Dolphins, then back to Auckland

Our tour group began our day with a boat ride in the large bay of the Bay of Islands.  The boat is a big catamaran that took us out through the islands, where we were very happy to see lots and lots of dolphins.   Besides dolphins, the ultimate destination for the outing is a feature called the Hole in the Rock.  It's just what you would imagine--a big, rocky outcropping that nature has carved a hole through.  If the weather and the waves are cooperating, the boats can travel through the hole.  Today was not one of those days.  The seas were choppy today, my friend, with big swells and waves.  The boat was able to get right next to the hole, but could not safely go through it.  I doubt if anyone cared, actually.  We were out in the choppy swells for four hours, which was plenty long enough, if you know what I mean.  (In fact, right now, eight hours after I got off the boat, I'm still rocking a bit.)  The scenery was very pretty.  However, on a sunny, blue-sky day, it would be gorgeous.  After that excursion, we left Paihia and rode south four hours, back to Auckland, where we're spending the night.

Pretty scenery out in the Bay

This is the Hole in the Rock.

The weather forecast is pretty ominous about the approaching Cyclone Lusi.  It will be crossing over both islands, with high winds and an amazing amount of rain.  The forecasts say the rain should arrive in Auckland tonight, and will continue for about 48 hours.  Obviously, this will affect our tour plans, but we'll have to just wait and see what happens.  

Let me add something about a few more of our fellow passengers.  Steve and Sandy are from Scotland, near Edinburgh.  We asked them lots of questions about traveling around Scotland, which is high on my list of future trips.  Loki and Priti are an Indian couple who live in San Jose.  (I was mistaken when I said John and I are the only ones on this trip from the U.S.)  They are both very friendly, always eager for any conversation.  He worked in Silicon Valley, and is very happy to be retired.  She worked off and on as she raised their two sons.  They've done quite a bit of traveling.  Marjorie is an Australian who is traveling alone. She was a secretary, and lives in a small town near the ocean.