The night was relatively calm fortunately we missed the forecast rough seas and we woke to see a charming small town outside our cabin window. The walk into town is only five minutes and is well marked by a painted blue line on the walkways. The town itself is lovely, very user friendly and clean. Main street had three or four galleries, the same number of real estate offices, more restaurants and some pubs. I liked this town very much.
We took a tour over the mountain range and through the Marlborough valley to a beautiful sheep and cattle ranch with stunning gardens. We watched a sheepherder demons
trate the use of his sheep dogs to round up sheep using voice and whistle commands, then he showed us how to shear a sheep. After an excellent lunch on the ranch house lawns we toured the well maintained gardens. This region used to be known for its sheep and cattle ranches, now the ranches have been converted to vineyards for wine production. Later we toured another private garden owned by a couple who restored a 100 year old victorian house. The husband builds custom furniture in the shop situated in the middle of the gardens.
We really enjoyed Picton and the surrounding Marlborough region.
Gail Niebrugge, wildflower artist
