Well I'm living a very easy life in Auckland, but Sunday is looming on the horizon and I've started packing for the 10 week voyage.

I couldn't resist posting these two pictures. The road sign is pointing east to the distant Cape, and once we sail on Sunday, there is 'no exit'. The second pic is of Cape Horn Point in Auckland.

Yesterday I visited Hobbiton with my cousin Jeff, Caroline his wife, and 7 week old Gemma ( a true Hobbit just now but growing fast). It was a long but wonderful day. The countryside is so weird. Firstly it reminds of North and Mid Wales, then it is truly the landscape of the Lord of Rings, lots of long low ridges and very undulating green pastures. No brick building here, its wood. Houses, diners, garages etc. Lots of ribbon development. Towns like Huntley built around the coal fired power station) are straight lifts from an American mid west look that we've all grown up with in the cinema. Very charming, very cleanly built, mostly single storey.

In downtown Auckland, the 'old' building are so familiar. They are of the a time and my city, before Liverpool had the arse bombed out of it in WW2. A range of late 19c and early 20c designs that would not look out of place in the business centre of Liverpool.

But the big eye opener for me is meeting all these names from my family history. My auntie Carol, cuz Jeff and family, and a mix of Pacific rim peoples from the Philippines and Pacific islands. Gentle and gorgeous and generous people who have welcomed me so warmly into their homes and lives. And such great stories and love for my now deceased Uncle Peter. Coming from a background of not having much family involvement at home, its been quite overwhelming.

So that's what I'm leaving behind on Sunday. Its going to be a harsh trip. Role on the Trade Winds, fair set and weather gauged.