A Whale of a Time!

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Saturday 15th collected Maui campervan, quick trip to supermarket for supplies then on to Russell and the Bay Of Islands where we booked into a campsite for 2 nights. Had forgotten how amazing the scenery is, very volcanic and aqua blue seas. Passed some very large dairy herds but only a handful of sheep. Arrived at about 6.30 parked up for a quick meal and into bed - very weary!

Sunday morning clear skies and sunshine (so sorry kids!) up early, packed lunch and then spent a fantastic day on the water sailing round the Islands. Our first random encounter was on the jetty, met a guy called Andrew who was a vet from Cornwall. He had just spent 6 Months in South Island working with the dairy herds and now having a couple of weeks R&R before returning home. We left him on a sailing ship and started our trip by catamaran round the islands. Lots to see as well as the beautiful islands - little blue penguins, dolphins, Australasian Gannetts, flying fish (Lyn spotted these!) and finally a real WOW moment - a family of Orca (Killer Whales) the baby was only 3 months old. They are quite unfazed by the boats and the click of cameras only feet away from them.

Got back to Russell after a long day at sea. Had coffee& cake by the beach, Tony got some sunburn cream(!) then back to the van for domestics - washing & dinner. Tomorrow is another day but don't know where we are going yet.

Love to you all

Lyn & Tony xx

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Photos

The Orca family
They were so amazingly close. We've said it before but it is such a privilege to see wild creatures like these in their natural environment

Comments

[Ian and Diane]

Envy
We are so jealous - sounds like an amazing day - we spent a few days in Russell at the top 10 site in our Maui - have you been to visit the Duke of Marlboro yet? Fantastic! Cheers n love Ian and Diane

[Mike and Maggs Clarke]

Great start
Wow - whales already - you have really hit the ground running - fantastic............

[caroline]

sounds like you are having a wonderfull time,pictures are lovely take care caroline xxx

[Gemma - Bath Travel]

Wow!
What a lovely picture of you both! and the scenery wow!