Of wind and waves

We had one of the regular regattas between Wellington region rowing clubs today - despite a southerly being forecast, they stuck to the plan of holding it out at Petone instead of in the harbour. It started out great - hot, sunny, calm - but the southerly gradually strengthened and by the time we'd rowed one eights race (badly) and had gone out for the second there were white caps. The race was cancelled but we had to row back to the beach, waves coming in at every stroke. We thought we'd be okay, but just as we were getting towards the beach a few really big waves came in and that was it. We all jumped out; half the school rowers came dashing in to help us (which was really sweet, though mostly motivated by wanting a swim) and we all got out safely.

Wellington won the regatta. :)

I love fireworks

Wellington's Bonfire Night fireworks display turned out to be superb. They set up barges in the middle of the harbour so there are vantage points all round. I watched from the rowing club balcony. A full fifteen minutes, with some I've never seen before like hearts! Although there's this "should we ban Guy Fawkes" debate going on (for starters, Kiwi friends, it's "Bonfire Night", but ...) it'd be a shame to lose such a great spectacle. The city was packed afterwards and I was very glad to be on my bike and able to nip between cars and dodge pedestrians!