16 May 2023

Today was busy. Georgina and Brody were both busy getting their gear together for the off on Thursday morning. At which time, we go from three kids in New Plymouth, to one. I hope it's everything they want and especially for Brody as this is his first long haul adventure. He's taking his cameras and I'm sure the photo opportunities available to him, will blow him away.

Julia and I did our first laden bike run today, just packing the panniers and bags, to see how the bike rolls with a bit of extra weight. It's funny how different they feel from a  normal days riding. Julia is taking a more streamlined approach, whilst I am using panniers. Bought a new set the other day, my first for 37 years. My Tika bags, (New Zealand made), did me proud lasting so long, but it was definitely time for an upgrade, as they were canvas and smelling all of those 37 years. They served me well, completing numerous overseas and local trips. So, thank you Tika (even though you went out of business in 1993) you protected my gear from all the elements for many a year.



 Had the family for dinner, plus Alex, Brody's girlfriend and Dad. Everyone was in high spirits with lots of banter and laughter. Glad we got together that night as the following night was a lot more frantic with the kids packing last minute things and getting ready for the early take off in the morning. 

 18.5.23

At the airport before 7am with check in going smoothly. We ensconced ourselves in a booth and grabbed some breakfast, with our compulsory coffees. We were joined by Alex, and shortly after Briana. It was relaxed and we all chatted freely, until departure time.



 I usually get upset seeing any of the kids leaving to go overseas, but this time, I just felt pleased for them both, to be getting some time together on the other side of the world. I hope when Georgina returns, Brody will stay and have fun on his own for a while. The photography opportunities are amazing and with New Zealand's history being so short in comparison, I think he'll be shooting left, right and centre.


22.5.23

Had some photos from the kids over the weekend. Firstly from Anfield, where they did a tour. Funny to think that Dave and I stood on the Kop forty five years ago. In those days the singing and chanting went on throughout the game, nowadays it seems to be sporadic. Our group behind the Kop goal were also the instigators of many of the chants. Those days bring back fantastic memories of the games. European nights, the ground heaving with fans and the atmosphere electric. The banter before, during and after the match with your mates, or just those around you that you were jumping up and down with. In those days we stood for the match, couldn't afford to sit in the stands and a ticket was £1.80.  


The crush when a goal was scored and thousands all moved forward in unison was dangerous but exhilarating. After the Hillsborough disaster, those days are gone, but that situation would never have happened if it had been controlled correctly.
Our departure date creeps closer and the final bits and pieces are being collected. After spending the last five years in comfort, a mat on the ground will certainly be a wake up call.  For the next two weeks we will be relishing all those modern day comforts, hot showers,  central heating,  a chilled glass of wine in front of the TV.  As well as every coffee date we have with friends and family before we take ourselves off to the arctic circle, where the status of their coffee is a complete unknown. 

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