So, I found myself back in a big city. A little too early on a Sunday morning for arrival at tohia's place (or even for any decent cafe's to open!) so I just familiarised myself with Wellington's streets while there was no traffic..

Seeing Tohia was fantastic, as it always is. Staying in her Newtown apartment is exactly the best way to enjoy Wellington's wonderful, diverse way of living. the big news is that tohia sold me her macpac apollo tent! Woohoo! I now have a tent which both stays up and keeps the water out! We went up to the local park and gave it a test run, I played in it and fell asleep while Tohia played the proverbial 'bat-down' with some tramping buddies, as you do.

There was so much to do in Wellington that I'll have to go back there.. but highlights from this stay had to be overcoming my fear and facing the totally malevolent wind turbine at 3:00am with Doug. Going out by myself to places like Pheonix and Pound - and having a great time (all those nice men!).. Running in the hills around Days Bay and along (of course, just to see how many people I could pass) Oriental Parade. Coffee in town in various very sexy cafe's, alone and with some very interesting people.. A walk up the Rimutaka Incline with Tohia, her sister and her nephews/niece. Dinner with Damien and Reon..

Suddenly it seemed time to go.. and with the Desert road beckoning, and a clearance in the weather, It was off to, erm, well, it was meant to be Tauranga, but I kind-of didn't realise that you didn't get there via Auckland, so I spent a night in the biggest of smokes and really had to work hard to shut my eyes to the wonder of the place the next morning as I snaked my way through the AM traffic, listening to b, in seach of the off-ramp to Tauranga..

I made it though, I met up with Doug and we went camping in a supposed mosquito and sulphur-smell free camping ground out of rotovegas (Rotorua is meant to be frighteningly trashy and commercialised, but I guess knowing Queenstown and seeing what they've done to Wanaka - 'vegas seemed quite restrained.. and tidy)

Then I reckoned it was about time I made the promised apppearance at Dad and Judy's place.. so here Iam, writing this to you now. I haven't disappeared after all. I've been having the usual mix of fun and challenge and fear and joy and surprise. My next concrete appointment is: The arrival lounge at Auckland Airport on Tuesday 27 November I AM SO EXCITED JU! We've got some talking to do...

Righto!

Chris