Kayaking and Windsurfing

Today we returned to Auckland (AGAIN!), but its our last time back for a while. I told the post office that since we're going to the South Island I'm not going to be able to check my P.O. Box for a month and a half (they said "No Problem"). I missed the webcam date with my family - which I am very disappointed in myself about - I really wanted to talk to and see them. But we're going to try to reschedule for tomorrow so I hope that works.
This picture was taken while en route to Hamilton yesterday (I pulled over the Beast just for this shot).

The reason I missed the webcam session (besides forgetting) was that Tim invited us to try our hand at windsurfing on the lake behind his house today. So we left Hamilton last night.On the way to Auckland today we spotted this recycling truck with a load of cubifyed pop cans (you gotta love a country that takes recycling seriously).

This morning we took care of some things in Auckland (bought our car insurance, our ferry tickets to the South Island, emptied the P.O. Box, and loaded up on supplies), and met up with Tim around noon. I donned my SPF 50 sunscreen and we jumped on some of Tim's kayaks first.
Here's Ayu And MeAnd a bird taking to flight!And underwaterThe water is so clear you can see right down to the bottom (Unfortunately the underwater shot left some water on the lense so this picture and the next ones have a few blurry spots). Black Swans and windsurfers in the backgroundMe learning how to windsurf - Tim is on the left. This is why it sucks to be pale and white - I lathered myself in sunblock and it got into my eyes (that's why they are shut tight and I have a look of pain on my face).

Unfortunately there aren't any more windsurfing pictures because you have to use both hands and Tim came out with us. So there was nobody to take our picture. But if we go again we'll be sure to try and take some. We both did pretty well even though we fell off a few times (and got our feet pinched in between the sail and the board - which hurts especially when the wind is really strong)!

The plan for the next few days is to go whitewater rafting on class 5 rapids on Sunday. We're going to be rafting down the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world (7 meter drop = 23 feet)! You can check it out here (http://www.raftabout.co.nz/ - we're doing the Kaituna experience). We got a package deal that also includes Zorbing (which is where you roll down a hill in a giant clear plastic ball). So expect some pretty crazy pictures and stories soon!

And 5 days later we'll be on our way to the South Island (If the Beast makes it that is)!

P.S. - The reason I'm posting all the pictures is because Ayu and my bluetooth is not connecting properly otherwise she would be posting and commenting - but it will be fixed soon!