Queenstown
The flight to Queenstown was actually one of the best flights I have ever had. We were told by the captain that we would have to circle around for a while and what a view. We had clear skies and … Continue reading Queenstown
Motuarohia Island and the little Blue Penguin
We set our sights today on an island where Captain Cook landed here in 1769. He was met by the Maori, and a small battle ensued. When it was over, they soon learned that the good Captain and his crew … Continue reading Motuarohia Island and the little Blue Penguin
Return to Opunga
Winds are changing again and we want a rather calm setting and the harbor we are in is not the place to be. Up goes the head sail and we have one of the calmest and nicest sails of … Continue reading Return to Opunga
Moturua Island
Leaving Whangoroa Harbor, we sailed back towards Brett Point and ended up in Oke Bay. Shawn had wanted to go here earlier, but it did not fit into the schedule. Nice bay and the wind was nasty, but it was … Continue reading Moturua Island
Kingfish Lodge
There is nothing like the comfort of tying up to a mooring ball at night. They are usually in the ground a lot better than an anchor and the Kingfish Lodge mooring was very convenient. Kingfish Lodge, we learned, is … Continue reading Kingfish Lodge
Whangoroa
Have you seen any episodes of Twilight Zone? I believe we have suddenly entered into one, but it is all in color. Since we did not fill up with water at the floating tin cans, we headed toward the … Continue reading Whangoroa
Rere Cove
Crazy sailing day as we headed north. The South winds picked up, which increased the swells making for a bit of a rocky ride even though the winds were mostly behind us. When we tried to change direction, we ended … Continue reading Rere Cove
Waewaetorea Bay
We had this modest little cove to ourselves for the night as it is only good anchorage if the wind comes off the land. We felt that the winds would hold steady so we dropped anchor. There was a small … Continue reading Waewaetorea Bay
Russell, Bay of Islands
We needed to fill up on water so we headed back to the marina where we started. You usually have to pay for water and sailors are cheap, and since we knew it would be free, why not. After filling … Continue reading Russell, Bay of Islands
Whangamumu and the Hole in the Rock
Imagine looking upwards at the night sky and seeing millions of shiny lights, blinking on and off in some mysterious code, or just at random. Imagine looking at the horizon and seeing a light so bright you think it is … Continue reading Whangamumu and the Hole in the Rock
The Traveling Squirrel 