Friday and we're stopping off halfway down the coast between Blenheim and Christchurch for a break at Kaikoura, a small coastal resort for sunseekers and outdoor sporty types, as well as those who come to see the ocean wildlife. It is ideally positioned to view the Southern Wright and Humpback whales when they migrate south. But today we're here to see the Dusky Dolphin. So we head out on a boat to the dolphin feeding grounds about 3 miles offshore-- Robin is fully kitted out in a wet suit, goggles and flippers, as he is to swim with the dolphins along with 15 other brave souls. I decided my swimming skills are not nearly good enough, so I stay on the boat as a watcher and official Etheridge photographer. What an experience--there must have been over 200 dolphins, both full grown and youngsters.They have not been trained or in any way tamed but they are friendly and the 16 swimmers have four different chances to swim in the area and enjoy seeing these wonderful creatures up close. The dolphins are frolicking all around the swimmers, constantly leaping out of the water, sometimes performing back flips (the dolphins, I mean), apparently for sheer joy and our entertainment, and others swim just ahead of and alongside the boat. A tough challenge to photograph as they move very fast, and my camera isn't really up to catching them at the single instant they hurtle out of the water, though we did manage a few shots. Robin had a wonderful time of it, and was very successful in attracting the animals to come up close (the guides advised the swimmers to make noises and swim without splashing or thrashing). The guides on the boat were very knowledgeable about the dolphins that make that bay their home, and they were also passionate about the conservation and ecology issues they face locally (and were a bit preachy about it, but never mind.)