Endeavor to Persevere
23 November 2011 | Sunset Bay, Bay of Islands
24 November 2011
Snorkeling was quite pleasant in a nipple popping sort of way as new, 3 mil, full length wetsuit ameliorated more dire hypothermic complications for about 45 minutes, although another 15 was necessary to locate appendage for a certain kidney related physiological function. Associated highlights were navigating, through a swell induced surge, underwater canyons leading toward several caves and a non-shy octopus crawling around among the waving kelp.
Sailed then motored to Sunset Bay for a very comfortable night as boats in the more popular bay cross channel rocked around the clock. A beautiful, large house above us on private Motukiekie Island was inhabited (we saw the lights and occasional movement), but residents seemed unfriendly as they kept curtains closed and did not invite us ashore for drinks and dinner. We were forced to subsist on salad, buttered kumara, incredibly succulent Scotch filets and a wonderful Taylor (Clare Valley, Australia not New York) Cabernet while watching the required (ergo the name) gorgeous sunset. We soldier on in the face of grueling hardship.
Jack