Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
“New Zealand actually, my dad has always wanted to go there. We might go to Australia
as well, but that remains to be seen.”
We had arrived at the old brick water tank with rusty iron catchment roof; I pointed it out
to her as well as the shower tap and the bath under the trees.
“That's what I want: an ice cold bath. God that looks so wonderful.”
“I'm going to shower right now,” I said, turning on the tap and gasping from the ice cold
torrent.
“I gotta get back,” Penny said hastily, “It was great meeting you; I expect we'll see you
around soon.” She laughed and turned to go, “Oh by the way, what's the name of your
boat?”
“Déjà vu,” I said spluttering and snorting under the cold water.
“I guessed as much,” she nodded and was gone.
“Not bad at all,” I said to Gavin, describing Penny to him.
“Yes I know, I already met her; she was off to have a bath. Lay off!” he said half jokingly,
but I got the distinct impression he expected me to let him chase her without any competi-
tion. “You have a distinct advantage with the boat; let me at least have a try with this one,”
he almost pleaded. I felt anger and sympathy at the same time.
“I think that's ridiculous. Women usually do the choosing anyway when it comes to men.
We have no say in the matter, but I will lay off and let you have the first shot at her if you
feel that is how it must be. But let me say that if she wants either one of us, it will be her
choice and nothing else, OK? Besides, what makes you think she will be in the slightest bit
interested in two guys ten years older than her?”
“Well, she might like a break from her family; she looks a little bored,” retorted Gavin,
smiling slightly.
A couple of hours later, he and I were sitting in the cockpit drinking a glass of wine. We
were looking at the new boat, Midsummer, and wondering where Penny and her family
were. As if in answer we heard dogs barking on the beach and saw the Canadians dragging
their tender into the water, headed back to their boat. They were saying something to the
crew from Southern Star.
On the way back, the dinghy veered off course, and headed towards us. Soon they were
alongside, and Penny's father stood up, supporting himself on the boat's taffrails, “Hey, you
must be the terrible twins?” he said smiling broadly. “Penny has told us all about you! This
is my wife, Elizabeth, my son, Craig, and I'm Kevin.”
