Back in the U.S.

I left Christchurch at seven am on Wednesday morning for a three hour flight to Sydney (which only took an hour and a half) and then after a five hour layover I departed Sydney on a thirteen hour flight across the Pacific to back to San Fransisco. Remarkably, I arrived at eleven am on the same morning that I left Christchurch(weird), I wish the trip only felt like four hours, but I have been through worse (Morocco to Switzerland by train was a thirty two hour slightly conscious nightmare).
However, yet another harvest is over, we finished having processed just over 270 tons of grapes over a six week period. My time spent in New Zealand has proved to be invaluable for me. Working at Rockburn was very informative and I took advantage of every opportunity and have made contacts and learned skills that will no doubt serve me in the future. I also had the chance to make wines that I haven't made before and although Malcolm was patient with my never ending questions I am sure that he will miss me when he has to dig out the last fermentors without me.
It is good to be back into some California sunshine. When I left New Zealand it was about thirty four degrees and I almost didn't make to Christchurch because of snow in the passes. The snow capped peaks all around Cromwell did make for some dramatic scenery and what I could see of Lindis pass was beautiful. However, the ninety seven degree weather here in Monterey Bay over the weekend was just as wonderful. So far I have managed to dodge the worst parts of two winters!
Right now the summer seems to stretch out in front of me for a long time, but I know that the Oregon Crush will be here before I know it. For now there is plenty of time to ride my bike, cook, watch my nephew's baseball games, and read. I do look forward to some good backpacking in the Sierra and more on my way back up to Oregon, but that will still be a month away or more. Thank you to everyone who followed along on my travels and if you think it is worth the effort check in every once an awhile. Come the new year there will be more travels and stories, possibly from a winery in Australia...