NewZealand2

A 10 hour nap was fabulous and most welcomed. We are adjusting to this time zone rather quickly... now to sleep past 5 a.m....  The NZ people here are very friendly and we speak the same language...for the most part. Working on learning some Maori. So far the repertoire is, Kia ora - greetings and such. We have a few weeks to add a bit more. 

After a fabulous breakfast the six of us set off to catch the ferry across the. Bay to the little village of Russell. Quite a quaint little borough nestled into the hills on the bay. We strolled along the shore to the first museum of the trip, the Pompallier Mission. Built by Bishop Jean-Baptist Pompallier in 1839. Intent was to bring catholism to the Maori people. We learned how they wrote, printed, bound prayer books and tanned animal hides for the book covers. Needless to say, it was tedious work. No computerization for sure...

Our fearless guide, Josh, pointed out there is a walking path up to a historical marker where a signal flag pole was erected in 1840. Only a 20 minute walk, ya right.  We made it in about 30 minutes, huffing and puffing on our way scaling up the steep road and trail. It was worth it to see the view of the bay and the many islands. After our descent, our reward was a tasty lunch at a local pub. What is not to like about nachos, a burger and beer. Our afternoon excursion was a 4 hour boat ride around the Bay of Islands. To our delight, the clouds broke up and we had quite a sunny day. 

So cool to have a few dolphins swimming with us in the wake from the boat.  Camera trigger finger was not fast enough to get the entire fish. Like Maxwell Smart would say, "missed it by that much"...

The captain of the ship took a chance on the wind and weather to take us out to the very tip of the bay to see Motukokako or more familiarly known as, the hole in the rock. At first, we were told it was not possible but we all lucked out and made it there and back. It was a bit choppy resulting in a few people were a bit green...

OAT picked up the tab for our dinner, second night in a row. One of our menu options was lamb rump. Well, we had fun with that. Half the group ordered a piece of the part that is last to go over the fence.... note to self, it is one of the better cuts of lamb to order. Not every day you can get a piece of lamb a....  oh, just can't write it.... 

Off to rest and get ready for another day of adventure tomorrow.