We've been back in NZ for over 2 months now and it's been great! Moved 38 times and done less than 100 miles as the distances between anchorages are so small. The weather was pretty grey and wet for a start but then Spring arrived and it's been great ever since. Most of the time we have been sharing anchorages with Argo, often rafted together as weather allows.
Here we are , up the Kerikeri River, a shallow winding cruise to the Stone Store, where we put lines ashore in a tight little corner. Much to our relief, our sails were repaired rather than replaced and the sailmakers were amazed at the good condition they were in considering the miles they had done, so they should be good for a few more yet.
I'll have to be careful not to bore everyone with grandchildren photos from now on, but must say we are loving being hands-on grandparents after missing most of their young lives.
The Bay of Islands is very yacht friendly and one of the best clubs is the Russell Boating Club. We'd anchor close by, row ashore and walk to the village to shop, or up to Flagstaff Hill for some exercise and an awesome view.
With 3 kids onboard Argo is often seen moving between anchorages with the clothes flapping in the breeze. Below is a typical Kiwi bach (holiday house).
The islands are all predator free thanks to a lot of work over the years so the birdlife is incredible and we got to see Saddlebacks for the first time. There are loads of walking tracks and pa remains to explore.
The grandchildren were given a rundown sailing dinghy and helped their Dad get it up and running. Here they are on launching day, about to have their first lesson after a fine speech by Isaac, calling her "Free Will" after the friend who donated her.
For a week we helped friends Pete and Cathy who had their boat hauled out at an amazing little boatyard at Waitangi. The mast had to be lifted out and painted which Phil helped with while I did some varnishing inside. It was good to do some work for a change and has us looking forward to getting on with some of our own projects.
Our eyes look out to the horizon and we think of all the adventures and beautiful places out there. We will find the same here as we make NZ our cruising ground in the future, enjoying both the wild and isolated Fiordland and Stewart Island down south and up here in the warmer north the abundance of easy cruising. There are a lot of foreign cruisers caught here with the lockdown and they are pleased to be here. Hopefully NZ will open up for those boats waiting in French Polynesia soon and they will be able to enjoy a safe cyclone season in this beautiful place.
