Dreaming of John Denver

Thursday April 2, Sydney.

Take me home country roads......we stood at Cape Reinga, the most northerly point of New Zealand last week and the ‘lands end’ style tourist sign told us it was 28012km to London. It wasn’t so much the distance that hit home but the fact that we had finally realised we were close to heading back to England and there it was, right in front of our eyes.

A long way from home.

So 3 flights and 13 hours of jet lag to deal with- no problems bro!
Cape Reinga was a surprisingly spiritual space. According to Maori folklore, when someone from your family passes away, one shouldn’t mourn, but instead actually celebrate the time you had together. At the northern tip of the North Island the soul’s finally say goodbye. As strange as it seems, we could feel it.
After 6 ½ months away from home it also marked the start of a long trip back to Tonbridge.
We arrived at Russell last Tuesday afternoon and booked a 2 night stopover. 5 nights later we were still there and as we sat on the sunset lit terrace of Richard and Judy, a couple who we had met 2 days prior on the 7am ferry to Paihia, a genorous Gordons g&t in hand, we felt as we relaxed as any point throughout the entire trip. Russell is amazing. One day we shall return.

Happy Russell- we loved it.

Of all the places we have seen since leaving home, the Bay of Islands must be the most beautiful. If we had come here a month ago, I don’t think we would have moved. Since last September and our time in Cape Yorke, the days we spent there have remained at the number 1 spot in our trip experience. It would seem nothing would knock it off the top. ‘Rock the Boat’ however managed to help New Zealand’s far north do it.
We were looking for something of all the best bits of the last few weeks- snorkelling, sea kayaking, sailing, fishing- and completely by accident we came across this set up. Johnny and the boys and girls who run it- thanks so much. If anyone ever gets the chance to come to Russell, make sure you make time to spend a few days with these guys.

Dawn on 'Rock the Boat'

And now to Sydney. Rain, rain, rain. Not we anticipated nor hoped. We had spent new year’s eve here and decided it was not the greatest place to visit in a campervan so had planned a few nights here now. Thank god Elli has gone otherwise we would be walking around in damp clothes and feeling exceptionally miserable. Of all the culture suddenly on offer, footy looked the best option. The Aussie national team- the ‘Socceroo’s’- World Cup qualifying game against Uzbekhistan in the Olympic stadium beckoned. 2-0 Aussie and we were happy, along with 60,000 others despite the rain.

Go Roo's!

So we have completed another 3 of the remaining 27 air hours we have left to reach London. 11 of the 13 flights of the trip and only 4 shopping days to go – thankfully all in Bangkhok- before our return to £’s and pence and Easter weekend. We can’t wait!
See you soon
Andy