chores and decisions

The Bay of Islands is about 2.5 hours north of Auckland by car, but light years away from the city in atmosphere. It's lush and green and charming. SMall bays and islands await us around every corner, ready to be explored. HIking trails, waterfalls, and national parks surround the pristine waters. We've not had much of a chance to explore yet, but the chores are about done and we've made some plans. We've rented a mooring ball here for the next month. When Pete's parents come and we get a car, we'll feel that the boat is secure while we're off traveling by land. A number of other kid boats are sticking around too, so the kids will be happy. Our next major chore is finding a car. It seems like the local auction is the way to go. Most cars here come used from Japan. The emmisions standards are higher there and they drive on the other side, so the cars are brought to NZ when they get a few years old and are sold off cheaply. We can get a mid 90's station wagon for less than $1500. We've got some friends who will buy it from us when we go home. A rental car would be almost as much. Insurance is $4 every 2 weeks and $10 to do the licensing. It seems to be a no brainer, and lots of the cruisers have already bought cars that way.

The kids are really enjoying 3 days at the dock. The jelly fish population will be relieved when we all leave though.

The weather has been pretty good. IT's in the 70's during mid day and drops into the high 50's at night. We froze on the first night, but now I have washed the sleeping bags (they went powdery under the beds) and we're all warm again. I've put away the tank tops and gotten out the long sleeves. Pete is taking advantage of the hose here at the dock and has scrubbed the boat in fresh water for the first time since Mexico. What a difference!!

All is well and I look forward to reporting that we've gotten out and about to see the sights and not just the laundry mat. CHeers, as they say here Kellie