Mike n Barbara

For our last two weeks of the trip we have based ourselves in Whangarei (pronounced Fong-gar-ay), which is about 100 miles N of Auckland and is the principal town of the Northland Peninsula. For the first few days we just explored the area around Whangarei harbour - which is about 14 miles long - and is indented with dozens of coves and pristine beaches. The whole of the eastern side of Northland is a paradise for anyone into water-based activities; be it sailing, fishing, kayaking or snorkelling. We spent an afternoon on a dolphin-watching trip from the Bay of Islands town of Paihia: after cruising thro' the islands for a couple of hours the skipper was getting anxious as there were no dolphins to be seen; perhaps they had had enough of tourists for the day. ... read more

After our spell bush camping we drove down to the South West to spend a few days in an Eco-lodge about 20km from the nearest town, Donnybrook. The lodge is completely self sufficient: 12v electrics powered by a solar array and water deliver by a rainwater catchment system. Sounds basic but it all works; main problem is loo and shower are outside. During our first evening Barbara decided to go and put some food in the bird feeder; as she walked down the slope from the lodge she slipped on pea-gravel and badly twisted her ankle. It was clear she was badly hurt so we took her straight to Donnybrook hospital. Over the weekend the hospital has no x-ray facilities so the doctor patched her up with a temporary plaster and recommended that we go to ... read more

Good morning. Yesterday Jon decided that it was high time he taught me how to fish. Despite having sailed for more years than I care to remember I have never been into fishing. Anyway, the Indian Ocean is apparently a fisherman's paradise. For the sort we were going to do - beach fishing - the best time is just before sunset when fish come inshore to feed. We drove down to Warnborough Sound beach which is about a 20 minutes walk from where we are staying. When we arrived I noticed that the Freemantle Doctor, a wind that kicks in every afternoon, was blowing onshore at about 15 - 20 knots and was causing quite a swell. No prob said Jon, we shall put a weight just above the hook so we can cast offshore. Havin ... read more