We are definitely getting spoiled as yesterday we were out on the water again, spending NYE sailing around the bay of islands. We had been able to hire an entire boat to ourselves as there were nine of us (Darren's dad wasn't well enough to come out unfortunately.) As with the other mornings the day started a little cloudy but it wasn't long before the sun was out and we were sailing along.
Andrea's mum and Dad and Darren helped out with sailing/steering however other than Rob and I helping to pull down the main sail the rest of us lazed on deck while we were sailing; looking at the beautiful view of the plentiful islands and having a bit of a natter. Apparently Tom Cruise was also out on his boat Suri (he was spotted the day before) so we did look out for him; we're rubbing shoulders with the stars as usual!!
After a couple of hours sailing we dropped the anchor in a pretty bay that was nicely sheltered. Everyone got dropped off on the beach and started snorkling while Andrea and I had first go on the kayaks and took ourselves around one of the small islands off shore. We then pulled up on the beach and took a walk up the hill and along the point to see the view of the other side of the island from the top. The view was excellent.
After a picnic lunch on the beach we swam out to the boat and climbed back aboard with the promise of another swim stop just around the corner. We pulled into a really fun little inlet for this and Andrea, Ella (Andrea's niece) and I all dived off into the "warm water".
Here there was a tunnel formed by the rocks which you could snorkle through which was amazing and a little creepy. It was narrow but high and on either side the rocks descended sharply down deep into the water. Below us was the view of the sheer rocks with long sea weed trails and lots of big fish.
Sadly this was our last swim spot for the day and so we climbed aboard ready for the sail back. It was bright and breezy and very peaceful on the journey back and I even fell asleep for a little while! It was a really lovely day.
Once we had our feet back on dry land some of us went for a mega ice cream and then we went on a hunt for a table for dinner that night. Then finally we were back at motel and into the heated pool; as two hours out of the water seems to be the limit at the moment. Beers and salty snacks were consumed while we soaked and floated. Once we were dry and dressed, we had some NY/engagement celebration bubbly to get the evening going.
We didn't have far to go for dinner which was lovely and it was in a restaurant on the front and so we looked out onto the bay. We had a very leisurely dinner and managed to drag desert out until about 11.40 as again we didn't have far to go for our next stop of the evening. We headed over to the beach to watch fireworks that they were setting off from a boat in the bay; they were beautiful!! What a happy new year and a stunning start to 2010.
nice rocks. ange xx
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