After a couple of glorious days swinging on a mooring in Halfmoon Bay we have decided that its better to head up to Fiordland at the next opportunity. Crossing the Foveaux Strait westwards can be tricky as the westerly winds predominate. Weather windows with easterly sector winds can be hard to come by so we shouldn’t squander the opportunity. Further south and Port Pegasus will have to wait until next time.
On Saturday we did the final shopping for fresh items at the Four Square Store. Then we took a walk over to Horseshoe Bay. A beautiful bay, shaped like a horseshoe of course, with clean water and a curving sandy beach.
In the afternoon we repaired to the pub to watch the Americas Cup. Still a bit of a one-sided event favouring the Italian Luna Rossa Team. I hope the Brits can find a way back in to challenge.
Our time in Halfmoon Bay has been very enjoyable and the weather has turned on the charm again with clear skys and sunshine. The pub in the South Seas Hotel is very welcoming.
On Sunday morning we decided to leave the charms of Halfmoon Bay and head around to Paterson Inlet again for a spot of fishing and to visit Golden Bay anchorage.
The first fish we hooked was a nice size Gurnard. These are good eating so lunch was taken care of.
The next fish on board was a bit of a puzzle, finally being identified as a Pigfish. These are also reported to be good to eat but I am a bit wary. Ngozi is keen to try it though.
After this it was a constant stream of Blue Cod, some good sized fish for the pan and many smaller juveniles which we returned. Filleting is not my speciality, it took time but eventually I had all fish filleted and the patience of the attendant Mollyhawk paid off. He swallowed the fish carcases whole and seemed to have a bottomless pit of a stomach.
For Sunday lunch we had pan fried Gurnard and salad, wonderful.
After fishing we had a sail around Ulva Island in a nice N’ly breeze before anchoring in Golden Bay in calm tranquil conditions. The sunset was great again and a perfect excuse for sundowners.
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 
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