Hi Everyone

Now nearly at the end of our time in NZ and it has been quite remarkable. After the volcanic area of north Island we headed up to the Coramandel peninsula for a more relaxing time, found a studio apartment right on the beach and chilled for a few days. First evening we went to hot water beach at sunset and dug our selves a sandpit (yes literally dug it with our hands) and sat in it watching the sun come down - careful where you dug else the water was scaldingly hot - great fun as there were a few of us all trying to locate the best place to dig, not too hot or too cold. Yesterday we hired some snorkelling equipment and headed off to stingray cove. The water was rather cloudy as there had been an overnight storm and visibility was poor. the first thing we saw was a 6ft ray beneath us with its tail in the threat position it had not seen us approaching. My god, thoughts of Steve Irwin passed through my mind as I struggled to contain my anguish at all the swaying seaweed past and brushing my leg. grabbing hold of B I managed to push him underwater and panic him too!!

Today we are on the West coast of the Peninsula, weather overcast but not cold. Went up in a small guage railway with switch backs and 360 degree turns, amazing - built by a British railway enthusiast who stayed in NZ to become a successful Potter after deciding that teaching was not for him -strange world. Then dragged B into the forest to see the last remaining copse of indigenous Kauri trees, 600 yrs old and only 12 left on the peninsula after being plundered for building masts. just been to the local amateur dramatics production - a real hoot, reminicent of Benenden house drama productions. Tomorrow off to Aukland to meet up with Duncan McQueen and family for those of you who remember him.

Hiope you are all well

Jand B