Victor has come across the seas to a new home, where he seems to feel at peace with himself... He remains, resting quietly upstairs in the Jame's loft at JB Marine and waits with no little sense of anticipation, for whatever adventures he is called to pursue.
Today was a day of fast travelling, some would even say, scudding clouds as first of a series of souwesterly fronts blew through the fair climes of Opua. Morning visits to the Marina Office to pass across the counter some funds (an habitual process!), a short visit to Roger at North Sails to pick up the old Genoa and chew the fat, a visit to Bill the cabinet maker to further develop important networking processes (in case of future need!), to another Bill at Marine Insurance to talk about boats, family and life and then the obligatory strong flat White courtesy of Diane at the Cafe. By now it was time for a visit to check on Victor, who no doubt was champing at the bit by now - I bet he could tell some lycra was in the neighbourhood.
A quick pump of the tyres and we were off up the infamous Opua hill, and then I was off Victor and checking why he was protesting with every turnof the pedals. Sure enough a little more alignment was needed to get the extremely small tolerances of his new cross-cycle geometry working. A little further walking and then back on the seat as the slope levelled somewhat to only challenging (as opposed to gut-wrenching). A 'short' km later and we were stopped again for some more adjustin, then whooping down the hill past the Roadrunner tavern set amongst the dense native bush. All too soon the next incline was upon us as we quickly assumed the lowest gear and then assumed the walking position as the breathing became "en rapide'. I remembered that I had never walked this particular devilish slope before as the coastal track misses it entirely! On down again we flashed and only a short walk up the last hill, perhaps precipitated by inadvertantly neglecting to change into the small chain ring until too late!
A final hill was once again swooped down majestically as we entered Paihia and Victor allowed a short refreshment stop at the local Sorbet establishment before urging me on towards Waitangi, where we paused to allow Victor to catch his breath.Why, I thought to myself, should I subject Victor to those particularly sharp and nasty hills again when a more scenic option was possible?
Back into Paihia and Victor had his first ride on the Russell Ferry - he seemed to enjoy it, spending the whole trip gazing intently out the window as the now gale-force winds whipped up a fair old fetch across the estuary. Some very wet and bedraggled tourists were disembarking from the Mac attack as we quietly docked at the wharf. 
A ride around historical Russell revealed the site of the 'new' Russell Baptist Church who have become occupiers of one of the historic Church buildings in town. 
A brief chat to Katrina, who with husband Miles are re-establishing the work there.
Well, said Victor, are we off then?
Alright I replied, how hard can it be - the road to the Okiato ferry looks pretty flat on Google Maps... Yeah, right!
At least there were some compensations in terms of gorgeous scenery as we slowly flashed our way into the teeth of the headwinds... Only one short walk this time up a particularly nasty and sharp pinch, whereupon we happened upon a potential investment property - a whole peninsular including jetty and helipad! Must check with my wife's financial advisers about possible making an offer...Only a couple more ascents along the ridge line and then I gave Victor his head as we plummeted swiftly down to sea level and rode straight on to the vehicular ferry - much to the surprise ( or was it the consternation of the ticket-lady!)
A good 20km jaunt was had and Victor, probably a little weary, but no doubt happily replete was led back to his stable in the Upper Loft.
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