The Ferryman.

Waiheke Island. Artworks Arts Centre. Audience numbers are increasing by the night - and who knows, by this time next week we could be up to 30. The people  were wonderful, all of them from the staff to the punters. 

This was the first show I’ve ever done where I’ve had to keep a keen eye on the time so as not to miss a ferry - 9:30pm in this case - to the mainland. I was off stage at 9:10, and feeling rather pushed for time, courtesy of driver Renee, was at the ferry terminal by 9:25. The ferry was late.    

From the ferry by sea, I disembarked at Auckland to be met by Anne-Marie who ferried me by land to South Head, an as quiet as they come area near Helensville a suburb that sits north-west of the city. Here I stayed wth Mike and Jean - great friends and the best of hosts - for three nights. Tuesday, Mike and I played golf at South Head; Wednesday, I was ferried yet again, this time to the local vineyards - Matua, Coopers Creek and Soljans - and many a free taster was tasted.

Above and below, vineyards, and a selection of wildlife that kept me company at South Head.

Thursday was, “Back on yer head” with a trip to Hamilton. No, no, no don’t go thinking I’m making a statement about the city here, it just came out that way. Mind you, saying that, on arrival I phoned my friend Jim, and when I told him of my location he suggested that I’d drawn the short straw. So later on I mentioned Jim’s comment, in passing, to Wayne and Shelley, the couple who organised this evening’s event; that was when I learnt a new acronym: JAFA - just another fucking Aucklander.  

Last night I played in Tauranga, courtesy of Paul Lethbridge’s acoustic club. Best attended evening to this point, and I have to say, I love playing here; this was my third visit, and for me each one has been a night to remember. Paul and wife Maggie were so welcoming, and to see friends Emily, Campbell, Rosie and Simon at the gig was special. 

Journeyed back up to Auckland on an Inter City bus, took a taxi to this evening’s venue, the Thirsty Dog, and that’s where I sit and write this. I’m getting tired.