Slowing down

Easy to say

The rain was the deciding factor.

We’ve all seen footage of a 100m sprint. In just a few seconds, it’s all over.

But we know that’s not where it started.

Training has been going on for years and years and even when the race is over, the winner can’t stop running for another 30 or 40 metres, as the momentum carries them on far beyond the finish line.

I feel a bit like that about our latest big event - Captain Cook’s Caper. A wild swim event over four days in the outer reaches of Queen Charlotte Sound

The end of the adventure. They’ve swum more than 30km, so on the last day they take a break - and go swimming.

This is the culmination of nearly five decades of organising events.

It’s never been a case of considering why to do an event. The question has always been - why not? Here’s a good plan, why not do it?

With regard to the most recent trip: As far as we know, everyone who came absolutely loved it and they can’t believe we’re not doing it again.

Well, I’m getting old. The stress of things is starting to get at me.

The kindness of volunteers - some friends have large boats.

As well, such events require a lot volunteers and I’m tired of cajoling and taking advantage of them.

Like that 100m sprinter, I’ve spent the last four days trying to stop the forward momentum.

We’re in Anakiwa.I’ve been furiously making pots. I’ve been compiling newsletters for two art organisations and planning a newspaper story. I’ve been fretting that time is passing and there’s so much to do.

The soft rain is making the bush very happy.

Finally it was the weather that has slowed me down.

We have a workshop full of half finished pots that won’t dry. The things I make usually involve an element of assembly - two halves to be joined, a lid to be fitted, handles to be added and so on. Today, I had to stop, the work space is full of damp pots..

It’s just as well. We have to go back to Nelson on Sunday and part of Monday for various tasks. But we have to get back to paradise on Monday night.

On Tuesday an arborist is coming to knock down a whole heap of trees on the site of a new garage.

The site of the new garage.

On Wednesday, some earthmoving machinery is moving in to excavate a low bank.

And then a concrete floor and the whole business of building. This time it’s a kitset, so it shouldn’t take long and then we can reorganise the pottery, shifting out the garden gear, the paint and tools, the boat and fishing gear and also the laundry from the house.

I think I live too much in the future. This afternoon I tried to sit down and read a book - the one I’ve started seems good. I need more training in how to relax.

Time to start.