Dolphins

Well I have just arrived back in Christchurch after going up the coast to Kaikora for two days. The seaside town was lovely, so peaceful and quite with stunning scenery, with mountains in the background and a great coastline. I took a long walk up the cliffs to see the seal colonies, which were quite disappointing, although if I were a seal I think I would move home when they built a car park next to it, so lots of tourists could photograph me all day. I actually had a very close encounter with one, when I was photographing some birds, I saw a seal in the water so was zooming in on him and then he came so close and right out of the water waddling up to me, I got a bit scared as I hear they have a nasty built and can charge pretty fast. But he was just showing off and wanted to be the star of the show.

I also managed to get out on a boat and go swimming with dolphins, which was fantastic, we got all kitted up with layers of wetsuit as the water is beyond freezing. Then headed off two hours late as they couldn't find them at first. But by the time we arrived we were all so excited and hanging off the boat ready to jump in then the horn sounded. The first attempt was not the best they swan past pretty quickly and then moved off, so we all had to get back on the boat to follow them. The next time we had much longer in the water and I saw lots going past me either side and underneath. We had been briefed that they liked being entertained and the more dolphin like you made yourself the more interest they will show. So I tried the flipper swimming and diving down (pretty impossible when you have so many layers of wetsuit on). We were told to make dolphins noises and that they even liked songs.... So I tried twinkle twinkle little star, which didn't attract any attention so reverted back to high pitched shrieking, which did the job, They must be more Madonna fans. I can't believe how close I was, such a great experience and I managed to keep a couple entertained as they tried to circle me, I tried to keep up with them, I think I only managed 2 or 3 circles, but at least they had a laugh at me trying to be a dolphin.

I am back in Christchurch now and Sally and Anne should be here in a couple of hours to add some madness into my travels. Then we have hired a spaceship to take us round the country.... No not an actual spaceship its a people carrier with a bed in the back.

Love to all

Jenxx