I did not surf this break, which is off the dunedin coast. I am not that coordinated. However, in the Bay of Plenty the waves are three to five feet, and that I can play in with a boogie board.

The boys enjoyed this: there is something quite satisfying about playing with waves powerful enough to dump you.

But you have to be ready. We were suimming daily before this trip, including at Auckland beaches.

It was a good break and (although I would like longer) long enough for now…

• Eating flies while running along the waterfront in Newcastle.
• Seeing my family in two countries.
• Getting grant applications away, papers revised.
• Avoiding all the oral examinations by having a conference to go too that week.
• Trying to find receipts. (Thank goodness for the credit card). Waiting for the monies to be reimbursed.
• Getting food poisoning after a conference dinner, and therefore missing one of two days where practical ideas were being discussed.

I have a very long task list to do before Christmas. I will then need a holiday, and this blog will therefore be inactice until mid January.