Susan's Travel Sagas

Not much sun at all, but it was great to be on a catamaran on the Bay of Islands. Motored and sailed out of Paihia to see the islands sitting out in the Bay. Passed Eagle's Nest, the most expensive place to stay in New Zealand ($20,000NZD/night) perched on a cliff overlooking the Bay. Went ashore at a small island by dinghy (had the option of snorkel or swim, but the water was VERY COLD) and did a brief hike up and along the beach. Lunch on the boat (grilled sausage and onion sandwiches with coleslaw like salad.) High point - visiting a large pod of dolphins who were leaping in and out of the sea. One came right under the catamaran and kept banging the boat with its body. It was great fun to watch. Saw a 45 minute Maori cultural performance, ate Indian food with a young Korean man who had just arrived in Paihia. Back to B&B, invited to join Rob and Nick and their friends for dessert, Lemon Z (a lemon liquoer made at the company Rob works at), and delightful conversation. A full and fun day.