Another Year Older...

The turning leaves at a vineyard near WarksworthA few weeks ago we headed up north to KeriKeri to visit cruiser friends Mike and Heather from Chica Bonita. On the way, we took a little tour of Northland. Northland is considered the area at the top of the North Island. It is a really lovely area, and has it's share of nice wineries and lots of agriculture. We spent the first night of our trip in a really neat little cabin on the beach in a town called Waipu Cove.When we arrived in KeriKeri the next day, birthday week was already in full swing with Mike's b-day on June 5th. We had a succulent dinner out with our hosts and our friend Courtney. Then Friday was a big bash at the Chicas gorgeous rented pad on the water.

In between birthday celebrations we took some time to make a few day trips from KeriKeri. We even made it to Cape Reinga, which is at the very tip of New Zealand where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea.

Mark, Heather and Mike checking out the Farmer's Market

A self-portrait at Haruru Falls
This a tradional Maori canoe, called a waka
Part of Cape Reinga The Cape Reinga lighthouse At the end of our week up north, it was time for me to turn another year older. I was spoiled with lots of pressies, a great dinner and even a homemade cheese cake. Oh la la ! I was even greeted first thing in the morning by a pod of huge dolphins right out the window. Everyone should be lucky enough to have their own birthday dolphins!
Me and the hostest with the mostest