After a few days rest in Opua my crew, Kenley, returned to the US with the
experience of having made a passage to NZ. INTENTION and I sailed for Paihia
and are now anchored at Russell (Photo). I have arranged for a birth at West
Port Marina, Aukland and am heading 150 NM south to leave INTENTION to
travel to the US to visit friends & family for December and will return to
NZ Jan. 9th to begin a Haul out/bottom job after 3 years of cruising. Other
cruising friends have their boats there and can keep an eye on her during
the time I am gone.
++++++
Went ashore this morning to see and explore the quaint little town of
Russell. Upped anchor and by my self had gentle winds of 10-12 knot sail
which took the remainder of the day to round Cape Brett and anchor in
Whangamumu Harbor For the night. Had Some wine and discussions of the day’s
sailing with Doug & John on CARTREF. Especially when single handing it is
nice traveling in the company of another boat/cruising friend.
+++++++
Today was another day of beautiful light air, 5-10 knot winds, sailing 25 NM
south to the next protected anchorage, Tutukaka Harbor. With a boat speed of
only 3-4 Knots it took all day with grey high 100% overcast
skys.(See picture of INTENTION from CARTREF) While anchoring we were
welcomed by two dolphins cavorting around INTENTION. It began raining about
an hour after anchoring and has been blowing hard from the south and raining
all night and the next day. CARTREF and INTENTION are being tossed around by
the wind and waves even in this snug little harbor to wait out the passing
of this cold front. The wind and sea conditions must be much worse
especially sailing south.
++++++
We, CARTREF & INTENTION, decided to go into Tutukaka Marina and spent 2
days exploring the community and the headlands (See photos) while waiting
for the strong southerlies to so stop blowing. Due to insuficent time
and inclement weather I will not get to Auckland and put INTENTION at
Marsden Cove Marina, Whangerai which is only 20 miles further south.
Getting south those 20 miles in 25- 30 Knot winds alone was not easy but
INTENTION and I tighed-up safely to the dock at Marsden Cove just before
sunset with CARTREF tucked in alongside.
I feel cold after 3 years in the tropics being at Latitude 37 degrees South
is the same as San Francisco at north latitude. This is the NZ spring moving
into summer. Long sleeve shirts, Sweaters, long pants, what is this all
about? I’ll need to dig out some cooler weather clothes for here and a
California winter.
I’m having a great time back in the San Francisco area visiting friends and
Family until Jan. 8th when I’ll return to INTENTION.
I WISH ALL OF YOU A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAYS and NEW YEAR. Thank you all for
sharing 2007 with me.
LOVE
Jim