Back in Godzone

It seems quite surreal being back in NZ after all that we have been experiencing over the last 7 months or so.

We left Bundaberg by Queensland Rail's Tilt Train at 1015 last Monday the 23rd.and had a great journey to Brisbane where we arrived mid afternoon. The Tilt Train, as its name implies, tilts on corners to counteract cornering forces and the train is all electric so was quite silent. The food was average on board but better than airline fare! It started raining as we came down past the Sunshine Coast and then we pulled into the Roma St. station from where we caught an Airtrain to the airport. A quick meal at the airport and then took off at 1830. Uneventful flight to Auckland where we landed at 0100 on the 24th. local time. Our friend Sara from Whangarei had come to Auckland just to pick us up which was absolutely wonderful of her. Bit shattered the next day but picked ourselves up and pottered around town in Jean's trusty Hyundai. We went to the Norsand Boatyard and  said hello to Murray and Jo and also to Noel who viewed Jim's recent haircut with "not up to my standards!". But it was great to see everyone there again after so long. Had lunch at Nectar Cafe which was good as always but a bit strange not to see Giselle from "Monkey Feet" working there. She and the boat are now of course in Mooloolaba where we saw them at Christmas.

The next day we had were feeling somewhat recovered and had a couple of appointments including one with our doctor to review our health in general and Jim's diabetes in particular. There don't appear to be any problems and it seems to be well under control, although we'll know more when we have some blood tests. Apart from that, we gave him a shopping list for prescription drugs (mainly antibiotics) to counter and ailments or injuries we may have on our travels. Then it was back to Auckland to Jean's son's new house in Milford. Perry was still in Melbourne - due home the next day. Great excitement from Jean as she hasn't seen him for some months. 

Then there was a red letter day - Jim was applying for NZ Superannuation, as he would be 65 the day after! All  went well and then we found a place to have free hearing tests. Jim's was A1 but unfortunately one of Jean's ears is a problem. We will have further tests in a week or so. Perry arrived home with a new BBQ which we  helped to assemble and then Tracie's mother and stepfather and 2 old friends of Perry's arrived for the first dinner from the new BBQ. A great night was had by all.

We hadn't been able to have a joint appointment so on the Friday it was Jean's turn to front up for the Super. All went well again and now we have to have another appointment to apply to have it paid during our likely prolonged absences offshore and that can't happen until Jean turns 65 on Feb. 18th. so we now have the appointment for the 20th.

In the meantime we returned to Whangarei and are staying with Hamish and Sara. Before leaving Auckland we visited Jim's daughter Rozanne and her little boy, Harry who is now 14 months. He gets around like greased lightning on his backside! A bonus was that his oldest daughter, Amanda was also there doing her "aunty" bit! We also paid a visit to Kerrin Worsfold who is restoring Jim's family's old boat "Jado" but unfortunately Kerrin wasn't home. However, we will catch up again. Back in Whangarei we have been enjoying talking with our former neighbours in the Town Basin Marina and seeing familiar faces around the town. We have also been sorting our storage unit and made good progress today. Tomorrow blood tests and then back to Auckland on Friday to meet a former owner of the Tiare and then Jean will be spending time with her sister and her family while Jim flies to Christchurch to see his daughter Charlotte, Jon and their two little daughters.   

We keep checking on the weather in Bundaberg and all seems OK - no floods or cyclones. So, keeping our fingers crossed although cyclones are extremely rare in that part of Queensland and even in last year's floods the Bundaberg Marina was unscathed.

More on our NZ sojourn as more fascinating events unfold.

Cheers from us

Jim and Gina