Gale force Wellington

I am back in Wellington, it's windy and raining. It has been for the last two weeks apparently, with 120 -140 kph winds. The inter-island ferry got stuck the other day in 27 foot waves, and had to turn back to Wellington. Passengers spent over 9 hours on the boat, cars were damaged in the hold, passengers and crew were horrifically sick. I definitely won't be going til the sun comes out.

But it was my first experience of familiarity. Returning somewhere I know people and know my way around. Home, almost. I absolutely must get some work over the next few weeks and then I will be ready to go to the South Island.

There is a Burt Munroe (World's Fastest Indian) rally and beach race in Invercargill towards the end of November. Something to aim for perhaps. I am guaranteed to make useful contacts. The biking fraternity here is strong. I met someone in a petrol station on Saturday, and after a 30 minute conversation enthusing about DR800s and exploring alpine scenery, I'd been invited to join a bike trip to the South Island in April. And a place to stay in Wanganui if I ever need it. Just part of the Kiwi culture. You can't beat it.