We're so busy, it's hard to find time to write about it. There seems to be something going on every day, every minute. We're waiting for a quote on the new mainsail. The engine compression check determined low compression in 3 of 4 cylinders...engine rebuild on the horizon, just getting quotes and figuring [...]

We took the ferry across the bay this afternoon ...only a 10 minute ride... to Okiato and the Omata Vineyards for a wine tasting. In this idyllic setting on a hill overlooking the Bay of Islands, we tasted merlot, syrah and chardonnay and then pinot noir, sauvignon blanc and a dessert wine. It will [...]

We went with a group early this morning to the provincial town of Kerikeri and its Sunday morning Farmer's Market...not too far away from Opua, but it gave us a good view of the countryside en route. It's lush and green and Spring here, don't forget. The flowers and trees are all in bloom and the air [...]

It's good to be in a marina for a change. We have shore power and all the fresh water we need AND hot showers (did we mention that yet? it's a key luxury for us here). A friend let us borrow his car and we drove into the town of Paihia to the Woolworths (grocery store) and shopped for freshies...also [...]

Oh, my, this is going to be a wonderful place. After a wonderful, calm, lovely night's sleep, Customs/Immigration/Bio clearance was quick and efficient this morning and took about an hour. After fretting about "everything" they would confiscate from the boat, we were pleasantly surprised that they really [...]

We arrived at 9:30pm this evening at Opua. We threaded our way through the well-marked channels of the Bay of Islands and are comfortably moored on the "Q" dock for the evening. Once Customs, Immigration and the rest of the authorities visit tomorrow, we'll head into the marina.