Category Archives: Uncategorized

Bridge Marina, Tauranga, North Island Thursday 3 June 2021 If the idyllic, mythical Hobbiton, (from Lord of the Rings fame) is located just a short drive south of here – near the town of Matamata – then Maketu, just a short drive east of here, must surely be the idyllic REAL-LIFE equivalent; only with aContinue reading “Paradise Found”

Bridge Marina, Tauranga, North Island Wednesday 2 June 2021 It was a blissfully still night, tied securely to the end of D Row, and even the noisy seagulls on the pontoon a short distance across the water eventually fell silent.   The early night meant we were up and awake that much earlier too, withContinue reading “Settling into Tauranga Life”

Bridge Marina,  Tauranga,  North Island Tuesday 1 June 2021 Sailing from Gisborne to Tauranga continued through the night as our 4-hours ON and 4-hours OFF came and went.  On that topic, it’s strange how the four hours ON seemed to extend a lot longer than the four hours OFF, as the welcoming arms of aContinue reading “Finally, some real sailing”

At sea off East Cape, North Island Monday 31 May 2021 We really enjoyed our three days in Gisborne.  It was a good chance to relax, avoid some poor weather (out at sea) , and explore something of life ashore. The all-important weather forecasts showed a switch to a southerly airflow, more suited to ourContinue reading “Back to Sea Again”

Gisborne Inner Harbour Marina Sunday 30 May 2021 After a night of passing showers, which didn’t bode well for the day ahead, the morning dawned with patches of blue sky and the promise of more to come. With the other three sound asleep in their bunks, I made my way ashore a bit after 8:00amContinue reading “Lazy Day in Gisborne”

Gisborne Inner Harbour Marina Saturday 29 May 2021 It was a lazy start to the day, with an extensive breakfast that made good use of the eggs, bacon and bread in the ship’s stores.  In contrast to the day before, the sky started out grey and overcast, a portent of what was to come. ButContinue reading “Harper hits the highway”

Marina Gisborne Friday 28 May 2021 The sun came up off our starboard bow, marking our second day out of Wellington.  Our speed was slow, but steady with a daily run of around 126 miles. Life in the galley resumed somewhat, with my attempt at a Pizza creation on a Pita Bread base, going downContinue reading “Shore leave in Gisborne”

At sea, 15 miles east of Cape Kidnappers Thursday 27 May 2021 The weather forecast turned out to be remarkably accurate – very little wind, but a confused sea, the result of a lingering storm north-east of here. On “paper”, the sea state looked worse than it actually turned out to be, showing as itContinue reading “Rolly & Lumpy – as expected”

At sea, 40 miles NE of Cape Palliser Wednesday 26 May 2021 Our last night at the marina was still and calm.  The rain and wind had gone somewhere else, for a time, and we were left with a starry sky and reflections in the still water around us. After completing most of the importantContinue reading “Out on the BIG BLUE again”

All aboard are well but reception is a bit dodgy, Stay tuned for today’s blog.. another time!