Dolphins doing backflips

We had the most amazing sight of hundred of dolphins, including one doing high backflips.  Absolutely wonderful.

Sydney to Hobart race

Nicola's husband, John, was one of the sailors in this year's race. It was fantastic to watch some of the behind the scenes and even get to see inside the boat.  Not exactly comfort!!  The loo, shared by 20 people, is something that would make a pygmy claustrophobic and the narrow bunks are angled at 40 degrees to the wall, so you're pinned in like a tinned sardine. Amazing that some of the competitors spend a whole year on the boat. They'll never take space for granted again.  Still, an amazing experience, I'm sure to be on the open ocean, pitted in combat against other yachts in their class.

At the harbour, before the race

Nicola and John

Watching the start at Watson's Bay

Some dolphins swam past.  Well spotted, Nicola!

John's boat (Go Team Garmin!)

Whale watching

Thanks to Dani for a wonderful whale watching cruise out of the heads past Manly.  We saw a mother and her calf as well as dozens of dolphins frolicking around the boat.  Great memories, but difficult to do justice with photos.

Albatross outside North Head, Sydney

Taken on a whale watching trip with Dani.

Trip to North Island, New Zealand

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Read mum's dairy of our holiday together


Hot Water Beach (Hahei).




Polynesian Spa (Rotarua)
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Volcano Walk (Auckland)
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Sky Tower (Auckland)






Botanical Gardens (Wellington)
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Mauri Art (Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, Wellington)
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Mauri Evening (Rotorua)  
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Tongariro Crossing  
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Waka Falls
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Ruakuri Caves
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Rotarua Thermal Lakes 
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Lady Knox Gueser (Rotarua)
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Craters of the Moon (Rotarua)
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Boiling Mud Pools (Rotarua)
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Cathedral Cove (Hahei)
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Bay of Islands 
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Myburghian Leaps
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