Reunions, Russell, Rellies and Relief!

Great comment by another Frederick (who just happens to share his name with one of our very handsome grandsons, a certain Edward(Ted) Frederick!).

Buechner is right, I reckon, you never know in life where some joy will be serendipitously revealed even in the most unexpected of circumstances...

For example: just this afternoon I shared in the joy of James the Engineer as we heard the most welcome chattering growl of three cylinders spreading their joy for the very first time (more on that later!)

Reunions

Last Thursday I travelled south on the $1 Bus to be met by my sweet wife in Orewa and then on to old friends Mike and Lorraine's place in Arkles Bay, Whangaparaoa for a couple of nights... A certain birthday required a little celebratory dinner and the getting together of some old mates from the '70's and 80's.  Over to Parnell to the Windsor Castle and a chance to hear Steve (on the far right) play a gig (SteveyDan Band) with a good feed to follow.  Naturally Mike and I had the traditional late night swim dans le bay sans le togs upon our return...

Back up to Ngunguru on Saturday/Sunday with a visit by Barrington and I to check on the engine installation progress... suffice it to say it was on the way but not all the way...

Cath and I decided to head up on Monday anyway after visits to Anne and Tim, a catch up with Maurice and Myra Dormer and a drop in to the Billy Bowdens, with the expectation of progress being made for perhaps even a late Tuesday sail...

Ah well, the best laid plans... 

Monday was a balmy 29 deg so we headed to Kerikeri to stock up on supplies, including a visit to Churchills, the bespoke local butchery who will even vacuum-pack their very fine cuts of meat for us boaties.  

I said to Cathy that I must try and find out where my Uncle John lives.  We'd heard he'd moved to Kerikeri when, naturally, we walked right into each other on the main street!  

Nekminute  plans were being made for dinner the following night.

Russell

Weka on Flagstaff hill

Tuesday was still hot and very humid with passing showers.  So we hopped on the ferry to Okiato and drove through to Russell for the day.  A swim, a wander and a very nice lunch on the deck of the Duke of Marlborough then back on the ferry, cup of tea with Raewyn and Steve, then off to John and Linda's place.

Rellies

Great evening of reminiscing and catching up, with the  bonus of a whole folder of old Williams photos off John's computer which his son Scott had scanned recently including:

My Poppa (front right) with the Queen Mom and members of the London Scottish Brigade

1960's Williams gathering up the hills (where Cathy and I later lived for a year after we married)

Uncle John with 4 Stewarts and 2 Bowdens

Tears of Relief!

Late this afternoon (Wed) a sweet sound was heard in the marina as the new 'donk' fired with the first push of a button and chugged merrily away... a little sea trial first thing in the morning and we might even get a few days of cruising in after a mere 17 days of patiently waiting...

But, as with all things unexpected - like the death of an engine! There have been the mysterious and serendipitous moments of joy  over these past few weeks which have provided moments and gifts of grace and wonder. All of them -  Reunions, Rellies and Tears of Relief combined!

...Behold the new SuperStew!

Installed, fully functioning and a joy to behold!