Tuesday 11 October 2016

Early check of the weather to confirm that it was turning to a strong gusty north to north west wind, then I roll out of bed and go walking on the beach beneath us and sit at a picnic table for a long while listening to a podcast that was recorded last week with Chris Desmond at "Uncomfortable is OK" (http://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/4731875). I’m pleased it was released this week which, officially, is Mental Health Awareness Week, the 2016 theme being "Connect with nature for good mental health and well-being". A motto and theme in which I firmly believe and what I try to live each day. If you have any spare time, please listen to it. Perhaps it’ll explain me, my dream and my thoughts a little more clearly. Perhaps it will also help someone dealing with a family member or friend with a mental illness. To those who already know me, you will probably just smile and nod. To people who have not yet met me, this is a small insight into Lynn's (aka Red’s) world.

First breakfast, then into town to do stuff and for me to get a unit to charge my laptop from Cuzzie’s house battery (thanks, Jay Cars for your help). All sorted out and it seems to be working (what a bonus!). I apply a new sponsor’s sticker to my gear; thanks to the wonderful people at Gull NZ Ltd for your belief in me and in my journey. I leave Anna to hook up to her home world on the local free wi-fi system in the New Plymouth information centre.

A late lunch and a walk along the coastal walkway, by the beautiful white-arched Te Rewa Rewa bridge. I was also mesmerised by the many whitebaiters waiting patiently to fill their nets with little fish. It seems to me that there is an awful lot of waiting and hardly any activity, but who am I to talk? Look at my own waiting times! As we walk, I make a mental note that it’s about time to try out the entire walkway, not just a small section of it. The one thing I most certainly have at the moment is time! This afternoon we sit listening to the ocean, a change of guard time in my world. Everything has to change and nothing is forever, so time for a change of support crew. Anna is heading to an adventure in the South Island tomorrow so today was about hanging out until her ride arrived to collect her, watching her skilfully pack a very large and very jam-packed backpack with all of her gear. I have to smile, as I do remember once upon a time having only a backpack containing all my possessions in the world!! Unfortunately, it’s no longer quite like that nowadays! Anna is heading to Queenstown and then out to Glenorchy for a few weeks of work and to experience the beautiful South Island of our country. I’m more than a little envious because it’s a place of which I myself have very fond memories.

Friends forever, my lucky charm Anna is departing. Oh, how she will be missed! It’s going to be back to being solo for a little while, training and weather-watching all on my own, to keeping my back-up team up to date as to when and where we might have a paddling plan. But, until then, it’s head down to keep my fitness levels up, with a training plan in place. Certainly, I’m never one to sit around so off to the local pools I go for some water therapy and then make up Cuzzie’s bed to curl up for the night. It's strange to be alone again after four plus weeks with a fellow crew member.

My smiles today:
Backpack memories. My first OE.
Warmth again today, after some early morning rain.
Solo time ahead for the next few days.
Jay Cars, a marvellous little unit.
Swimming, it soothes my soul!
The whitebaiters.
Cuzzie and camper-van life.

My thoughts today:
Never make excuses. Always wake up with a smile knowing that, today, you’re going to have fun accomplishing what others are too afraid to do.

Until tomorrow and solo adventures. G’night from Red.

Ma Te Wa.

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