Deepwater Basin, Milford Sound
Sunday 15 March 2020
John and I awoke to quiet boat, as the next stage of the NZ2020 got underway.
Not that we were going anywhere. At least, not just yet. But with Linda, Matt and James heading back to Australia, yesterday, we now began seriously planning our departure from here tomorrow morning, when the wind is predicted to shift from NE to SW.
An overnight text from Linda, via Satphone, alerted me to the possibility that the global Coronavirus outbreak might prevent family and friends returning to join Chimere in the weeks ahead, with New Zealand imposing restrictions on travel. At this stage it’s too early to tell, but it’s highly likely some will be adversely affected.
By 10:30am John and I had travelled ashore and walked up to the Milford Lodge where we again made use of the WiFi, in order to make calls, check emails and in my case, upload some photos to the blogs from the past few days. It’s a long, slow business, but there’s nothing like a few photos to enhance the message, and whilst it’s started raining now, (and all you can see outside is grey-upon-grey) we really have been fortunate to capture this region in some stunning weather. Particularly since Milford receives around 6,700mm of rain (264 inches) each year, with rain falling on about 200 days in the year.
After a walk around to the Milford Visitors Centre, John and I were struck by how quiet everything is at the moment. Most of this will likely be as a result of the damage to the road, following torrential rain last month, and the limited ability of cars to get in.
Back on Chimere, John and I made good use of the remaining hour before it began raining, to lift the big dinghy back on deck. Lash everything down and stow all loose objects. We even had time to make some sewing repairs to the back cockpit dodger and apply some adhesive sail tape and patches to a few small frayed edge on the top part of the main sail; more as a preventative measure.
In reflecting on the voyage so far, it’s nearly 2 months since we left Westernport, with a total of 12 crew members joining John and I, for differing periods of time, along the way. In addition, there have been a further 5 visitors coming aboard for a day out. So far, we’ve covered around 2,500 miles, having seen some amazing things and experienced some equally amazing places.
Thank you to everyone for your interest and encouragement; and especially for Mike Clarke who uploaded the last week’s blogs, and Matt Latimer, who has agreed to resume the task – at least for the next 5 days – while we are again out of internet range
I’ve just managed to download the latest PredictWind forecast, via SatPhone, and it looks good for our 5:00am departure tomorrow morning; and for the next 5 days up the west coast. The rain should get heavier between now and morning, with the swells out at sea diminishing throughout tomorrow and over the next few days.
Smooth seas, fair breeze and preparation day
Rob Latimer
NZ2020 