The best Present....

It was my birthday today and the night was short.

It must have been 2:30 when we went to bed and since we were to report to the Dive centre at 8 we had to get up around 7.

My present was nothing I could unwrap, play with or put above the TV. Instead it was a chance for a great memory. A dive trip to the Poor Knight Islands, just a couple of miles of the east coast of New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean.

Everything was packed pretty quickly and we did arrive on time at the Dive centre.

meeting at 8 am at the dive centre

After filling out the forms, getting our gear and a quick introduction of the dive masters we were already on the Calypso, the boat that was going to take us out to sea.

Although the skipper had promised smooth seas, it was pretty choppy with 3m swells, even on the large boat. The smaller boat that was travelling parallel to us shot out of the water entirely a couple of times.

This reminded us that we were not going to be diving in some lake in Bottrop, but the Pacific Ocean.

It took us about an hour full steam ahead to get to the islands.

There are a couple of theories from where the name of these Islands came. I believe it is because when travelling towards them over the water they do look like a dead knight on his back, holding his shield or sword.

Our first port of call was a little bay on the west side of the island and due to the natural arch at this location and it being about half way down the island the dive site was called "Middle Arch".

After a quick brief with DM Chris and two other divers that were going to join us (Holger and Steve) we strapped on our gear and went into the water.

Same as 15 years ago Dad needed more weight than the DM had predicted.

Once we all were on the way down Dad needed a few minutes to get adjusted to the equipment and procedures again. It has been a long time since the last dive but soon he was flapping away and enjoying the scenery.

Just 5 minutes and only 10m under the surface we spotted two stingrays, one of them probably 2m or even more wide. The next exciting stop was a a underwater cave in which we surfaced at 8 meters below sea level and took off our masks and regulators and had a bit of a chat.

The Air bubble was just big enough, so that our 5 heads fit in and it was nearly impossible to understand each other, but it was it was the first time for me to surface under the sea and was very adventurous.

Back at the boat we gathered our strength and revitalized with lunch and a coffee.

My Mom also went into the water for a little swim while we were down under the surface.

The entire time the sun was shining and it was warm with a little breeze, so that this trip would have even been enjoyable without all the diving. When everyone was back on board we set course for our next stop: The largest sea cave in the world (by volume). The entire ship fit easily into the cave and could turn around. The sound within the cave was amazing and there concerts have been held inside.

The second dive site, "Trevor's Rocks" was just in front of the cave but Dad was not in the mood for a second dive so I went with the other guys.

Here (hopefully Dad doesn't get jealous now) the water was quite a bit clearer and there were many more fish to be seen.

The rays were missing but I did see a scorpion fish and a moray which was sitting head first in it's cave.

Back at the boat the ice between the passengers had broken and everyone chatted away with everyone on the way back to Tutukaka harbour while baking in the afternoon sun on the edge of the pacific Ocean.

Back at land with solid ground under our feed and exhausted from a long day at sea we took a rest at the Dive shop before we got in the car.

Our destination for the day was further north. A town called Russell.

A lot of the drive led along the coast with wonderful tropical sand beaches with people swimming, surfing or just relaxing in the sun or under palm trees.

Along along the way we decided to rather look for a place to stay in Paihia than Russell. It is just on the other side of the Bay of Islands and it would mean we don't need to take the car across a ferry.

In Paihia we quickly found a nice Motel with a great, modern room with all amenities.

After a shower we drove into town and looked around for some food. Barbara, the owner of our Motel had suggested a place called Francesco's and this looked the most inviting to us too.

Since it was my birthday I didn't hesitate to order a medium rare scotch fillet. This wonderful steak was accompanied by a very strange tasting summer ale, which then was followed by a proper beer.

Unfortunately the crème brulee was out, so that there was no desert for me today.

Back home, after a long and exciting day, we had just enough energy left to copy some pictures across and then soon it was time for bed.

It was a great Birthday and I am very thankful for my Parents to have come half way around the world to celebrate it with me. Thank you guys... and thanks for paying for the dive and the fancy steak, too :-)!