Havn’t written anything over the past week as I have been away up north near the Bay Of Islands where I am originally from, visiting my mother, doing some sea fishing and sorting out some things with the bach and boat. Took Will the X Club Habitat bar manager from Turangi up North with me and his girl Keri and had a great days diving and fishing on Monday. Took Will and Keri on a tour of the North on Tuesday up through the Russell state forest not far from the Bach to look at Kauri trees and then over the car ferry to Opua and up through the Bay Of Islands and up to visit my uncle in Mangonui and also to see Keri’s fathers bach at Taupo Bay. Stopped in at Keri Keri and the Bay Of Islands Swordfish club (where I am a member - though have never landed a marlin yet …) on the way back. Had un unsuccessful day on Wednesday - largely due to the strong winds disrubting the plans and were unable to get out after the Hapuka which was my main goal.

Having to tow my big boat - 23ft hard top aluminium down to Turangi tomorrow - mum wanted it off her front lawn in Whangarei. Hopefully not too much traffic - I get a little nervous towing it over the Auckland harbour bridge as some of the lanes are very narrow and the boat (often referred to as my baby) is maximimum width. Taking my mum down with me to hopefully catch a trout - and clean the house … though she doesn’t realize this yet!