It seems like an age ago that I set off on a sunny Saturday to drive to Tauranga about 300k via Taupo, Tokoroa, Tirau and over the Kaimai Ranges. There is definitely something therapeutic as well as thrilling in driving in an open-top car in the sun on roads perfectly designed not for the large cruisers but for the nimble cars like the MX5.
The reason I was in Tauranga was to attend an Aftermas at Katherine's. It was a wonderful and diverse gathering of friends on a warm afternoon to share food and conversation.
Because of the distance I stayed two nights: two nights when I didn't have, or wasn't aware of having, a night-mare nor even a dream. I wondered why because it is exceptionally rare for me not to wake in the morning with a dream or, more often, a night-mare. I very rarely wake during the night though. So what was different about these nights? I was sleeping in a caravan and I slept the sleep of the dead until - and herein, I think, lies the answer - I was woken suddenly and without my usual natural wakening. The first morning it sounded as though a harrier had crashed into the roof and the resultant alarm calls from a Blackbird made me think that it had possibly have been the subject of the attack. The second morning at some hour when the dawn must just have cracked the sky because it still seemed dark to me, a Tui started up its melodious but loud and piercing racket song what felt like about three feet from my head. I never use an alarm but wake naturally. Perhaps I'll try setting an alarm for pre-dream time.
The highlight of the food so far as effort was concerned went to this fruit salad made by Katherine's elder son and his partner.
My journey home was via Rotorua and was equally enjoyable.
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