Up & out we go again. Did get an extra half hour. Thanks Ron. While Ron got the tickets for the afternoon cruise I poped over the road to the craft Market. Got some prezzies. Then onwards to Russell via the ferry. Russell used to be the capital, before it was moved to Auckland. On the way we stopped at the Flagpole where hung the first British flag after the first treaty. Funny story there with the flagstaff war. Read the link if you wish.
Saw the cruise ship Aurora sitting in the bay of Islands. So named (the bay) from the 140 odd Islands in the bay. I have so many beautiful pictures. The whole day was spectacular. Russell its self was quite quaint with its 18th century Mission house and loverly frontage. I even did some printing and the story of those intrepid adventurers was amazing. After Lunch ( a small sandwich) we got on our hole in the rock tour boat. Hole in the rock? No idea, something religious I expect lol.
Not the Dolphin tour this one but we got to see some beauts as we went out. We where surrounded by the beautiful animals. I for one have never seen them come so close. (How many times do I say that this tour) Wonderful. All the usual asian tourists leaning over the boat with there cameras, managed to get in the way so I missed the picture opportunity, but got some fair bird diving ones.
And there was the hole sure enough. We couldn’t go through as it was to rough. I would not have wanted to if it had been calm lol, It was very small. Good views of the feeding fish and the diving birds. Tbf the whole trip was good for wildlife. A quick stop on an island for those that where retching over the side to recover and onwards to Cooks Island and into the main bay itself on the homeward run. Even better dolphin viewing there. Here was the history when Capt James Cook arrived in 1769. There is even a marker for him.
Into the final run to Paihia harbor saw some classic tall masters. Thats next for me. Round the world lol. O dear we are late for dinner so went straight to Jacks for Ribs and Beer. Perfect ending to a perfect day.
