Getting Lost

Nelson is turning out to be a place with beautiful views, a cool climate, soft tracks (as Kiwis call trails), and an atmosphere that's cold and damp but with tons of sunshine.  I've been running a large portion of my runs by myself within the hills and mountains that surround Nelson.  I gladly get lost, letting the trail carry me over pine needles and through densely covered forest. I pass sheep and cows who don't seem to mind you running by, and eventually end up back to the flat.  But today I joined my flat mate Nige to Rabbit Island and watched him race and WIN the third race of the Nelson duathlon series (2.5k run, 40k bike, and another 2.5k run).  Rabbit Island is park with tons of trails and places to swim, bike, and run.  There's also picnic areas and fire pitts for cook outs.  It's place I look forward to spending more time at.  Before his race, I got a chance to get lost, run, and take some pictures.  The first few aren't of Rabbit Island but of places around Stoke and Nelson.  I hope you enjoy. 

 Gooseberry pie and a plunger of coffee

 Cycle way 20 kilometers long connecting Nelson, Stoke, and Richmond

Stokes Oval Track and Field Facility 

Farms and pasture land south of the track 

Beach along Rabbit Island, a national park 20 minutes West of Nelson 

 10K worth of straight soft tracks

 Tasman Bay

 More Tracks 

The small town of Mapua across from Rabbit Island 

 Firm sand covers most of the roads on the island, perfect for running.

Entering the interior from the coast 

Beach Access 

Running with sweat in the eyes