Prepping for the trip to New Zealand
03 November 2009 | Tonga
Scott
Just a year ago, we were leaving San Diego headed for Mexico and the excitement and preparation feels familiar.
After a longer than anticipated, but uneventful upwind slog to Nuku'alofa we arrived and spent our last carefree tropical night for the foreseeable future anchored off a peaceful outer island. Once we moved the boat into the inner harbor, it has been non stop boat chores to get ready for the 1200 mile sail to New Zealand. The long list of miscellaneous but necessary tasks included topping off water, diesel, propane, laundry, swapping the headsail for a smaller sail, and all of the normal boat prep for a long trip.
Mary cashed in her best birthday present ever and flew to New Zealand with the boys two days ago. We had a bit of a fright this week when both the boys woke up covered with angry red bumps and the initial diagnosis was possible chicken pox. With all the screening for swine flue and infectious diseases, Mary was terrified that New Zealand heath officials would not allow them into the country when they arrived on the plane. Fortunately, Mary and both bumpy kids were successfully checked in and are now enjoying themselves in New Zealand.
I am done schlepping diesel and water jugs, cleaning up the boat, and am looking forward to Dad arriving tomorrow morning. All that is left is a half day of navigating Tongan Immigration and Customs, a market trip for fresh food, and then we can move the boat to a clean anchorage for a final scrub of the bottom. Despite heavy overcast and rain presently, there is a good weather window for the passage, and I am hoping to leave on Friday morning.