This morning, the day opened with low cloud, light rain and a slight S’ly breeze. I had a perfect sleep last night and feel refreshed this morning.
After breakfast I picked up the anchor and sailed out of Double Bay under staysail. The breeze was very light, just enough to keep us moving along up Queen Charlotte Sound. Today I decided to have a short sail and take it easy, this evenings anchorage being only six miles distant.
Just after lunch time we were moored in Burney’s Beach, a bay on the west coast of Arapaoa Island, well protected from the S’ly wind. On cue the sun came out, the first sun for three days! I cracked a beer and put a fishing line over the side. Very soon I had two plump Blue Cod on board for lunch. Things were looking up, fresh protein.
Once the lunch had been dealt with, I decided to go for a walk on the beach. I haven’t been ashore for five days and needed to stretch my legs. A short dinghy ride over crystal clear water and I was ashore. Of course, the place is absolutely deserted, only the birds for company.
Burney’s Beach was the site of a sad incident in relations between the British and Maori. A party of sailors from the Adventure landed ashore to eat lunch. They were soon joined by locals, some drinking took place, arguments started and shots were fired. Before the British sailors could reload their guns they were attacked and overpowered. The following day their dismembered and cooked remains were found by Burney who led the search party for the men.
This evening there are some strange animal noises coming from ashore. Not sure what they are, must be birds, they sound very creepy, its pitch black so can’t see anything. I hope they desist soon so I can have another nights undisturbed sleep.
The weather is taking a turn for the better. The wind is forecast to be favourable to move around into Pelorus Sound tomorrow.
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 
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