Monthly Archives: May 2015

Waiting, Waiting, (and working)

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Oh, it never stops. Either you’re out sailing to some remote spot or you’re waiting for a weather window to allow you to go. If you’re waiting for a weather window, then you’re sitting around with nothing to do but work on the boat. Boat “improvements”, as it were.

Such it is now. Because it will be at least a week before there is a window between nasty little (and not so little) storms blowing through, we’re sitting here in Whangarei going; “well, we could fix this thing”. We have a week or so to cool our heels and have thus “found” two weeks worth of boat projects we could work on.

And, so it goes.

Alas, it’s the calculus of boat ownership.

(Hint: looks like round about the 19th or so we’ll think about leaving. I’ll also post a couple notes about our proposed course/timing in the next few days).

A Delightful Morning Cuppa Coffee

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Another pleasure of cruising is the people we meet.  Most are true characters and Murray and Jan did not dissappoint.

They are the owners of a classic 1920 yacht Marguerite.  Built in NZ of Kauri wood by Collings and Bell, (you can “Google” the name/builder for more info) Marguerite has been lovingly restored by these two who live on Barrier Island and keep her moored outside their home.  Many stories were shared of their backgrounds, our backgrounds, etc, etc, but the bottom line is we’re all “out here” together doing stuff and that’s enough affinity that when Ann and I went past in our dinghy, they graciously invited us on board for a morning cuppa.

Charisma and Marguerite from afar.

You've gotta love a classic like this!

Our gracious hosts for the morning.

No Bull

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And then there were the hazards of Barrier Island.

Ann went “down” the trail after our hike while I headed out to do some fishing for our dinner.  Here’s what she found that brought her back sooner than we thought.

Probably one of the biggest hazards to New Zealand hiking is...The Bull. Yup, we've encountered a couple and this one was no exception. There was NO WAY he was letting Ann hike through his space. Hike over.

Barrier Island Shakedown

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So, shakedown done.  It went well and we have a page long list of stuff we need to adjust before setting out on our voyage back to the US.

But, about Barrier Island, what fun!  We hiked, fished and met some interesting people (as always) and had some beautiful views.  What can I say?  I’ll let the photos tell the story.

As always, hiking around Kiwi islands, we are stuck by the beauty and solitude.

Yes, the moonrise looked just like this from where we were anchored!

Just in time for moonrise and Charismas I got back in the dinghy from fishing for dinner.

Nothing like fresh caught fish for dinner. We got snapper two out of three nights here.

OK, a few more hiking Barrier Island photos

The trails here as in all of NZ are exquisitely maintained.

Down in valleys, on top of mountains, the views just never stop.

Sometimes really little, unmarked trails connect with bigger ones. We're careful to leave a bit of a track telling how to get back.

 

What is a “Shakedown Cruise”? (By Ann)

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We motored to Great Barrier Island today for our “shakedown cruise”. Yes, we will get enough shaking on the actual passage toward the Australs and Tahiti in a week or so, so why practice? Because we have not been sailing since we arrived in Whangarei the day before Thanksgiving.
That is a long time to leave major systems, like the engine and the watermaker idyll. Just over five months. Oh, and we needed the time to reacquaint ourselves with the sea and sailing. Hopefully there will be some wind on the return trip to test the sailing portion. Meanwhile we are out here feeling the gentle roll of the ocean and getting some sea-legs back under us. Oh, and getting our rear ends used to sitting still for long periods of time.

The engine ran beautifully and the small diesel leak seems to have been resolved. The watermaker started up and is doing its magic of giving us drinkable water from the sea.

We were escorted out of the Whangarei River by two of the largest dolphins I have seen. They stayed with us for about a half an hour and really enjoyed it when I waved my red hat at them. Apparently they see color. Who knew?
And as we got within two miles of Great Barrier Island we were greeted by another pod of about eight dolphins. It is great to be here and to feel so welcome.

I have kept myself busy today updating THE spreadsheet for all of the tools we stored back under the V-berth. Yep, all of those tools and paint and varnish ar stowed away. Phew. Bob could not wait to get anchored to commune with the snapper. Maybe tomorrow he will catch dinner.

Happy To Be Anchored Again

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Ah, the sweet feeling of Charisma gently rolling on the end of her anchor – the moon smiling down upon us on the mirror smooth water.

Yes, we have finally broken away from the dock, even if only for a five day shakedown cruise to Barrier Island – 20 some miles off the east coast of the north island of New Zealand.

Charisma is very happy to be free of the dock and out on the ocean (almost). We’re currently anchored at Urquarts Cove just inside of the Pacific Ocean. Tomorrow, it’s anchor up at 0730 and we’re off for the 26 mile voyage to Barrier where we hope to see how all the systems are working as well as maybe catch a snapper for dinner and gather some oysters off the rocks. As Ann put it: we’re sure to catch a snapper since I bought plenty of meat!

Charisma was on her best behavior leaving the dock as she clearly was chomping to get back to the sea. She backed straight out where I was hoping she would go and without a complaint we were heading to the bridge and downriver.

So…I can’t remember if we have internet coverage at Barrier. If we do, we’ll post. If not, we’ll see you all again on Wednesday next!