A view from Te Mata Peak. Photo / Kim Gillespie
It's not every day people on your flight feel the need to clap upon landing.
Yesterday was one of those days.
We'd had pretty rough turbulence flying in over Hawke's Bay.
I'm not really a nervous flyer, statistics and common sense make good comfort items. As did the stunning view out across Napier and the ocean.
But as we bumpily descended towards the runway I was looking forward to those landing wheels hitting the ground.
When that didn't happen, and the plane's nose began to lift, we had to laugh, if only to hide our nerves.
"The captain has decided that for operational reasons we could not land," we were informed as we headed up and out over the water.
Operational reasons? What did this mean? Were we headed back to Auckland?
No, as it turns out, we started descending again, coming at the runway from the other end.
Before we knew it we had landed, rolling along towards the terminal, more than a few phews being issued, at least a couple of people further back applauding the pilot, or maybe just celebrating.
And exiting the plane, ready to begin my last week in this temporary role, I didn't spy anyone kissing the ground.
But Hawke's Bay, I could kiss you. You've been a wonderful place to spend these past few months and I've enjoyed your tremendous hospitality.
My favourite experience? The breathtaking view from Te Mata Peak. What a national treasure.
My family has visited this region with me twice this year, they enjoyed a huge range of activities, and we'll all be back.
But maybe next time I'll come by road.
Tim Dodge thought he'd never walk again. Now he's back, and he's determined to help.