Well, after a blissful week in paihia, I drove an hour north to my next campsite in Tauranga bay. I have now made a change in my plans. Having booked to be here for 3 weeks, I am now heading back down to Paihia. The owners here are having a baby and have left their mother in law in charge. She is very unfriendly, unhelpful and rude. I had prearranged to have someone put my tent up but she said no one could do it - and then made two other guests do it. Getting any info from her has been like pulling teeth. There are only a few other guests around, most of whom are pretty unfriendly too, although I did have a nice supper with a Kiwi couple last night; we ate freshly caught snapper which was delicious, and watched the sun go down over the beach (the sun had a huge halo round it). Whangaroa harbour, the nearest town is also deserted and too quiet. It is pretty just as the campsite is pretty but that doesn't seem to be enough to make it any good here.

It was a beautiful day yesterday. I went for a short walk down the beach to rock pools covered in muscles (supper tonight). I've come to a local hostel which has the only internet in the area - the next place is an hour away. I have started my book, which is extremely exciting.... I am bursting with ideas and would love to write the whole thing in 24 hrs (so not going to happen!) I am keeping everything crossed that I will see dolphins before I go but so far nothing. Once I am back in Paihia I will do a dolphin trip or two plus a helicopter trip if possible, so I can see the views that other people can walk to see. (donations to: Parsonage Farmhouse......... ;-)

The sky is full of grey clouds today so I can't take any photos. Hopefully the sun will be back tomorrow becuase I do want to take some photos before I go.

My feet are getting eaten alive by sandflies. Plus I have blisters and sun burn on them. They aren't happy. I'm dipping them in cool water every now and again because no creams are working. Plus the only reading material at the campsite is Mills and Boon. Oh dear God.

Yeah yeah, you are in the middle of winter and it's dark and cold and you've got Gordon Brown in charge. But I have to read Mills and Boon people! My brain is turning to mush.