One week to go...

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This time next week I'll be on my way to Fiji, the first leg of my journey. I'm about ready, my gear is packed and ready, which for a last minute, throw it in a bag and go sort of guy like me that is a big deal. I shipped my bike over to Kiribati last week along with a box full of grocery supplies to hopefully make the food a bit more interesting- I am assuming the worst here. 

 Today I'm down at my bach for the last time, getting it ready to rent out. I've decided to rent it out for 12-18 months while I am away and have a tenant moving in on Wednesday so need to clear out our stuff. 

 Yesterday I had what is probably going to be my last game of cricket for my Celtic team. We beat Pleasant Point comfortably to stay top of the table. Next week's clash vs Geraldine is the biggie as we are first equal on points so I may end up playing, we will see. It is my last day in New Zealand so not sure If I'll be able to swing a game of cricket into the mix or not. Yesterday was only my second game of the season. I've been out with sore knee- caused by arthritis- but it s settled down so I ended up bowling 8 overs off my new short run up and picked up a couple of wickets. It was a real team performance with everyone chipping in with bat or ball and it was nice to finishfor the season with a good performance.

 This week I'll spend a couple of days at Kakanui, Julie is coming down tomorrow. I've a bit of painting to finish off at one of our rentals on Wednesday and then will relax the last couple of days. I have been starting to have mixed emotions, probably natural, wondering if I am doing the right thing. 95% of the time I know I am but you know when you are heading of into the great unknown sometimes you have second thoughts or last minute nerves. I think I am hitting the stage but overall I must say I am looking forward to the experience and the year ahead.

 I watched an interesting youtube video on the impaqct of Climate Change in Kiribati the other day. 

 One section in particular, about the 28 minute mark, was of particular interest to me as it focused on he Marine Training Centre where I ill be working in Kiribati. 

 Finally, I've been checking out the climate and weather in Kiribati. 

 Kiribati Climate and Weather Data

 Average precipitation - South Tarawa
South TarawaJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Prec. (mm)2552001901751451351651251101101202101940
Prec.(in)107.97.56.95.75.36.54.94.34.34.78.376.4
Days201920191817191918191820226

As you can see it gets fairly highly monthly rainfall (Timaru where I live has slightly less than  600mms per year!). Also, it rains two out of every three days in January and Feburary. I am assuming this will be typical tropical downpours followed by periods of sun but won't know for sure till I get there. 

 Here are the average temperatures of South Tarawa, which as you can see are very stable. 
Average temperatures - South Tarawa
South TarawaJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min (°C)252525252525252525252525
Max (°C)313131313131313131313131
Min (°F)777777777777777777777777
Max (°F)888888888888888888888888

The sea is warm all year round as well, as you can see in the following table. 
Sea temperature - South Tarawa
South TarawaJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sea (°C)292828292929292929292929
Sea (°F)848282848484848484848484


 So that's it really, all systems are go...

 Craig

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