Took the train to Picton then the ferry to Wellie then another loooooong train to Auckland, then a bus to “Opua Hill.” They really do mean Opua Hill - the bus stops 1 k from the marina, no taxis or Ubers to be had. So we dragged our luggage down the hill and found the Mabel Rose safe and dry in her berth, if a little slimy from sitting still.

That was last night. Today I spent installing our new drawer-style fridge. It’s much smaller than the old Adler Barbour Cold Machine, but it won’t be sitting in bilge water on a heel, and it should be more efficient. And it’s quiet.

We also learned that our friends Ads and Yolanda on Windsong just arrived in Opua yesterday after a sixteen day passage from Tonga. No wind, not enough fuel, and more delaminating sails.

We had dinner with then at the Opua Cruising Club.