Hello once again

 

My 1993 Triumph Daytona 750 - Otherwise known as the 'Project'

Hello again - It's been quite some time since I last wrote a blog, almost 2 years in fact. As you might imagine a lot has happened during that time and I've been through quite a lot in one way or another. 

Firstly I've now left the RNZN full-time and am now either semi-retired (If you ask me) or between jobs (If you were to ask Emma). I am still an active Reserves member and as such I am doing bits of work for the NZ Defence Force from time to time. This keeps me occupied and the extra money helps top up my other income.

The picture above is that of a 1993 Triumph Daytona 750 which I bought back in late 2021. The intention was to partly restore the bike and then decide what to do with it. This particular model is one of the rarest modern Hinckley-era Triumphs with only some 225-245 ever being made. The exact number seems to vary depending on what you read but either way there aren't many of them around and as such I was keen to get my hands on this one. I also see this as a semi-retirement project and as such I really ought to make some progress with it seeing as I now have some time on my hands.

My Moto Guzzi V11 at the lookout over Oyster Bay and the wider Cloudy Bay

Having some more time has enabled me to do some of the things I've been wanting to do for a while. I'll admit that having the dogs to keep me company has been great and helps with the old mental health too.

So, what made me quit the NZDF full-time? Well, there were a number of factors to it, not least was the fact that Emma's business is now self-sustaining. In addition there was a nagging feeling that I was not really enjoying what I was doing any more and finally I wanted to leave under my own circumstances rather than anyone else's. In other words before I became part of the problem rather than part of the solution to move the NZDF forward. In my opinion far too many people fail to see this and stay for too long and/or for the wrong reasons. I could also go into some of the negative aspects about life in the NZDF but that's not really my style, nor is it the intent of this blog. Suffice to say my little voice told me (In Magnum P.I style) that things needed to move on. Those that get on in life look for the right set of circumstances and, if they can't find them, they make them.

I shall try to update you with life here in NZ's lovely South Island as and when I can. It'll also help me to articulate some of the feelings I've been experiencing since leaving back in September. In the meantime I hope you are all well and looking forward to Xmas and 2024.