Hot Water Beach where you can dig holes in the sand to meet the boiling water that's coming up from below, and you can make sand/sea water baths. The tide made our attempts somewhat unsuccessful but we certainly found the boiling water - OW! After this, we a quick drive, then a 30 minute hike brought us to Cathedral Cove. There is a large triangular cavern in the rock between two beaches and steep cliff-face and native bush all around, it is majestic. We played in the sea - here it is powerful and boisterous and I got dumped several times. Hike back and time for a dip up the river - ah - fresh water and peaceful - before back to the camp and just in time to get to go out and try wakeboarding. Needless to say after about 6 goes I didn't quite make it out of the water except to land flat on my face, - mmm yum sea water! Well at least I gave it a go. Extreme tiredness at this time of the day dictated that I lay my head just for two minutes but slept right through till the big day.

Jac's and Grant's wedding. Valentine's Day. Took it kinda easy at first, went for a swim at Pauanui beach (strong currents), chatted, drank, got ready and at 3.30pm arrived up at Puka Park Resort. Wow, what a lovely setting; native bush all around, the sea out the corner, a slightly deeper blue than the sky overhead, the sun was blessing the deck with it's red carpet with flower petals strewn all over waiting for the bridal party. The groom and his boys all in shadse, white shirts, brown trousers and oakley jandles, waited and waited for the bridesmaids who arrived in complimentary green thai silk bodices and brown tulle skirts with beaded flowers and beaded jandles. Ah NZ the country of the jandle of every foot. I cried from the minute I saw Jackie in her beautiful gown and veil walk down the isle till the end of their vows. It is so powerful to see two people who seem so natural with each other pledge their love openly for the friends, family and world to hear. This is when marriage is so right.

Great Savignon Blanc on the go so I presently started quenching my thirst, bought on by the heat, the loss of liquids through my eyes. Scallops, lamb and creme brulee, speeches both funny and sincere then it was time to cut it up on the dance floor, and show these people how to twirl and dip, maria stylee. Then a bit of jumping around 4 a bit. All this while Stu wanted to put on his Drum 'n' Bass, so I saw and openning for some old style hassling. Oooh, the steam was pure pouring out his ears, eyes, nose by the time we moved the party down to the bungalow and it still wasn't working.

The next day, I'd finally started to wind down a bit for the first time in weeks, thinking, 'hey it's okay if I sit here and read or take my time getting somewhere. Grant's parents put on a BBQ - fine food, presents appreciated, cutting of the Marge and Homer Simpson in the Bath Wedding Cake - chocolate fudge - and fun with water guns and ice :o) hee hee. Beach & swimming - ahh - NZ - summer - holiday.

The very next day I got a ride up to Auckland airport, shuttle bus (van) airport to the wharf, boat to Waiheke Island & bus to the Lazy Lounge, 'hi Jase'. What a mission, but a beautiful day, I was sweaten up a storm with all my luggage, but cooled down in the bar/restaurant/cafe where Jason works and just chit-chatted the day into the night, yarned some more over some a few drinks and took a night swim on the way home. Hungover but determined to see the island we didn't even get out the door of the house, as we hit a snag trying to find the car keys. As the minutes reeled into hours and the hangovers took the keeness to tiki tour so we just went to the beach, and do what you do on beaches, laze in the sun and swim -ahh - NZ - summer - holiday.

Waiheke Island, 40 minutes from Auckland central, about 9000 residents, very good vinyards and a much more laid back lifestyle compared to the bustling city just across the water. I unfortunately had to leave Jase and the island life behind the next day but went accross to the city and got in contact with a good friend, Gwenda, to hang with till home time. Since I have been spending time at the Goodhues residence @ Blockhouse Bay, kicken it back catching up on email and planning my next moves. I also caught up with a good mate from Nelson who has recently won L'Oreal NZ Hairdresser of the Year - YEAH GO CRAIG, YOU ROCK!!.

Day 21 Am still feeling ever so fragile at Mike and Teena's homestead. The London city dwellers are now country bumpkins. Its lovely out here though on Uncle Laki's farm. Peaceful and pretty.