton in 1962.
Impressive really!! Yes, yes – I know I could have done my own research from a blank sheet of paper but its good to get ideas from a robot!
Picton reminds me of Nelson’s Bay…it has a lovely enclosed harbour with lots of fishing boats at the marina
It’s pretty handy that you can park your boat at the rear of your property!
Couldn’t resist these two signs
I am always amazed that in almost every place you go, there is always some great history. Picton is no exception. It is home to the Edwin Fox, an example of 19th century wooden ship building.
It is the 9th oldest ship in the world, and the oldest merchant ship in the world. It’s also the last surviving ship out of 1040 that transported convicts to Australia.
This is what it originally looked like. The white stripe along the hill followed the tradition of painting fake gun holes on a ship.
Me with one of the convicts who were transported to WA in 1858.
Thought I would try out the bunk!
Rainy all day today. Let’s hope it’s rained out now so that the trail is not too muddy.
10 responses to “Hitting the trail with Queen Charlotte”
Have fun suss!!!
Ooh! Sorry about the rain – hope it clears up tomorrow. As always, your blog is so interesting xxxxx
Another wonderful adventure!
Have fun.
Hi Some really interesting maritime history, but what really stands out is size of bunks. Imagine being forced to sleep in something that small for weeks on end – particularly when the boat was tossed around on rough seas.
But what really takes the cake is the sign about clicks. Real food for thought.
Hope the weather clears up for the walking tomorrow
Robin
Lots of niceties in there Sar and looks fabulous. Enjoy the trekking.
Let us know when the robots write the blog (and walk) for you…stay dry
I forgot to wish you safe travels! The bed looks really comfortable !😘❤️❤️❤️
I forgot to wish you safe travels. Wow, the bed looks really comfortable!😆😘❤️❤️
Hi Sar…. ooopsy a bit slow to reply… scenery should be stunning… hope weather behaves … have heaps of fun and use them sticks. Xxx
What a wonderful and well written blog. I loved reading it and seeing all of the photos. My brother Daniel is on the walk with you. Hi Dan.. you are all doing so well and I hope you are having a wonderful time. Leesa x