We were doing so well for awhile there. Now when I look at the chart it seems like we're gonna sail right past New Zealand. That would be bad! The high pressure system that was supposed to give wind vearing to the east has not happened so that plan is going out the window. We listened to Gulf Harbor Radio for their excellent weather forecasting but today was something of a disappointment. First we're told that there's light and variable conditions ahead then 15 minutes later we're told to expect 20 knot SE! My grib files comfirm that it is a weather mess out there for sure. A front has just passed NZ waters sending SW winds to boaters who are already there. We aren't there yet though so we are in another system altogether. And then on top of that a gale force storm is expected to hit where we're heading on Tuesday. So I had a tizzy fit over it...confusion, frustration and sleep deprivation combined to having me blow off all over Don. When it was all said and done, we dropped the sails, started the motor and are headed straight for Opua. It's about 320 miles ahead and god knows what weather we'll get in the meantime. But that's what big engines are for, right? Anyway, we've had the autopilot up and running, twice. And now it doesn't seem to be working at all so we're taking turns hand steering. To be clear, the wheel does lock but it doesn't hold course that well so you have to adjust it again every few minutes. It's a very hypnotic process so we'll take short shifts. The good news is we will be there by Monday am. Come hell or high water! Way better than what I was thinking a few days ago. I could not see us possibly getting in before the big storm so I totally thought we would be heaving to out here for many days waiting for it to pass. I'd much rather be tied to a dock sleeping. So, all is well on board. Three more days.