We’re riding along on the crest of a wave...

(or, we’re banging a gong on the chest of a slave, if you know the very old joke!)
Now that’s not what I thought we’d be doing today. I thought we’d only come up to the Bay of Islands to go to Waitangi, and that we’d be heading off southwards Sunday morning. My scheming husband had other ideas! His fiendish plan was to head south on Sunday, but only after we’d done a trip around the Bay of Islands known as the “cream” trip, as it was the one followed in days of yore, when the supplies were delivered.
So, another early start (via the Bakery for lunch supplies!) and a glorious day exploring around on a mini version of the Condor! (Jet powered catamaran, for those not in the know) The Captain was a rather eccentric Dutchman cum New Zealander who obviously knew and loved these islands. He did have a route he was supposed to follow, but because he knew the waters so well, and wanted to give us the best possible trip, he forgot the route and took as to all the places, but in a different order to suit the tide, and we got to travel through a natural rock arch known as The Hole in the Rock. It was the first time for weeks that the sea conditions had been suitable to go through, and we felt it was a terrific feat of seamanship in view of the 10-12’ swell that was running – there wasn’t a lot of clearance either! You can see how close it was!
We also got to see some more dolphin – these were the real “Flipper” soft grey bottle-nosed ones! There were not as many in the pod as we saw the first time, and with rough seas it was much more difficult to see them underwater. However, we heard their characteristic song! Just like on the wildlife films. That was very special. There were also a couple of “performance artists” – doing leaps right out of the sea! Aka Flipper!
We got back to Russell at about 4, dived in the car and hit the road. Our intention was to get to a campsite in Raglan, west of Hamilton and about 80 miles south of Auckland. We could have got there, but we’d have been putting the tent up about 10.30, in the dark and without having had any supper (everything shutting down by about 9pm). Not a good idea! So, plan B; get just south of Auckland and find a motel! We did – and it even had a Gengy’s (the Mongolian BBQ restaurant we found in Hamilton) next door! So there wasn’t really an option!! We checked in at 8.10 and were in the restaurant by 8.20 – tee hee!!!
Claire, it was rather frustrating seeing the France/Scotland score, and the football results coming through on the news, but being a day ahead, we haven’t had a chance to catch up on how England got on. Yes I know we can watch it on I player, but not with the NZ connection speed, let alone the cost! Being a good pal, we’re sure you’re recording them all for us! LOL!
It is good to stay at a motel occasionally as we can get at least some free internet and also the laundry done whilst we are having breakfast. By the way it still seems strange to go into Woolworths to get your food shopping; that or Countdown!
One thing we have noticed as we have travelled around is that the price of fuel is the same where ever we have been, except Thames. Everywhere has been $1.719 or $1.729 per litre (76p for unleaded and 49p for diesel) not the variation we have at home. Sorry guys! – we know it’s ridiculously cheap, but this has helped our budget when travelling long distances.