Yes, autumn has come to New Zealand.
Sure, I knew we were headed there: it's been raining heaps, the temperature has dropped, the clocks changed, but I finally felt it.
It was one of those sunny, crisp fall days where the leaves are beginning to scatter the ground and there is the constant smell of damp earth and chimney smoke. It's rather lovely.
It's strange, I get a whiff of that autumn scent and I'm flooded with images of past falls and it's as if I'm suddenly transported back to those times, spaces, situations. Only usually fall is in October and not April.
I was so, so happy to see Graeme and Monica, my wonderful friends from the lodge who are currently teaching in Australia. The kids were on school break so they decided to visit New Zealand and spontaneously come to Raglan. We grabbed a coffee and then decided to take advantage of the sunshine and hike Mount Karioi.
The hike felt way faster and easier this time around (the fact it wasn't 30 degrees probably helped.)
I took on Sebastian's role by constantly tripping and actually slid into the splits at one point on our descent (as Graeme said, it wasn't a good splits) yet during all my stumbles I managed not to completely face plant into the mud.
We reached the peak and the wind started whipping hard at our clothing. The instant we stepped onto the helicopter pad, we began to get pelted with hail.
Needless to say, we snapped a few pics and hauled ass down the mountain.
As we hiked our conversation just flowed, it was as if no time had passed at all. It was one of those conversations when you have so much to say that you get off topic and onto a whole new discussion, but it's so good you just keep going with it. Perhaps the good conversation accounted for the ease of the hike. We talked education, social constructs, marriage, happiness and always about Tofino. So much reminiscing. I felt that little twinge of homesickness when we all wondered aloud if we'd ever all be there together again. Even though I'm convinced we will, we were together in that moment, laughing and chatting on the other side of the world and that's all that mattered.
It was so uplifting to be in the presence of two beautiful people with so much positivity and who love each other so much. I'm so grateful for their friendship. You guys are inspiring!
When we got back to town we stopped for groceries and were all shivering in the store. I got home and took the longest, most scalding shower, put on all my warmest clothes, wrapped myself in a duvet and still couldn't warm up. Winter is on it's way, I guess I couldn't avoid it forever...
The next night, we all met at the pub to harass Jordan and play a game of pool. Graeme got rather cocky and bet that even if Monica and I played on a team and took back to back shots for his one turn, that he would still win. I am proud to say that we did win one game (even if it was on a technicality.)
The following day the two of them and Jordan came into my work to grab a coffee and so we could say our goodbyes.
It's so amazing and surreal to connect with friends in other countries, I really cherish these little visits.
It was great to see you lovelies! The next time we meet it'll be in Australia and you two can show us the ropes.
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