North As Bro

Have just realised that it's been a hell of a long time since I updated the old blog and some of you must be starting to get withdrawl symptoms from hearing what I've been up to. So just before you all come out in a cold sweat, don't worry, I am still here, just really not been up to much and I suppose that as the mind is a wee bit hazy, old age and all that I'll try and just furnish you all with the highlights of the last couple of weeks.

Left the Wallady Beet to travel to Taupo for a few days more relaxation and came up against my nemisis again in the Hole in One challenge. Horrible windy conditions will this time be my excuse for failing to hole in one, was a full 9 iron this time instead of the 3/4 Wedge it was the last time. Although I'm pretty sure that I landed one in the sandy hole on the pontoon and it bounced out because it landed hellish soft. Watson, ooooh the bar. Had a nice walk in Taupo as well round as far as the Taupo bungy which overhangs the Waikato River, damn it was tempting to go have another go at throwing myself off things. Got myself a carry out curry in Taupo as well, Lamb Dansac, amazing. When ordering the guy asked, would I like it Mild, Medium or Hot. Now I do like a wee bit of fire occasionally in a curry, so I went for hot. To which the man replied, Kiwi Hot or Indian Hot, clearly there is a difference. Went for Indian hot, erse was on fire. Nah it was enjoyable though, really tasty.

Left Taupo for the long bus journey back to Auckland where more chilling out and sunbathing was done. Took another trip to Ellerslie for the Horse Racing and was infinitely more successful than the first time. Although that wasn't hard with no winners the first time round. Managed to get a couple and just about break even for the day, was only down the beer money and it was free to get into the track as well, good times. Apart from that it was just a case of relaxing and reading in the park really in Auckland.

Left the City of Sails to come up to the Bay of Islands for the 2nd time on the trip on Monday. The weather really has been lovely and having gone a nice shade of Salmon (the colour not the person) in Auckland am now beginning to from a wee bit of a tan. Went on a dolphin swim on Tuesday that was brilliant. They are funny creatures and just love the banter when you are in the water with them and love swimming along side the boat when on board that. Brilliant day, didnt get too many photos but it's difficult to judge when they will jump out of the water.

Took the day trip to the very northern tip of NZ the folllowing day, a place called Cape Reinga. Which has special cultural significance for the Maori people as they believe it is where the spirits go before heading back to their homeland. I'm not really into all that stuff but it was still pretty cool to see the point where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet and the currents that are formed by it. Certainly wouldnt be going for a dook in there. Also took in the craze of "be a" photography. Where someone shouts "be a......." and you have to be it in a photo. Be a ninja, be a squashed possum, be a caged baboon for example. Finished off the day with some tree hugging and fish and chips before heading out on return to Paihia. It was a good day and a good night.

Back to Auckland on Monday to argue with the hostel where I stayed before coming up here as they still have failed to refund me my $50 key deposit. Theiving b******s!!!!!!!!!

Take care everyone.