BAY of Islands WATCH

Wednesday November 25

Here we are in the Bay of Islands, Paihia. We have been enjoying the beautiful scenery and good weather. Highlights of our last few days have been going on a 4 hour cruise out to the Hole in the Rock. I can’t say that is has changed much since the first 3 times I have seen it. But on the way out we came across some “real dolphins” , not in a pool says Bridget. On the way back into Paihia, we stopped off on my favourite island, Urepukapuka. I had to take more pictures to compliment the ones I already have of it. It was just as beautiful as I remembered.

Today we went to the oldest house and store in NZ. The kids like making comparisons to these places to Laura and Mary Ingalls house in Little House on the Prairie. The house which was lived in by the Kemps was lived in until 1974. Let’s just say it would have been really chilly in the winter time. Amelia bought some Lollies from the oldest store. On the way there we stopped off at a chocolate factory. We had some nice free samples that of course got us to buy some!! (Sue Sue, you would have died and gone to heaven!) We could not believe the amount of sugar and butter that went into it.

The afternoon was topped off with our first sea kayaking adventure. It was a little windy and it made for some hard work on the way back to shore. Amelia and I were lucky enough to see a stingray next to our boat and Bridget and Dianne saw a jelly fish. By kayaking, we were able to paddle over to some little islands for rests and seashell hunting. We are all tired tonight with some rosy cheeks.

The kids are excited to SKYPE with their classes tomorrow morning. It was great this morning to do a practice run with Bridget’s teacher, Principal and of course, Jerry. Thanks to Aunt Sharon and Uncle Lee for getting hooked up on Skype and we were able to talk with family for the first time since we started our trek to the other side of the world.

One month until the man with the red suit comes. I hope he finds us over here.

Carolyn