Vancouver 2011

Gazing out through a gap in the haze, from "Canada Day" located in one of the delightful tree lined streets in the suburbs, across to the heart of Vancouver. This cache was all broken - possibly by the creatures of the night - raccoons maybe. I hope it is repaired and replaced to be available to other visitors like me.

What a lovely city! I'll be back, with my GPS, to find more caches and enjoy the hospitality and sites of Vancouver.

South of the Bombay Hills

"Lake Waikare"

"Stoned in Meremere"

"Pokeno Park"

Heading Home

"Lion's Lookout" and "Dome Valley". We stopped for a few minutes break to find each of these caches as we travelled back home. We also stopped at "Springs Flat Bridge" to add the small magnetic cache to our list of done-its!

Russell

"Flagstaff Hill"

What a climb! We weren't alone as we climbed to the top of Russell for a fantastic view from the sundial. A quick find before heading down to catch the ferry back to Paihia.

On our trip to Paihia, Waitangi and Russell we learned a lot about the history of the settlement and the importance of this area in the early days of European settlement and colonisation of New Zealand.

Farmer Stan's Seat and Queen's View Seat - Russell

Farmer Stan's Seat and Queen's View Seat - these caches belong to the students at Russell School. How neat that the students check these caches and can find out where all the visitors to these caches come from - all over the world, we're sure.

We walked around Russell after the ferry ride across from Paihia. The hilly climbs rewarded us with great views. We also visited a lovely little church with very old churchyard cemetery down behind the shops.

From Waitangi to Haruru Falls

"Why Tangi?"

On this misty day we watched gulls dive into the water near the bridge and bring up fish from between the boats at anchor. A good magnetic cache, but you were right - there were lots of other people at the car park enjoying the view from the shelter of their cars. Care was needed.

Amazing Haruru Falls near "Boathouse View". This waterfall had a huge volume of water flowing over it. A spectacular sight.

Paihia

"A View to Die For" We did not disturb the long term residents here but did walk around a look at the many interesting looking grave site decorations and then sit and take in the view of Paihia from a high point.

Tomb of Memories: A beautiful church now stands where the original raupo church once stood. It was the first church ever built in New Zealand. It opened for Divine Service on Sunday, September 21st, 1823.

The church cat greeted us and followed us around the grounds.