gently visiting Northlands

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Halllo again.
I've really enjoyed moving at my own pace for the past few days; visiting friends: one highlight was seeing 2 old flatmates from Oxford, maybe 35 yrs since we last met!!!

And now back to staying in hostels, I have moved up to Paihia in the Northlands, warm sun, lovely beaches. another fab dolphin cruise, this time to watch them play in the bay, along with a baby one! they came really close, and played around our boat for ages. (I put this down to me whistling, apparently they relate to that best, so I did lots). We were on a catamaran with sails, not too many punters, a very gentle ride, visit to a bay, snorkelling around the rocks there, watching fishes. That was when I managed to send my latest memory card into the Bay - hmm, not too clever. However, I felt sort of relieved, I don't have to take pics this day. And fortunately I'd backed up most of the pics already.
This entry is really so I can make another attempt at a few photos - you'll know by now if this has worked.

I'm taking this holiday time to practise my swimming, at last safe sea swimming, so am doing a pre-breakie yoga and swim routine, and can now swim and open my eyes under water for a little bit - great improvement.
I'm heading west on the Magic bus tomorrow to Hokiangi, finding buses and tourist info people very helpful here. More chilling plus a visit to the ancient Kauri forest. hopefully will manage pics of that.
love to you all, M xxx

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