Fires and a visit home

“I’m here your there

But you should know I still love you

When I am miles away

I’ll be home again” from Home Again by Shihad

The bushfires in the south east of NSW and East Gippsland are at last being controlled thanks to a massive effort from the RFS, the personal sacrìfice of many firefighters and some timely rain. Three firefighters have lost their lives and then two American pilots died in a crash while waterbombing. So sad to see people suffering but so uplifting to see people taking personal risks to save the lives and properties of others. Very large sums of money have been raised to support the firefighters and those who have suffered loss from the fires. Just shows that a homegrown tragedy touches local hearts.

We have decided to take some time out of the summer and let the fires settle down before starting our trip around Australia. So have crossed the ditch to have 10 days in New Zealand visiting family. We always love returning to NZ and of course spending time with whanau. It is a lovely country and gentle people but we have made our home in the sun in south east Queensland and enjoy living there. We spent our time in NZ walking the beach at Waitarere, bush walking in the Aro Valley in Wellington and watching the spectacle of alpaca shearing in Waituna West. A quick visit to Martinborough and some wine tasting was a highlight. The Martinborough region along with the Wairarapa has developed as both a tourist destination and place to live over the past 20 years. https://wairarapanz.com/martinborough

This was all really just a reminder of what a beautiful country New Zealanders live in with long sandy beaches, spectacular bush and wildlife and inviting tourist offerings. We finished off with some time at the “Native” stand at the Petone Fair. “Native” is a new fresh hard sparkling drink being introduced to the world by my nephews and niece – Matt, Guy and Brooke Hobson. Check it out here – http://www.nativesparkling.nz/home . Thanks for the break Mum (Granny Jan), Nigel and Sue, Tim and Helen and Christine and Gareth.

Back today to Sydney then head west to continue our trip around Australia. Next stop Canberra.