So, we've had 15 months to work ourselves into a frenzy about getting to New Zealand: how nice it would be, the scenery, the sense of accomplishment, the people, yada yada. Usually, when you blow up expectations like that, you're bound for disappointment-city, baby. You know, over-promise, under-deliver.

But not this time. We've been here almost 2 weeks now, and the awe-factor just keeps on rising. First off, its drop-dead gorgeous here. Kind of a cross between Northern California and Western Oregon. 90 years ago. But with coffee shops. Yeah, perfect. And the people.a great combo of humility, self-sufficiency, kindness, and attitude. Throw in some entrepreneurial spirit, and you have the recipe for a Kiwi.

OK, sounds good, but really, what's the big deal? It's not like it took us over a year of sailing through multiple countries, time zones, and storms to get here. I mean, maybe if we had crossed a few hemispheres, at a whopping 7 miles per hour, maybe then we could do a few somersaults at having finally arrived here.

So, have you ever seen a 47 year-old white guy do a somersault? Not pretty, but here goes.

OK, net it out, you say. Right.so, without further ado, let me state for the record: This Place Rocks.

Alright, enough gushing. Now for some general housekeeping.We first arrived in Opua, on the Northeast coast of the North Island, about 2 weeks ago. Opua is in the Bay of Islands, a very nice cruising ground comprised of 144 islands and dozens of anchorages. Having had our fill of anchoring, however, we stayed firmly tied to a dock for the entire time, and it was great. The kids could run off and play, we got some basic boatwork accomplished, and it facilitated lots of inter-boat socializing.

However, all good things must come to an end (a theory I'm desperately trying to dis-credit), so we have left Opua, bound for Whangarei, and are once again at anchor, this time in Admiral's Bay in Whangaruru. From here it's on to Tutukaka (Nancy's favorite name to say), then Whangarei. Looks like the weather will cooperate, so we'll do the trip in several day-hops rather than straight thru. It's only about 90 miles total, but we don't want to rush through, as it's a beautiful coastline.

Once in Whangarei (Town Basin Marina in case anyone wants to jump a flight and visit), we'll set up base- camp for awhile. After that, who knows? All these somersaults are making me dizzy.