East Cape adventures

heh its been awhile since ive given any updates...so about a week and a half ago i was heading over to Mt maunganui. I spent two nights there and pretty much laid on the beach :) and walked around. I met up with chris on the 2nd day and we did a gorgeous hike up the mount, sorry no pics, i had left my cam in the hostel. ooops chris and i drove then over and camped out near east cape, woke bright and early and HIKED up 755 steps to the lighthouse on the eastern most part of NZ. The sunrise was brilliant. we started to make our way back east and stayed in a hostel that had been described as robinson crusoe-esque...and that it was! like a large playhouse/treehouse. we got kayaks for free and meandered around for a bit. from there, after a few confusing text...i ended getting a job over in russell. Chris and i parted ways, sadly but will hopefully cross paths in the south island.
So Russell....its in the bay of islands and i am working a few hours a night as a runner for the waiters. i am enjoying it bc i get to chat it up with all the guests. the staff here is fun and tomorrow we are going up to cape reinga...where the tasman and pacific literally collide!here are some fotos from russell and the gables (where i work and live) the accommodations are great. m room is above the restaurant with a sea view....i can hear the waves crashing when i wake and go to bed. no complaints here. plus the food is great! ive never eaten better (altho chris andi somehow created some lovely dishes while camping!)....hope everyone is doing well....HAPPY ST PATTY'S DAY!!!!