Almost halfway there

[vilakins]

Auckland confirmed our decision to leave it when the grass by our driveway was so wet that I almost got my shoes sucked off by the mud. Then when I hit the road to Hamilton, an hour after leaving I was inching along the motorway and still in Auckland. A few years ago I'd be almost in Hamilton by that time. No wonder so many people are leaving for the regions with traffic gridlock having got so much worse in the last couple of years, and of course the expense of living there.

We spent the first night in Hamilton with my sister, then spent most of yesterday driving to Greytown to stay with friends. Today has been the first relaxing day for a couple of weeks, being able to sleep late and have a leisurely brunch in town. We then wandered round the Greytown antique, garden, and retro bike shops. I bought an art deco tray and Greg got leather bicycle clips and a coffee cup holder for his bike. One shop owner said he'd left Auckland 7 years ago and all he missed was the sea. I'll miss more than that, but there are more new things I'll enjoy. :-)

After dinner (Malaysian, I think: yay) we'll head off to Wellington and the night ferry. We disembark in the early morning and drive to Oamaru, about 7 hours not including stops. The weather is miserable and grey and wintry but I'm hoping it won't be too wet; I want to see the countryside and enjoy this road trip.

I just rang the cattery and was relieved to hear that the girls are happy and settled, and Sebastian is still very shy but is now eating. Only a few more days till we see them again when they'll get lots of consolong cuddles and attention.

Comments

[trixieleitz]

Good to hear you have finally had a chance to unwind! I hope the rest of your journey is safe and smooth :)

[vilakins]

It was! The South Island's weather was very welcoming.

[trixieleitz]

Hurray! We don't always do sunshine, but when we do, we do it right :)

I hope the kitties will be with you soon. Make sure you put your scent marks all over the house to welcome them ;)

[vilakins]

We pick them up at Dunedin Airport on Friday morning. I'm not sure that's enough time to have the furniture all set up etc, but we didn't want to wait till Monday to get them.

Oamaru gets a lot more sun than Auckland, and a fraction of the rain. Though apparently it was Auckland-type rain a few days ago. Yesterday and today it's clear blue skies. :-)

[gwendraith]

Glad you are finally on your way and have managed a relaxing break. Happy to hear the kitties are fine! Enjoy the rest of the trip, I hope the weather cooperates.

[vilakins]

Once we were over the strait, the weather was great and we could see a lot of the countryside.

Three more sleeps till we get the little sweeties back! In the meantime we made a new tabby friend at our neighbour's.

[imhilien.livejournal.com]

Glad you made it half way. Greytown is nice, isn't it.

Best of luck for the rest of the trip. :)

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

It is nice (despite the rain that's now set in).

Thanks! I just hope it's a calm crossing.

[nautile26.livejournal.com]

Such a great way to start your new adventure with a road trip and a ferry ride! Hopefully the weather will be kind to you for the second part of your trip.

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

It was! The South Island was very welcoming and it's beautifully clear and sunny here in Oamaru.

[sallymn.livejournal.com]

So glad you're halfway to the new life... and I hope the end is great :)

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

Oamaru is lovely and sunny. The house needs a lot more work done than I'd thought but it was nice and warm and sunny inside.

I'll need a new NZ icon that reflects where I live now.

[trixieleitz]

A steampunk penguin? :D

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

With a wedge of Whitestone cheese!

[zoefruitcake.livejournal.com]

Onwards to new adventures. I still miss places I used to live, but it is good to try the new

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

It is! There's a lot happening here so I won't be bored, and the people are friendly and very interesting.

[vjezkova.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your news!
I am glad that you are doing well in spite of the weather. And of course, hearing about the cats id a big relief. So I go on keeping my fingers crossed, my friend. I believe all will be well. Good luck to you, Greg and all the cats ( especially my favourite Sebastian).
*HUGS*

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

The weather's much nicer here! We have a good trip south and it's fine and sunny here.

Three more sleeps till we get the cats back. Sebastian will get extra cuddles because I know he gets so anxious when he's not with us,

[jaxomsride.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear the cats are settled, including Sebastian.

Best of luck and fair weather for the rest of the trip!

[vilakins.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Once across the strait, the weather was fine, and it's just beautiful here.