Dolphin Days

We took our boat out of Fitzroy Harbour, Great Barrier Island on a perfect summers day this January 2010.

There was plenty of sea life, both fish and birds, which tempted me to roll out the big trolling gear. (Not to catch Dolphins of course).

We went up around The Needles and over to the ocean coast off Barrier. It was just my Dad, my niece Georgina and her boyfriend Sam on board.

Despite the massive schools of kahawai exploding on the water everywere we didn't really get onto anything so kept going towards Medlands where we planned to anchor up the night in front of the bach. I little spoilt for choice I know.

Do I row in and enjoy an evening bbqing fish on the open fire at the beach house or just stay on the boat and bbq the fish there? Decisions decisions. Who cares either scenario works. We chose to stay on the boat that night as opposed to the house.

Unfortunately the boat trip was the same day as the Memory Park Noseriders Association Annual Longboard Classic. This was the 16th annual and was only the second I have missed competing in. We hung off the beach in the boat for a short time to watch the action and then headed out to check the cray pots. Picked up two crays in the pots and then off for a fish.

Whilst heading down to kingfish rock some dolphins decided that we were interesting enough to hang around for at least 40 minutes. I have to confess this was the one of the best dolphin experiences I have ever had. George and Sam went swimming with them whilst we fished. Totally amazing.

They just wanted to play and play with us. A special event and another example of how Great Barrier Island and the sea around it just keeps giving.