Amazing, our 2 and 1/2 month expedition is drawing to a close.  Sunday afternoon here and we are relaxing after two days on an even smaller island, Tiritiri Matangi, north of Aukland.  We spent one night in the bunkhouse there with researchers, volunteers, and other tourists like us.  Tiritiri is lovely and “predator free” and so hosts kiwi, takahe, and various other strange and lovely birds.  In 1980 it was a desolate pasture with rats and other vermin.  Today it is 80% forested and is the place most rich in native wildlife.  It’s progeny are used to spa wan other refuges that are being established across the country.  

Tomorrow we will enjoy touring along the coast north of Aukland, NZ’s largest city.  On Wednesday we will drive into town to take up there for a day.  On Thursday night we board the big bird that will take us to SFO for a brief visit there before a return home.  Seems like we are returning to earth from space.  There will be so much to do, and the weather forecast is awful.  Here spring has finally settled in.  Now we go home to autumn?  How is that possible?  

No complaints.  We are ready.  Our trip has been grand.  Now we are ready to go home.