Goat Island - February 2009

Two weeks ago, taking advantage of a great weather during the weekend, we ventured out of Auckland suburbia again. Being a bit tired of travelling long distances, we chose a place only 45 minutes away from home, the Goat Island (also known as the Cape-Rodney-to-Okakari-Point Marine Reserve or Leigh Marine Reserve). Since its official opening in 1977, the Reserve has been used extensively for scientific research, as a training ground for diving, and inspiration for many people who come to visit the place to enjoy the sea life and the beautiful beach.







I rented snorkelling gear and swam to the actual Goat Island. I saw some snapper fish and a few other kinds of fish but after snorkelling in Fiji, I was not impressed. Sadly, also, without my glasses and shoes (the rock that constitutes the island is very rough and it was difficult to walk around) I was unable to explore the island properly.

Meantime the boys enjoyed some snacks on the beach.





After a swim (Eric refused to get in the water complaining about its low temperature), I set off to explore the less busy parts of the beach.

























On my way back, I stopped to watch a few kids collecting all sorts of sea creatures from the rock pools.



Inspired by those youngsters, I took E on a rock-pool-fishing expedition. He loved watching me fish out crabs and snails and putting them in our bucket.



Thankfully, Eric showed up to help me out when we found a starfish (Yuck!).







It was an ejoyable morning and it was great to be able to drive back home and take a nap afterwards.