Took off just after dawn from NZNS, the airport just visible bottom left
Settling in for a steady flight.... Check the gauges, engage the autopilot, pour a coffee from the thermos flask...
Approaching the coast just north of Blenheim
Enjoying the view of The Sounds out through the port window - leave the co-pilot to keep an eye on things while I finish my mug of coffee
View back towards Blenheim somewhere in the murky dawn light
Waiting to catch a glimpse of Wellington. the sun shining into our eyes
Straight into the sun on long base leg
Starting a gentle turn for a left hand circuit approach to runway 16 - we were given special dispensation for this departure from the usual pattern!
Actually, you have probably guessed I made that last bit up - I hadn't noticed the wind direction until I turned onto finals for 34 so deviated a bit to the right and flew up the harbour entrance and turned left over Sommes island and continued on to 16!
Pretty sure the VATSIM folk would have said something to me if I had been flying with them but then again the in that case I would expect the tower would have told me the correct information!
A nice way to start the day, kept an eye out for Doug as I flew over his place but it was obviously too early for him.
when trying to land see the comp thread 
well done.
