Paihia/Russell

14/3/23

Another early morning for the mistress. No bus to pick us up today so we walked down early to catch a boat for a 4 and half hour trip around the islands. 

Gee whiskers, the mistress was mighty happy about the calm water and sunshine for a perfect day.  Pure bliss, this is what dreams are made of.

We just get settled and we were invaded by school kids. We didn't count, but there must have been about 50 of them. 7–11-year-olds. The teachers had their work cut out trying to control these little people. They were from Kaikohe East school.

They sang a song to us and did a really good job the mistress says. Some of them looked at me from their seat and asked lots of questions. One of them pulled my toes, and another had a go at my hat. They were very surprised when she told them how many she had, and now about 360, because some lovely ladies gave her some, plus she bought more on this holiday. Hey, she even asked a shop person today if they sold any??? Just as well they said no because there is no room in her case, and we don't pick up her car till tomorrow night. 

Captain Taira got a visit from the mistress and me. He allowed us into his special deck/bridge where he controls the boat. You should have seen all those dials, compasses, and things The panel was huge for controlling the boat. I got to sit at the window. Wait till I tell my mates at home. They are going to be so jealous. 

We saw some dolphins. Those kids screamed with delight. I reckon it made their day. They loved going through the hole in the rock and wanted to go through again, but the boat is only allowed to go once, as it's the rules....what are rules. The mistress told me to look it up in my books. Oh it's a tough life being a Gnome.

We caught up with some lovely people from Scotland again today. We have all been on the same trips up here in the Bay of Islands. It was sad to say goodbye at Russell as they had to catch a bus back to Auckland, then off to Australia. Gee, I wish that was us too. 

The mistress had to hurry the lunch because we had another bus to catch for a tour around Russell. The lovely Kelly gave us a commentary. Great views. The mistress was so chuffed to see these.

We caught a strange boat back. Everyone collected their heads on the roof. I heard lots of ouches. Even I had to duck and I'm a little fella. The captain controlled the boat the same size as a toilet. It was so small and very old. I even wondered if we would make it back. I didn't tell the mistress because she would have worried more. 

The mistress needed a drink on our return. I wonder why? Oh, heck she was worried and didn't tell me. She found a place overlooking the water. She didn't want a meal, just a lager. She said it hit the spot.

Tonight, the lovely lady owner of this motel popped in to check the TV was going and brought the mistress some huge lemons the size of grapefruit and almost bigger than me. She also gave her some special kiwi fruit which has red flesh. Gee, she was kind aye.

Off to Hamilton tomorrow. Oh no, probably a double-decker bus. The mistress hopes we won't get the same driver.