Bridge Marina, Tauranga, North Island
Sunday 6 June 2021
“Periods of rain. Strong northeasterlies” … the weather forecast was spot on … it started when the sun went down last night and has continued off and on ever since.
But nothing was going to interrupt the “Sundowners and Snacks” in Chimere’s “Great Cabin” … well, saloon actually … scheduled for 3:00pm this afternoon.
I suppose no one turning up would have put a bit of a dampener on things, but that wasn’t likely. RSVPs were locked in and I had great confidence that come mid-afternoon around 12 of the McCarroll clan would be stepping aboard. And who are the McCarrolls I hear you ask ???
Well, many of you will be familiar with Mike Clarke, my co-founder in the Medical Sailing Ministries (MSM) Vanuatu venture. It turns out that Robyn, his wife, hails from this part of the world, so it seemed a nice idea to put out the welcome mat, given that many in the family have taken an active interest in the work of MSM from its very beginnings in 2009.
“Just put a notice together with all the details and I’ll send it around on our family Messenger group” said Robyn a couple of days ago. Realising it’s the Queen’s Birthday week-end we were initially unsure whether everyone might be busy doing something else, but in the end, we settled on Sunday at 3:00pm.
And as it turned out, the timing was perfect. Because in replying … “YES, we’d love to come” … it became apparent that Robyn’s older sister Tricia and many of the family, already had a booking at the restaurant here at this very marina and would be finishing up around 3:00pm
All they had to do was walk around 40 metres to the start of C Row, then another 100 metres or so, to the end.
And that’s what happened. I’ve gotta say, my catering was a bit on the flexible side, meaning I wasn’t exactly sure what to prepare – given everyone was coming straight from lunch. Maybe just a coffee or tea … plus the coveted Tim Tams … would be sufficient. Maybe a gin and tonic, or a beer, cheese and biscuits, chips (bro) or “D” all of the above. In the end I had it all out, ready but unopened, so it could be dished up as required.
Judging by the active and inquiring conversation, smiles, fun and laughter all-round I think the afternoon could be judged a success. I know I really enjoyed putting faces to the many names I have heard Robyn discuss over the 15 years or so that I have known her and Mike. “My Kiwi family” … as Robyn would say.
Fortunately, the showers held off just long enough for everyone to come and go without getting wet and after an hour of so things were starting to wind up. “You must come out to our place for dinner while you’re here”, declared Trish. “That sounds great” was all I could say, before Trish responded … “I’ll text you the details”
And this is where everyone’s generosity and thoughtfulness has been just so amazing.
Earlier in the day I received an email and text from David and Susan from Makatu, offering a meal and even the opportunity to stay in the “guest suite” attached to their home, if life alone aboard Chimere was getting a bit tedious. The offer was totally flexible, to fit into whatever my schedule might be.
So around 4:15pm, alone again and grabbing an opportunity between showers to apply a second coat of primer to a selection of spots … I thought … “now David did say flexible … and they are just down the road 30 minutes … and the offer of dinner and watching a telecast rugby union game together (at least the second half) sounds like a lot of fun …”
Sure enough, I texted the request and David’s response a few short minutes later was … “you’re on! Game starts @ 5 chilli (dinner) at halftime”
So here I am, sitting back in the cosy saloon of Chimere … extremely well fed, as I reflect on an evening of wonderful hospitality and stimulating conversation. Thanks again David and Susan!
Tomorrow, or in looking at the clock I see tomorrow is already today, is the Queen’s birthday holiday … so I wish Elizabeth many happy returns for the day, and thank her most sincerely for the holiday; although, being retired everyday feels like Saturday so a Monday-holiday has lost its currency somewhat.
Smooth seas, fair breeze and Sundowners & Snacks aboard
Rob Latimer
NZ2020 