Dolphins!

We arrived in Paihia, in the Northland region of North Island, yesterday.  This town is the hub of the Bay of Islands area.  Lots of yachties, pricey vacation properties, chi-chi boutiques and restos.  Also a big backpacker culture, esp. during summer months. (which it definitely is not at the moment)

I'm having probs hooking up to reliable wifi with my netbook, so you'll have to take my word that we enjoyed seeing several pods (are they called pods?) of dolphins today. Amazing!  I've seen dolphins even in BC, but never had a chance to be in a stopped boat and watch them approach.  Close enough to hear them breathe.  Our pods were "quiet" (ie. not so frisky and playful) but the weather was rather crap, so who can blame them? 

I will post photos -- and video! -- at a later date.  As in when I'm back on pumped-up North American broadband.  Yeah baby!

We only have a few days left on our trip, and the rest is just gravy, as they say, after today's wonderful experience.