Day 24 Russell, New Zealand

Famous Rock with hole, one lane bridge with a wide spot in the middle for passing,

Flowers around Russell

Black Pearl bracelet

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Sunset looking back at the Bay of Islands, two of us on deck as we leave Russell.

Today we arrived in Russell which is a quaint little village located in the very north part of the north island. To get to Russell we sailed into "The Bay of Islands". What an idyllic place this is. The bay stretches for a couple of miles once you are in off the ocean and is sprinkled with little jewels of coves each containing a few sail boats like pearls on a necklace. Above the boats are a few houses situated to take advantage of the magnificent views that abound. Nowhere did it seem that the houses were crowded together. If this place was in the States I am sure every foot of shoreline would be taken and the houses would be shoulder to shoulder throughout. This is a sailors paradise. The bay is quite large enough and there are enough big islands that you would never have to venture out to the ocean if you didn't want to. There is a famous rock with a hole in it that you can take a boat trip to see and actually drive through it.

Russell is the most charming little village. This is a departure from its storied past where it once was home to whalers and sealers who were a rough lot. The town catered to them with all the debauchery you can imagine. In fact it was refereed to as "The Hell Hole of the Pacific". Apparently, we arrived to late to enjoy any of those activities. What we found was a small little town center with very pretty little shops and houses in the English tradition. There were flowers every where. Another English touch which adds to an already beautiful setting. The hotel/restaurant "Duke of Marlborough", which is only separated from the beach by a lightly used road, encapsulates the feeling of the area. It has the distinction of having the oldest liquor license in the country dating back to 1840. What a wonderful spot.

There are numerous other little villages that are in and around the bay. Due to the fact that this is almost at the most northern end of the country it is privy to the warmest weather and is a destination for vacationers.

Today is Sunday the 14th of Feb which makes it Valentines Day. I am betting we were among the first of our friends to celebrate this since we are so closest to the date line.

Tomorrow Auckland.

Chris - I'm in Love! - Besides being in love with my family and friends, I have found a new love this Valentine's Day...New Zealand, or at least Russell and the Bay of Islands. Paul has beautifully described this enchanting place and for someone who ADORES water like I do this place is heaven on earth! I can't wait until I can return with the kids and share this beauty with them as well. To cap off this Valentine's Day we watched the sun set over the islands while we ate dinner on the back deck and sailed away. Check out the photo of my new black pearl bracelet Paul gave me for Valentine's Day! Happy Valentine's Day to all of you in the States, we love and miss you!