Kiwi Magic

Of course you can't really see the kiwi, a nocturnal creature that we believe must be a cousin to the unicorn.
But there is a bit of magic to this land. The landscape rolling, undulating, mountainous, gleaming bays, forests. And the Maori culture - the native culture which so infuses this land seems to make it even more special. Unlike the native population of the United States or Australia, Maori make up about 40% of the population. The official languages og New Zealand are Maori AND English. There is a rich hostory oft repeated. A treaty with the British in the 1800's is cited as the hallmark of race relations in New Zealand.

Between New Zealanders penchant for abbreviation and Maori long names and stories, it makes for a fantastical adventure. We drove on the west coast of the North Island - up toward the north through Kauri forests where we encountered Tane Mahuta. OK - Kauri we never heard of before ... a giant tree much like a redwood. But Tane Mahuta is "King of the Forest" a single humongous tree that is eye popping. Then we saw signs that you had to buy your "kamura" now. OK we found out that is sweet potato. Next we saw a sign that "Housie" is on Tuesday. We have no idea what that is. The names of places are melodic - Kerikeri, Opononi, Mahutakoakoa. Although we are staying near Paihia, the name of our current abode (read camp ground or camper van location) on the Bay of Islands is "Russell," a placid town, that used to be a whaling capitol, a hell hole, and full of brothels. It has changed.

Today we spent crusing the waters of the Bay of Islands. Quite a change from our escape from cyclones.
Some of you have asked for pictures. We will add them to our postings as soon as we can when we find an internet cafe that can accomodate. Today stareted gray and voercast ... and became crystal blue.
We are safe ... and now safer ... except for this little camper van that could be a test of marriage of homicide.
Actually we are doing well.

Love,

Mel