Well hello again after a very long break!

I have been in Northlands for four weeks, with a broadband connection as fast as dial up, so forgive me for not updating more frequently, and for the lack of photos.

I have been riding most days, everything from 14hh ponies to 16hh very well bred horses. I have fallen in love with a chestnut mare called Sirocco Sparty Jay. I took her on a 2 day trek in Ahipara, which is at the end of the ninety mile beach. She is 3 years old and had not been off of the farm before. We went down 120m sand dunes which were unbelievably steep, the photos just don't do justice, we trekked on the beach, in the sea and on the road and she didn't put one foot wrong. Angel!

Simone, the lady I have been staying with has become my NZ Mum, complete with a lovely family and great friends. We have been out on her boat (a 30 foot Bayliner if you're interested) several times, swimming, fishing and generally having far too much fun for it to be legal. I have made some great friends here, had several offers of accommodation, horses and jobs if I decide to come and live here which is very flattering. I was very sad to leave but there is soo much more of NZ I want to see.

I'm in Auckland now, staying overnight with Mel, a friend of a friend who has very kindly allowed me to stay with her and has even collected me from the bus and offered to take me to the airport in the morning. Another angel! I will be flying to Wellington where I will get a ferry to Picton then on to Christchurch the following day.