Hippie-free

Amazing what a two-hour drive can do for a mood-swing.  I pulled out of that little cannabis den of iniquity around 10 this morning (to the tune of the Grateful Dead being strummed from the living room) and cruised into a nice, normal backpacker's hostel in Picton a few hours later.  Not only are there sheets in this new place, but the signs don't refer to parts of the hostel in the first person (i.e. on a door: "Please close me" or on a teapot: "Please refill me when I'm empty.").  That was easily the worst part, and I don't know why.  It just really bothered the crap out of me.

On the way, I got to stop in at the Herzog winery in the Marlborough region, which was really cool.  For about $10 NZD ($6 US), they set up a little tasting for me (mercifully, the glasses did not say "Drink me" on them).  I got to sample the Pinot Noir and Montepulciano right on the porch overlooking the vines and everything.  It was a really nice break from the driving, and a wonderful, civilized respite from the world of the San Franciscan peacenik kibbutz I had been living on for the two days prior.

Anyway, just one day in Picton (it seems to be more than enough), then it's ferry-time.  Wellington tomorrow.  I'm excited.