Hole In The Rock

Tuesday saw sunny skies with a top of 31 predicted and little or no breeze. That suited us just fine as a cruise on a catamaran is the activity this morning and it does get out on the ocean.

After another hearty breakfast at the Scenic Hotel, we checked out and Dave in our coach deposited us at the moorings. There was a big crowd of tourists going and the skipper of the Dolphin Spotter informed us that his boat can take 248 passengers. Today, those aboard totalled just 12 short of that number. There are many nationalities on board with a fair proportion hailing from the land of the Rising Sun and they take no prisoners.

Dave ensured we were early in the boarding queue and we found great seats undercover on the middle deck right next to the port side. Great because we were out of the sun (and it was beating down) and we didn’t have to move to view the sights or spot any dolphins. And

spot the dolphins we did, twice.

Once on the way out and then again, on the way back. 2 different pods, the first being the Bottle Nose Species (I think) and the second, the Common Species. There was great excitement amongst the crowd and we did our best to facilitate those who didn’t have great viewing spots, to view the dolphins when they were on our side. Sometimes, it required restraint not to let a stray elbow fly but really, it wasn’t too bad.

The cat (short for catamaran) for those not nautically experienced like we are now, then headed for the whole in the rock which is literally just that. We stopped or slowed down at places of note on the shore, before arriving at our destination. There was slight swell at the Rock. The Rock is a tunnel like hole on Motukokako Island. I suppose it is about 20 metres high and about 60 metres long and not much wider than our Cat. But the skipper guided os through and out the other side without too much difficulty. It was a pretty tight fit though. I am fairly certain he has done it before. We then set off for home port and again, encountered a pod of dolphins. We disembarked in time for

lunch after really enjoying the morning. Lunch comprised of hamburgers and they were absolutely top notch.

After lunch, it was on to Auckland and arrival was around 5.30pm after striking a traffic jam or two. Dinner that night was again at the hotel Crowne Plaza and all four of us had chicken. For the life of me I cannot recall how it was cooked but we all agreed it was first class. I was sitting next to Steve, a pommy and he was good company. I think we bored Ron for most of the dinner as Steve plays golf, was an accountant and likes a drink. Pretty much a perfect combination. Actually, when I think about it, it was payback. Ron and I had our turn in the front seats and Ron and Captain Dave talked all the way about cars, engines, fifth wheels, lazy axles and so on. Thankfully, I fell asleep for 40 minutes or so and when I woke up, they were still going. I am not sure they drew breath all the way. Apparently, while I was enjoying the old NN, someone started a chainsaw. Maybe it was a form of protest.

The Mac’s Gold again made sure I didn’t become dehydrated whilst Ron ventured onto Peronis. We called it a night at not too late an hour and surprisingly, we were last to leave. Day 4 had been a very enjoyable one