Well, we didn’t take the weather window on the 22nd May, the weather was just not right for us. A few other boats sailed out but we decided to head north to Whangaroa Harbour and relax for a couple of days and do some fishing.
TIME TO CHECK OUT
RETREAT TO AUCKLAND
The end of January. From the logbook it appears that we have only had three days without rain this year – most unusual. Also, it appears that we have only had three days good sailing this year. Summer is a dud.
RETURN TO WHANGAROA
Our time at Waiiti Bay has come to a close. The weather forecast is for increasing easterly winds, although still only 20 knots. I suspect that we are in for a bit more in the coming days as this unusual summer weather continues. So, we are heading back into the safe embrace of Whangaroa Harbour.
FAIR WEATHER EXCURSION
This morning all was peaceful in Whangaroa Harbour, flat calm, quiet and clear skies. I sat in the cockpit with an early morning cup of tea and savoured the tranquillity as the sun rose above the hills. This the best time of the day.
WHANGAROA HARBOUR – DINING OUT
Eager to vacate the Bay of Islands and boats with blue underwater lights I was up early. The sky was still grey overcast and threatening but the wind looked steady. I had considered towing the dinghy but knew that sods law would come into play and lead to disaster, the dinghy and outboard were securely stowed on deck for the passage to Whangaroa.
RAIN AGAIN – BAY OF ISLANDS
After a quiet night at Whangamumu Harbour and a leisurely breakfast we weighed anchor and headed out into a decent swell and confused sea. Once clear of the harbour things sorted themselves out and we sailed on a brisk S’Wly breeze up to and around Cape Brett. From there it was plain sailing all the way down into the Bay of Islands, the sun came out, it started to feel like summer had arrived.
MANGONUI TO WHANGAROA
I had a nice stop at Mangonui, I like the place. Some good shore leave and exercise and stocked up with fresh groceries. In the Four Square store I was taught the Covid level 2 protocol, wait to enter store, use hand sanitiser, keep distance from other shoppers etc. With fresh groceries at hand I... Continue Reading →
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 