Trick or treat?

Yesterday, Chris and I finally left Auckland for good (we only returned there for a night after as a pit stop on the way back from the Bay of Islands) and began heading south. As we entered the area known as Mercury Bay, our bus pulled over for a customary tree hugging of the Kauri tree, aka the "king of the forest"(equivalent to our Redwoods in stature), to ask for safe travels and good weather. Then we continued onto our destination. Mercury Bay is a popular vacation area for the Kiwi's. It's is best known for the hot water beaches, great sea kayaking and that's about it. Chris wanted to try digging a pool in the hot water beach (which involves making channels for the sea water to merge with the hot water below the sand, to make the "pool" a tolerable temperature) and I wanted to try paddling my way in the sea. So we went our separate ways and met up later at the hostel. My adventure began almost right away! I was paired with an English guy for the two person kayak and just after leaving shore with my mate, we capsized!! Not too sure why and I'm hoping it wasn't my fault! So trick or treat? Flipping over and clinging on to the kayak for my life (okay, I'm exaggerating) made the experience terrifying, but quite memorable, so a bit of both. Luckily our valuables (cameras and money) stayed perfectly dry while we got soaked. We managed to regain our confidence and our balance and continued on to meet up with the others. After cruising on for a bit we made our way to the shore of Cook's Cove, where our guides brewed up some cappuccinos for us. Quite classy! And the warmth was much appreciated since I was freezing my behind off!