49 last post

Strange feeling, it's really just a number, but in a little while, if nothing happens to me, I will have clocked up 50 years, as my birth date was 12th December 1954. I did major research on hiring, buying, reselling bikes and as I got closer to purchasing one, Angela & Dad offered to buy one for me for my birthday and Christmas present. Today I finally picked up a 26 speed Avanti ATB and it's riding well. Although there's a slight problem with the gears, I'll take it back in on Monday for Natural High to adjust.
Been doing a few rides on a borrowed bike and apart from a stiff head wind occassionally, it's a great place for a bike. Main roads are a nightmare, car drivers have little awareness of cyclists here, as in the UK.
Dad continues to show signs of improvement to his health, with Angela's invaluable and constant support. This evening Helen and I prepared the evening meal, full roast lamb followed by gin and tonic jelly, summer fruit and custard for pudding.
It's great being here with family and a lovely environment, however, I cannot shake off the 'blue' feeling I've had for the last 5 years. If it wasn't for my work, my heart would feel quite dark. It mainly stems from not being able to be fully at ease and understood. I've been on my own for so long now, I doubt whether things will change. We'll see, 50 years down! Can't believe it.

1st

Yesterday got into Nelson airport. Oh boy, it IS really beautiful. Warm, sunny. Last night we had a 1st, all of us together for the first time. Dad, Angela, Helen, Kemp and me. Roast lamb dinner, the best lamb I've had in years with my family. Really very special and I've got almost 6 weeks more to go, so I'm a very happy bunny. Helen, Kemp and I went to The Warehouse, which is a budget supermarket, a bit like Carrefour in France, sells almost everything, VERY cheap. I'm looking for how to get a ride. They had bikes for $149. I'm now wandering around the town and taking it all in, weighing up the idea in my mind of cycling through the Abel Tasman National Park up to Golden Bay. It's about 112 km and it goes over a big mountain range, so if I can get a half decent bike, I'm going for it.

The town is SO clean and very pleasant to be in. I've seen a great 1962 Split screen Type 2, two tone blue.

Dad is better than he has been since the initial attack. It's really very good to all be together. Right, I'm off now to explore some more.

Auckland

Well I got here in one piece, now in Domestic Departures and my connecting flight to Nelson is delayed by an hour, so leaving at 9.25am. It's a really long flight here. I got quite indignant at Los Angeles airport. We disembark then queue for ages to go through a security check which included being finger printed and had a photo taken. I wasn't entering the USA so feel that this was totally unecessary infringement of my liberty. All to do with 9/11 apparently, feels more like a way of engendering panic and fear. Talking to two fellow passengers on the way shortened the journey time, and they were good company. A theological student setting out on an adventure round NZ, Australia and Asia and a lecturer in Geology from Imperial College. I turned on my phone in Auckland and got a welcome text from NZ Vodaphone and a text message from Mike.
Just been talking to Patrick, a 21 year old Samoan, travelling alone and a bit nervous, this is only the second time he's left his tiny island somewhere out there in the Pacific. It warmish here now, but cloudy, the weather outlook for Nelson looks good though. Naturally really excited at the prospect of seeing Dad & Angela and Helen & Kemp.

Apple Store to Heathrow

After trudging the West End yesterday, I'm now at Heathrow. Can you believe I had forgotten the luggage tags? Bought some bright orange day-glo ones here.
I went to the Apple Store in Regent Street, a nice guy spoke to me for about 30 minutes on all things Apple and retail. The store was jam packed. You know, if you've been a Mac user for years, it's great to see them have such a high profile in the High Street, I no longer feel out on the margins, well not so much anyway. According to my guide, the store is the largest retail space they have in the world, and by the amount of visitors in the store yesterday, it really isn't big enough. Especially charming was a low table of about 12 eMac with children playing on them. The demonstration area with a 'genius' talking about systems and applications and guiding people through Apple use was great.
So now, only another 45 minutes until check-in. You know, I never drink anymore, this morning I know why. I had a couple of lagers last night and I've got a headache.

BBC NEWS | UK | Apple's flock worships new store