Well, I'm still in Ahipara. I'm using the Mark's computer.

Yesterday, went off to visit Gum Diggers Park - this an area where gum or resin from the Kauri tree was extracted from pits and used as a sealant on ships, etc before man-made alternatives became available about 75 years ago.

The Kauri trees are slow growing trees and live for over 2000 years. So, its at the opposite end for the scale to Lylandii. The trees grow very big and the wood is almost without knots, etc. So it looks great.

At the Kauri Kingdom shop they have used this wood to make furnature and even a spiral staircase.

Now, when I say a staircase I mean a staircase made from one piece of wood!

Last night, discovered that the local NZ brew - Lion Red - is potent are all!. So, remember this - don't drink more than twenty bottles of it!

Tonight we're going to the club-house and having a drink before an early night and the long journey home.

My wife tells me that my laptop has returned from being repaired (don't ask), so I'll need re-installing all my software before I can load anymore pictures.

enough