Back in Vancouver

We came back yesterday. It is quite cool and there is fresh snow on the mountains. Well, the boat is going back into the water next week anyhow, let’s hope that triggers some sunshine.

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In Germany

We are in Germany for a few days to visit my parents, the kids and grandchildren. On Saturday is another birthday party. All great fun! The weather is nice and warm.

Puerto Vallarta

We are in Mexico helping Bonnie celebrate her birthday. The weather is great, the villa very nice and the energetic ones started pilates already.

Back in Vancouver

We flew back from Auckland today, left in the evening, flew 13 hours and arrived in the early afternoon of the same day. The wonders of the dateline. The weather here is nice, but much colder than New Zealand.

Auckland

We are spending the last two nights of our holiday in Auckland, enjoying the city life. We can see the harbour bridge from the hotel and already tried the famous Bluff oysters.

Waiheke Island

Our holiday is drawing to a close. The last few days, we are in the Auckland area, tonight on Waiheke Island. This is about 45 minutes by ferry, full of vineyards and good restaurants. We are staying in a Blacksmith cottage close to the beach, very peaceful.

Lake Kai Iwi

We have moved on from the Bay of Islands to the West Coast and are in a lodge close to Lake Kai Iwi tonight. This is close to Dargaville, where some time ago Dalmatian men worked as gum diggers. The lodge supplies kayaks and we already took a spin around the lake closest to us.

Strandtag auf der Urupukapuka Insel

Nach dem Gottesdienst in der ältesten Kirche Neuseelands heute früh, sind wir mit der Fähre in die Otehei Bucht auf der Urupukapuka Insel gefahren (auch wenn ich das ganz schnell sage klingt es nicht ganz richtig!). Keine Autos, schöne Wanderwege, Sandstrand mit warmen Wasser und Sonne, wunderbar. Heute bin ich mehr geschwommen als Sheila und sie ist mehr gewandert. Ein schöner Tag.

Circle Walk, Bay of Islands

Another beautiful day in the Bay of Islands, and we walked the day long circle tour, about 16 km walking and two ferry rides. Wonderful trails, mangroves, forest, beaches, and great views! Now it is off for dinner in the restaurant attached to the vineyards we are staying at.

Russell, Bay of Islands

We enjoyed our evening with Tom and his daughters (Sarah is in the UK right now), and yesterday we had a visit from Drew and Katrina, who made a nice dinner for us. We missed most of the heavy storm, but the South Island was badly hit. The Tasman district where we stayed a week ago is cut off due to flooding and land slides.

We drove north to the Bay of Islands today and are staying in a little cottage on a hill in vineyards. Our view includes the ocean, and the weather here is great.