I’ve Missed You

Hi, it’s me. Sorry I haven’t called. It’s so unlike us not to talk at least five times a week. I have so much to tell you.

First, I’ve missed you. I hope you’re warm and comfortable where you are. I wonder if there are cats for you to play with there.

Here in New Zealand, there are sheep—lots of sheep. On Urupukapuka Island, you can walk right up to them and say hello. They’re too skittish to pet, but I bet they’re soft, especially the little lambs. You would like the sheep. They actually baaaa—like, all the time!

All of the islands in the Bay of Islands have Māori names: Urupukapuka, Waewatorea, Moturua—not to be confused with Motuarohia or Moturoa. They also have a somber history. Still, I sense an underlying cultural pride here, because there’s an unmistakable story of resilience, too. The Māori have a strong, modern, influential presence. I’ll keep you posted on what we learn.

In the meantime, have you ever heard of quark? How about kūmara? Feijoa? Mānuka honey? You can buy all of it at the farmers market in Paihia. Of course, there are kiwis, too, and they’re delicious. We even did a taste test to see which variety we liked best. Michael prefers the golden ones, but I like the green. For some reason, the bakeries make more pies than bread—not American apple pie, but mince or lamb pies. Interesting. I haven’t tried one yet. And there’s a special ice cream flavor called hokey pokey. Guess who loves it?

We had one storm.

All the sailors talked about it for days. The predictions were concerning enough to put us on edge, but it ended up being nothing more than some rapid-fire rain and wind cells followed by a glorious rainbow.

Mostly, the weather has been magnificent—sunny, between 70 and 78°F, which you would say is perfect sleeping weather. We have long, endless summer days and lots of friends to share them with.

You would like it here in Aotearoa. The people-watching is fantastic! If I could turn the clock back, I would take you to the Tipsy Oyster to ogle. I would point out the cute baby hammerhead sharks swimming alongside Gerty’s hull and watch you squirm. Michael would buy you a bowl-sized flat white in Kerikeri. You’d sip and smile.

Last remarks

Jacqui & Phil, SV Skylark: There are no better Kiwis anywhere to share tow-foiling and the lovely Sage with! Can’t wait to see you again soon.
Patty & Gary, SV Earendil: LOL. No, really—LOL. So glad we found you in NZ!
Tasjia & Ralf, SV Jangada: Yay! Thanksgiving and birthdays—so glad we’re all here.
Serena & Stefan, SV Baloo; Arnaud, SV Maracuja; Kathy & Scott, SV Kalea; Mareika, SV Moana: Thanks for the games, dolphins, hikes, yoga, and more!