Day 11, Level 1: Roads, Pym's, Water

Dawned beautifully today, in such contrast to that one-off blip of rainy misery yesterday. Hopefully Auckland's dire water reserves have been topped up a bit by it. I have more to say about all this water shambles in the Share-Note below ...

Anyway, today was a solid work day, still refining and honing my website. So many layers, so many nuances, so many bits to get right. I'd hoped to head to Omaha early afternoon, but was still ensconced at work. By the time I got away, the traffic was awful. Heading north at 4.15 was a nightmare. I have a very sneaky way to get myself onto the motorway without too much frustration (but still takes time) and that worked well today. Yes, it's Friday afternoon, and traffic slow as. Saved myself plenty of time, methinks! Traffic in Auckland is always painful. 

Then an ambulance came through. Is there an accident? Rubberneckers will make it so much worse. Made quick decision to get off motorway and go to Pym's of Milford, my sister's bar.

Beer and platter at Pym's of Milford - ticks the boxes!

Our lovely ex-neighbours at Omaha were there - how wonderful. I settled in and we had a great chat. Their daughter arrived a bit later - haven't seen her since she was about 14, she's now 21. How lovely, we had a great chat. Other connections going on as well, it was great. 

Gosh, Pym's was busy and filling exponentially. Staff running ten to the dozen. Jacqui seemed quite  stressed. But all punters seemed happy, which is the main thing. I talked to quite a few who were saying how pleased they were to have a nice bright local to pop into. I agreed wholeheartedly (they didn't know I was the owner's sister!)  

Some people were just popping in. Others for the long haul - which means a late night for the crew. And then back into it again tomorrow. It's a full on life, running a bar. Especially at start up. But that's the name of the game for any business. Put in the hard yards, reap the rewards.  It's great to see it so busy. Hope the stress levels don't get too high.

If you're in Milford - call into Pym's of Milford. You'll like it. 

Meanwhile, more work for me today on my own business offering - and once it gets up and running (hopefully soon) there won't be much of a moment to spare for me either. I hope! And that's a quality problem. I'm looking forward to getting busy once things take off ...

I arrived in Omaha around 7pm after a clear run of traffic (figured I'd made a good decision to divert to the bar, as sitting in traffic gridlock is a thing to be avoided if at all possible - much more pleasant sitting in a bar talking to people - and of course not over-doing the drinking, which of course I won't/don't overdo when driving).  

It was dark when I arrived at Omaha (New Moon). There were stars in the sky and the house was warm and I settled in swiftly. A bit of TV, a bit more work on website and other stuff. And write this blog. And then I can sleep easy. 

It's a day away from the New Moon - as I say, the stars were out in abundance when I arrived at Omaha, but nearing midnight, few and far between. Must be a bit of cloud up there. Oh, and as I type this, pouring rain coming down! Just a quick but heavy shower. Auckland would love it. Not sure the weather will be great tomorrow - but who knows. It's been so damn good for so damn long. 

Brett is coming up after golf, and Michael may come too. 

Great to be up here when the weather is great - but if it's horrible, it's also great up here!

SHARE-NOTE OF THE DAY:

Water ...

So how does a supposedly modern first-world city that wants to be world-class end up with a severe water shortage?

Here's how ... even though locals don't like to acknowledge this, it rains a LOT in Auckland. An awful lot. Much more than I ever encountered living in the UK. Much more than I've known anywhere. 

So, did the Council get complacent thinking a water shortage couldn't be a thing here, with such a rain thing going on for so many years? I think so. Their strategy seems to have been: the rain will always come, we're sweet. Wrong! As all short-sighted strategies end up to be.

The last water shortage was in 1994. I remember it well, Sam was 1 year old and there was this serious threat of water being cut off. Not what a new mother wants to hear. From memory, just before things got truly disastrous, I think the rains came in a triple deluge to save the day and potential city disaster. 

This drought brings a water shortage that is borne of complacency.  Because it's rained just about every day since 1994!!!! So, thinks the Council, why worry about water shortage when this is our weather? I jest a little - but only a little. Auckland has a LOT of rain. Every day - rain. I don't jest on that statement. 

Except for this 2020 drought, when there has been day after day of no rain!

Covid lockdown brought the best weather ever to Auckland and environs - barely a drop of rain! And suddenly - Auckland is severely low on water. Lack of rainfall can happen of course, but low water supply in a large city simply shouldn't happen. 

Meanwhile, Omaha has its own climate and for years has mostly missed out on any rain. When it's pouring in Auckland, it's dry in Omaha. Which is not fun for residents as we all rely on tank water and pray for the heavens to fill our tanks. You can buy water in - but during the drought period (Feb) you simply couldn't book a delivery for weeks. Strategic planning and prudent use required!

So what happens as Auckland heads for drought? Omaha has rain, and plenty of it. Perfectly timed at night so as not to disturb too much. So the tanks are full at Omaha and we really don't have to worry about water. Yessss! 

But the reserves are low in Auckland and restrictions in place. 

Go figure ... it's the complete opposite of just about every year of life I've ever known. Except 1994.

Council - get your water act in order. Especially if you want to be world-class!