Back in Aoteoroa

Well we made it safely back to Tutukaka on Wednesday night after a long, convoluted trip from Brisbane. We left Kerrie and Rick's place at 6.00am, caught the 8.45am flight to Christchurch, visited friends for a couple of hours, caught the 6.10pm flight to Auckland, taxi to friend's place at Half Moon Bay, picked up our car and drove to Tutukaka where we arrived at midnight. Brisbane to Auckland doesn't sound far but it takes a bit of doing.

Anyway, enough of our travel issues. We had a great time in Brisbane with all the family, it's unfortunate that we can't do it more often but with everyone scattered around the world it's a bit hard. We especially enjoyed the day a Dreamworld with Chloe, Katie and Liam. (Toby and Sophie had to go to school that day unfortunately!)

Queuing for the Log Flume Ride with Chloe

The boat was all shipshape and pleased to see us back apart from the fact that the batteries were flat and the fridge wouldn't start and one of the water pipes had sprung a leak. Nothing that wasn't quickly and easily fixed though and now we're back in the daily routine of liveaboard boaties.

Yesterday I went fishing with our friend Ken on his launch and came back with a good haul of fish. 20 snapper, 15 trevally, a couple of groper, and 2 coral perch. There were six of us on board and I got first and second prize for the biggest fish.

First prize

Second prize

The weather here has changed markedly since we left, it's now decidedly cooler and the days shorter although having said that I'm still wearing shorts and T shirts. Heavy rain is forecast for the next couple of days so we'll probably be boat-bound for a bit. Actually it's just started as I type.