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Published: June 12th 2008
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The long wait is finally over, but more to come on that later!
Yesterday morning, I hopped on a bus at Sky City, and headed four hours up the road to Paihia, located in the gorgeous Bay of Islands. I arrived at lunch time, and booked into the hostel, as well as making a booking for a certain activity for the following morning. With one afternoon to use, I asked the receptionist what I should do. She recommended getting a jet boat out to the hole in the rock, before jumping off across the bay for a stroll around the town of Russell. Off I went to the Marina, where I booked my boat, but found I had an hour to wait. I decided to walk along and round to the next beach, since the weather was fantastic. Shorts and T-shirt were indeed out in force, and the tshirt even came off at one point, happy days! Though on the down side, I got attacked by flies, and got lots of bites.
Now the bay of islands is as it sounds, the area is full of small and big islands, and it just looks beautiful in the sunshine, with
lots of nice little beaches as well, I even saw some people swimming in the sea. Back at the marina, I got kitted out in a warm fleece and water proof, since despite the weather, it gets a little chilly when speeding along on the waves. The boat was called the Mack Attack, and was both cool and very fast. We jetted on out straight to the hole in the rock which took about 45mins. The hole in the rock, is basically a GIANT rock, basically a small island, at the top of the bay of islands, and it has both a hole all the way through it, and Cathedral cave. Because of the size and manouvreability, we were able to go into the cave for a look, which was really cool. Very impressive, perfect for filming a baywatch disaster i reckon. We then cruised on through the hole, though didnt waste any time since not long a go, a 40tonne piece of rock fell from the ceiling!
On the way back, we stopped to have a look at the lighthouse, as well as a few little bays. About half way back we spotted our first dolphin. Before we
knew it, we had come across a whole pod of dolphins, and it was amazing. Having had a my trip at Kaikoura cancelled, this definitely made up for it. They kept swimming up to the bow of the boat, and along side. They were a lot bigger than i thought, and were only swimming slowly so it was possible to have a good look att them. At times we had up to 5 or 6 out of the water near the boat. Like i say, an incredible experience, very very lucky to catch them like that. Was ultra special since the sun was starting to go down behind the distant hills.
Across the bay from Paihia, I got dropped off in the township of russell for a little look. It really was a little look, as with no hoodie, and the sun gone down, it was quite chilly. I had a quick look around the oldest church in NZ, and a walk along the sea front, before catching the ferry back across to Paihia. Feeling the cold a bit, i headed straight back to the hostel and jumped into the spa. I stayed here about 2hours, and it was
brilliant. It was just how i felt the trip should be. Nice hostel, pool and spa area, palm trees, stars, gorgeous. Was joined by two others and chatted to them for a bit, and also jumped in the pool with them as they thought it would be fun. It wasnt. It was very cold!
The rest of the evening I went for a walk around the quiet town of Paihia, before watching some TV. I was actually shattered, and so was asleep by about half 11.
Today then, like my title says, the long wait was over. At 9am, I was picked up by Gavin, and englishman, from the skydiving company. We picked up two other english girls before dirivng about 20mns to the airfield. The early morning cloud had cleared quite a bit, giving perfect conditions for my jump. I wasnt first, so once suited up, had to wait about half an hour before my jump. The time came, and in I got to this little plane. Literally only room for the pilot, myself, gavin, and the girl with the cameras. Slowly, but surely, we climbed up to 12000 feet, and to be honest, it was worth
it just for this. To get a view of the bay of islands from above was truly spectacular, even with a bit of cloud. 25mins did not seem like 25 mins.
Then i got the shout, 4mins to go. At this stage i had to sit on gavins lap, whilst he tightened the harness and hooked me up to himself. Down went the goggles and after no time at all, the door was open. We shuffled to the edge, and Gavin gave the call of legs out. I had to sit on the edge, at 12000feet, and stick my legs towards the back of the plane, clear of the wheel! We paused there for a picture or two, before one, two.....FREEFALL!!
What an incredible feeling, freefalling towards the ground for 40secs. My stomach went initially but was quickly fine. Lots of silly faces for the camera, and a spin or two as well. Then the painful bit. The chute opened. OUCH. Not great for certain areas i must say. We then had probably 5mins of crusing back down to the airfield. What a surreal feeling. Just hanging up in the air, at still a big height, whilst watching
the scenery all around me, with the ground gradually coming closer. Gaving chucked in a few tight turns which really got the stomach going. After a min or so, he loosened the harness to make it more comfortable. Now there is something unnerving about the loosening of your harness that high up, but it did make me more comfortable, and was stillperfectly safe. Finally, still absouloutely buzzing, we touched down.
Now the whole thing was filmed from taking off to landing, and the video is yet to be seen by me. Also have some wicked photos, which i will put on here when i remember to bring the disc down with me, oops. I would love to do it again, and honestly, was not scared at all. Though could i do it myself? doubt it!
Back in Paihia, i had just enough time to collect my stuff and head to the bus stop to come back to Auckland. A great 4hour journey, but only because i was absoloutely buzzing!! So pleased to have finally done it. Easily the best thing i have done on this trip. Cannot wait to show people the video and photos.
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Sara
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a question or two.....
Hello again, Do you think you will return to NZ one day? If not, where do you hope to travel to the next time? I'll be sorry when you are home because I'll miss reading your blogs :-( Have a good flight home. Sara.