It has been awhile since I've posted. We have been busy since arriving at Opua. We have found some great deals, renewed old friendships and made new ones as well. We have even been working on the boat and doing some planning for our New Zealand adventure. Pearl is finally back from two weeks of quarantine. We sure missed her, and she is happy to be home again. Now for the first time since leaving New Zealand, she is allowed on land. She sure is loving the walks and is learning to be a good dog with other dogs and people. She is shy, but polite, so that is just fine with us. She is learning that people walking by the boat do not need to be greeted with a noisy hello! Other than that, she is making a great transition.

Water
We have been dreaming about a water maker since we purchased Tender Spirit. Unfortunately, it never made it to the top of the list. Other, more critical items kept bumping it down. It was still not even close to the top of the list. Like any good cruising plan, it changed. A cruiser was selling a new, in the box water maker for an incredible price. It is engine driven and produces 20 gallons per hour. The water makers on the market are in the $5,000 range. So our quarter berth is now filled with water maker parts and pieces. We are still undecided about where and how to mount this contraption, but we will get some help. Soon, we will be truly independent of the dock! In the meanwhile, we are enjoying being tied to the dock and having unlimited access to a water hose. We have tons of boat projects to keep us entertained and having access to a boat yard and marine stores is a real luxury.

Wheels
Returning to New Zealand was an easy choice because we left with huge regrets. We did not have the opportunity go get out and see the country. We promised ourselves that we would see more of North Island and also venture down to South Island. We kicked some tires at a local used car shop, but the prices had gone up since we were here last. We were also looking at circumnavigating New Zealand. The trip would be tricky with bar crossings and unpredictable weather. We were back at the used car lot again; still shaking our heads. We kept passing a Land Rover that we really liked in the marina parking lot. Naturally it was not for sale. On the morning that Pearl arrived back from quarantine, a "for sale" sign was in the window. The price was very low and we were hot on it. So, our plans have changed again. We are the proud owners of a green Land Rover. We are planning extensive inland traveling down to the South Island by vehicle. This is our first adventure driving on the left side of the road, so we will do some short range exploring first!

Work
Yup, I am working in exotic locations. I am actually starting to make an income with my writing. It's nice to see a few dollars trickling into the poor old bank account. I have a few freelance projects going on so we will be tied even closer to the internet. Hopefully I will be able to balance boat projects, road trips and writing.