The flight from Paraparaumu to Ardmore airfield was lovely. It was straight up to 7500' and above a broken layer of clouds. The mountains looked spectacular as I flew over Wanganui and onto Raglan before turning toward Ardmore. It was a quick stop at Ardmore to collect the liferaft that I've hired and which is mandatory on flights beyond 100nm (185km) from the coast.
Leaving Ardmore I passed to the east of Auckland and over the top of Rangitoto Island tracking toward Warkworth. However to the south of Warkworth I ran into heavy rain and lowering cloud. There was no way though that stuff. After doubling back I headed for the west coast of the North Island to see if I could get north up there to Kerikeri. However, that wasn't much better. At that point I gave up and retreated to North Shore airfield. Bugger!
So I'm in Auckland staying at my sister Brenda's for the night.
Hang in there Pete...watching from the other side of the ditch in anti cyclonic conditions...cleared for take off when Zeus allows...cheers the "pink RVer"
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