planning for a day off

If I remember to bring my cell phone with me when I’m hanging up laundry on the second floor deck, I can get enough coverage to send and receive text messages, at least with about 50% accuracy.

I remembered to bring it with me today, and received a 3-day old message from Sarah saying she had 3 days of from her job at the hotel in Nelson and asking if I wanted to go on an adventure. I thought I’d missed her, so I messaged her to tell her to let me know when she had time off next – but it turns out she’d sent it a day before her vacation, so, since Jane and Arvind told me I was overdue for a day off, we made plans to go on a day trip tomorrow.

That’s the simplified version of the story, anyway. As mentioned, the successful message rate is nowhere near 100%, and I’m not always sure which ones when through and which didn’t, so poor Sarah was pretty confused until I remembered the land line and we sorted it out over the phone.

The plan (if you’ve been following my trip so far, you’ll realize I’m using this term loosely) is to rent a car and drive to Golden Bay up north, which is supposed to be a nice drive. At least that’s what Sarah’s been telling everyone who comes to her at the hotel reception desk asking for suggestions on things to do – she heard it from someone else there.

I’m excited to drive – didn’t think I’d miss it, but it’s nice to have full control of my destination, timing, etc. – buses, relying on the kindness of others, etc. is all good a lot of the time, but I’m looking forward to the car.