About 10 years ago, I put all my life into a storage unit and moved to Australia. It was a tumultuous time filled with anticipation of what lay ahead – half a world away. With two suitcases in hand, I was beginning a new life. A few months in, things shifted, and life brought me back to the United States. One of the things I really regret not doing while I spent time down under was to see New Zealand.

Fast-forward 10 years, my boss brought the whole team to Sydney to meet our Australian counterparts on the broader team. I always love coming to Australia, which allows me to see friends, new and old, and enjoy bonding with my new team. We had a great few days working together, socializing, and building new ways of working across the Pacific Ocean.

With the opportunity to travel to Sydney – I didn’t want New Zealand to slip by again. With the encouragement of my boss(who gets that?) I booked a New Zealand ticket with a week’s motorcycle rental. Back at home, over the past few weeks, I’ve been soaking up as much of the New Zealand experience on two wheels as I could from thousands of miles away. I was looking at maps, roads, attractions, and ride reports. I wanted to do everything I could in this week and to do it right. 

Now that I’m in Australia and looking at the weather forecast – things aren’t looking good. Rain, and a whole lot of it, is headed for the South Island of New Zealand. Sydney was currently getting drenched, and that weather system would follow me when I flew to Christchurch Friday evening.

One evening, we had a break in the weather. I wanted to walk out to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of my favorite activities in town. As I climbed the bridge, public works closed access to the main walkway. Man, I was bummed. Just as I turned around, I could see a flash of light far off in the distance. Heat lightning? It’s been years since I’ve seen a good lightning storm – especially one far off in the distance that was safe-ish to photograph from a giant metal bridge, lol.

With a bit of luck and skill, I was able to transform the moment into a fantastic photograph I’m really proud of. I’m looking forward to putting this one on the wall somewhere at home.

I spent the rest of the evening capturing a few extra highlights of this Australian night. I’m sure there will be beauty in New Zealand, whatever you bring. I’m learning to let go of the idea that every day has to be sunny and dry to have fun. Whatever you bring New Zealand, an adventure it will be!

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