20/05/2013, Bay of Islands
The weather improved once more and it was time to do some more cruising. We headed into 15 NW breeze and then turned to Roberton island for lunch and a walk. A big squall line decided to come in so we beat a hasty retreat from the delightful climb, back out the yacht. However, most of the squall passed shoreward of us but gave the race fleet in the channel some curry. We did get these excellent photos of the fangs of the squall, its rainbow and blue sky behind. Talk about ying and yang! Then we were back in sunshine for the short ride down to Awaawaroa Bay on Moturua island for the night. Saw the R Tucker Thompson beating around the bay as well. The night was dead calm and today the morning was extraordinarily beautiful. Click here for pix
| 21.New Zealand 2013 |
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Comments [1]
17/05/2013, Opua
Pete n' Kathy from Waverunner were our friends from our previous visit to NZ in 2008. They have their beautiful yacht currently in Turkey but are on a visit to NZ to catch up with family. Our timetables meshed and they were able to come up from Chch for two days. Sadly the weather crapped out but we have had a great time with them nonetheless. It was great to share Andrea's birthday with them.
Thank you so much for coming to see us and Diomedea. Good luck with your Med cruising.
| 21.New Zealand 2013 |
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16/05/2013, Bay of Islands
Otaio Bay on the NW corner of Urupukapuka island is another gem. The island has excellent walks and even a small "resort" which looks a lot like one of the old recreation camps on Lake Macquarie. One night we heard a thump and then a roll along the top of the coachhouse. No, not possums as we were well out in the bay. A small bird had crashed into the rig and sat stunned on the deck for quite some time. He left a calling card before disappearing. As the high ridged over the bay, we had a bow around the sun, suggesting high altitude ice crystals. Has not amounted to anything weather-wise though. Click here for pix
| 21.New Zealand 2013 |
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15/05/2013, Bay of Islands
We have been out and about quite a bit in the Bay of Islands in the last week, maximising our use of fine weather. We had a day anchorage in Army bay, Moturua island. Originally the site of a fortified village from Maori days, it became a surveillance post with gun emplacements during the second world war. Now it is a pretty island with pebbly beaches and an enjoyable circuit walk. We moved from the day anchorage over to Paradise Bay on Urupukapuka island for the night and met up with two Australian boats. Had a particularly stunning sunset. Click here for pix
| 21.New Zealand 2013 |
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11/05/2013, MidTasman
I know Anzac day was so last month but here is the video showing how Chris, Andrea, and your faithful correspondent shared the event on the high seas. Cheers.
| 21.New Zealand 2013 |
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10/05/2013
| 21.New Zealand 2013 |
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