"Two walks Louis” - that’s what we call him now!

Saturday 23 August

Another sunshine day - storm clouds gathered but the rain held off until nightfall.

Louis took his longest walk yet - Unity Books, then down to Britomart market where we chose the day’s croissant, and back via the waterfront and half of Princes Wharf. Nice work, but surprisingly tiring on his muscles.

My next mission was to find an open post office so we could mail Ella & Linus’ birthday cards - easier said than done. Mission accomplished in a well obscured tiny outlet hiding behind a bunch of roadworks & scaffolding!

Mac&cheese for lunch on the balcony, then Louis siestaed while i went walking along the port to Spark Arena & back. Came across a beautiful mosaic memorial to the Rainbow Warrior terrorist attack and sinking back in 1985. It was bizarre though walking down Quay Street on a Saturday afternoon with hardly a car in sight on either side of the dual carriageway... the last time I was here was at the start of Round the Bays in March 2024, surrounded by around 30,000 people setting off to run, walk or stagger 8.5kms to St Heliers! Spark Arena was another spot I have never been without crowds - whether for a pop concert, awards ceremony or UoA graduations.

The crowds however were gathered once again in Te Komititanga Square for the Palestine protest - but no Neil Finn this week.

Back at Quay West, I popped in to the spa for about 10 minutes (surprisingly boring on your own - Louis still isn’t waterproof enough for a soak!)

Ended the day with a scurry across the Wynyard Bridge (alarm bells as we crossed and nec minit it was raised for two boats to come through) and dumplings for dinner.

Great progress for Louis even though he was a bit sore (extra walking and coming off lots of the stronger drugs)