Hi Again.  Sorry for the lack of communications recently, but internet service has been sporadic.  Mike received a $14,000 satellite bill for October and November’s usage so we have stopped using it until we get that squared away.  We now have to rely on WIFI so don’t worry if you don’t hear from us as often.

We are making our way down the North Island and are now in Tauranga (The Bay of Plenty) this last week waiting out high winds and big seas. (The cyclone that hit Tonga effects New Zealand)  This is the 6^th largest city in New Zealand, soon to be the 4^th largest due to growth. We’ve stopped at some great islands along the way as you have probably read from Gary.  The sailing climate here is quite different and rough so I am going back to our original plan of touring New Zealand by land and will drive to Wellington (southern point of North Island) and Mike and Gary will sail leaving on Saturday morning (a 3 day sail).  The winds and seas get rougher the further South you go so I’m happy to not sail in gale force winds.

We have met some fabulous people along the way.  We still find New Zealanders to be friendly and proud of their country….and they want you to enjoy your time here.  We’ve met some new friends on Great Barrier Island and they live in Tauranga.  I have been invited to stay with them before I make my way down to Wellington….an 8 hour drive.   From Wellington (capital of NZ) we will cross Cook Straight and anchor at the tip of South Island.  It is not considered safe to sail the South Island so we will anchor there where Mike and I will do some camping and tramping for a few weeks.  Gary thinks he may take a few days on land as well. The South Island is about 1,000km long and we look forward to seeing it as we hear it is the most beautiful part of New Zealand yet.  It just gets better and better.  Gary’s friend cancelled her trip to visit us in March but Mike has some friends coming to visit mid April.  We look forward to their visit. We will head back to the northern part of North Island late March early April…..always depending on the weather.  From there the plan is to head to Fiji early May.  Life is Good….