A quieter week or so since finishing our South Island travels - relaxing with Ron and Sheila in Christchurch and then in Auckland with friend, Lee, from France. Both 
Sheila and Lee vying for top spot in our "best home cooked meal" category - but afraid Lee had to be disqualified due to his professional catering career with the UN. He did pass on a tasty tip to use avocado oil (local, of course) (+lemon juice, s/p, fresh parsley) for a great salad dressing.
After 4 or 5 days of over indulgence we were back to YHA's and self catering - now into salads (with said avocado oil) now that we have found the sun in north North Island. We are currently in our best YHA in Paihia with our own balcony and apartment - see left.
A few non-descript days just north of Auckland (we have been spoiled by South Island views and quietness) until we hit Paihia and the Bay of Islands. These piccies from a day cruise give an idea of this idyllic area. Big competition to our other cruises in Abel Tasman NP and Marlborough Sounds - but has to win this trips accolade for top island area as it also had the sun!
This is front street of Russell - a wonderful quiet town across from Paihia and definitely the place to stay. We chilled out for a whole day just doing nothing.
ICEBERG UPDATE
After our great trips amongst the icebergs (see previous blog) - see this link that Sheila spotted on what happened a week or so after we had been there - the photo shows the sort of boat we were in - must have been an adrenaline trip that day!
COINCIDENCE
Had to meet someone we knew from the UK and a day after leaving Lee we bumped into Geoff and Val - a mutual friend of Lee's and ours. They were just starting their trip - wish it was us! We have just a few days left now before Perth for 2 weeks and home.
No comments:
Post a Comment