All the talk has been of Cyclone Cook, predicted to bring gale force winds and torrential rain to much of New Zealand’s north island today and tonight.  So far we have had a couple of heavy showers and no wind to speak of.  The skies are very dull, but stories of cyclones have so far been overblown … possibly a storm in a teacup?

I’m here with Pete and Ilze, along with other friends Margi, Ted and Prue, for the Oceania Orienteering Championships, followed by the World Masters Games – a plethora of top quality orienteering packed into a short space of time. Ian is holding down the fort at home (in case you are wondering).

We arrived very early this morning after a smooth flight, and a ride on the Yellow Bus (not to be confused with the Orange Bus) to collect our rental car.  The morning was filled in by some navigational challenges, brought about because none of the three mobile phones at our disposal was functioning properly.  We went “old school” and asked for directions at a breakfast café; while we scoffed bacon, eggs and hashbrowns, our new friend painstakingly drew us a very accurate map.

We broke into the house (setting off the alarm – oops) and settled in to a spacious and comfortable home in a new estate, very quiet and containing everything we need, including crystalware in the top cupboard – ideal for an impromptu dinner party thrown for discerning guests.

Having beaten our technology into submission and googled the location of the nearest supermarket, we shopped up a storm, including purchase of three fluoro pink folding chairs, which will scream at us amongst a sea of the usual forest green and navy blue varieties.  Ilze is knitting, I am typing this, and Pete and Prue have headed off to rescue Asha and Lani from the airport.  Is 5pm too early to go to bed??