Ok, so now that I am have a few moments to catch up, I will. This installment happened the week after the last. Kids still with Ed exploring North Island, AW arrived to play with me, and off we went to the Bay of Islands to see what all the fuss is about. It is so great to have AW here, his 3rd trip in one year. Great for him to have such long vacations as well. After some initial car issues, not to be discussed thank you very much, we took the ghetto van north, past Auckland, Matakana, Whangarei and into the Bay of Islands. Took ferry to Russell, the sleepy town cousin of Pahaia, and set up "camp" so to speak in a lovely B and B. From here we explored the area by car and boat. Drove along coast to Elliot Bay-fantastic spot-where Ed and the kids had had some great surfing, and we found no surf, totally calm, great for a paddle board around. As an outer beach to the Pacific, had great views south down the coast as well. We boarded a local cruiser to see the islands and coast from the water, dolphins an added plus and then a run through the Hole in the Rock for finale. Took a drive up to Kerikeri, small town a bit north for some more local color. And then we wound our way back south through the Mangwhai Heads, Mangawhai and a quick cuppa with Mark and Maureen, Matakana for delicious organic ice cream, walk through sculpture garden at winery near by, and then stuck in awful traffic in Auckland all en route back to the Bay of Plenty and home. Long exciting few days together! Packed a lot in and discovered the allure of the North indeed! (I forgot my camera on this trip, and then remembered part way through about the phone, so I only have a few visuals to share this time!)
The Kauri Tree-HUGE majestic straight and strong! Harvested to be ship masts and house beams, it is now is small number in these areas. The few remaining are incredible! Similar to our California Redwood and Sequoia in size and stature, they are definitely to be revered and honored. 1000's of years old, too! We found these while out exploring the area between Russell and Elliot Beach.
And the ever present Koru, fern frond unfolding, symbol of life!
Kicking back at the B and B for some down time with a glass of Sauv!
View from the deck of the B and B overlooking town of Russell and bay towards Pahaia
Wharf at Russell
Looking out at Waitangi where famous treaty in NZ was signed.
Friendly bottle nosed dolphins following our boat
Hole in the Rock, great geologic highlight
Stop over at one of islands for view from ashore. So many islands so little time. The boat we were on not only for tourists like us, but delivered mail and other sundries to local residents of the islands. Seemed like a nice way to live!
Small car ferry from Opua to and from Russell
Another rough day for weather as one can see. Spent a couple hours here at Waipu Cove enjoying morning tea and a quick paddle board up and down the beach
Organic ice cream treat for the afternoon! Blueberry and licorice the two biggest sellers! Yum!
And yet another sunrise to welcome us back home to the Mount!
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