The Rock

It has been a bit bleak the last couple of days and Phil and I were sitting in the shelter of the doghouse drinking coffee and having a discussion on something totally forgetable when we heard something quietly and consistently splashing near the boat...... not boisterous so not dolphins.
On investigating we saw a blonde girl slowly sidestroking past.
Thinking that no one in her right mind would don bathers and get into water that was about 10 deg
I asked her "Why?'
" Exercise" she replied.
"Where are you from?"
"Canada. This is warm".
We think she may have come from the "Rock", a two story converted car barge that is a floating hotel.
Maybe that would be something nice to try next visit (the Rock, not the swim).

Weird and wonderful New Zealand

Just before I left Auckland to come to Russell I went to the preliminary trials for the annual Soap Box Derby. The ultimate winner of this series goes to Ohio USA to compete in the world championships.
Down here is a very special school run and staffed by very special people for children with special needs. It is called Somerville Special School. These children never have a chance to compete with other children.
This time they did. Maybe the other competitors thought they were not a force to be reckoned with. But the local businesses sponsored them and the parents worked hard, as they do, to have a first class racer ready
In the prelims one little boy, Jordan, made it to the finals
This little speedster was 1/100th of a second behind the fastest child in New Zealand.
The parents and staff are on cloud nine. And, I bet, they are planning to be out there next year.

On the 4 hour bus ride I sat next to a stunning Maori 13 year who was telling me about Maori legends. Then she told me about pink sheep. Now, I hadn't seen many sheep to date, and certainly no pink ones. And remembering that Kiwis were on a par with Aussies for leg pulling I was a bit noncommital. As we came to Whangerai, where my story teller would be leaving me I saw, in a small paddock near the road side... PINK SHEEP!!

Amused by my wonder, she said " Watch out for the striped cows".
"Pull the other one" I thought
The sheep, of course, were dyed as an advertising gimmick, but striped cows???

On we went and I settled down to watching the unbelievable scenery, monstrous ferns, rolling hills and beautiful bays when
There they were!! Striped cows!!!
These are a recognised breed of belted cows but New Zealand stories are not to be taken too lightly.

As the weather changes the yachts in Matauwhi bay are thinning as the families plus kids are up and away to the Pacific islands and the warmer weather Marg tells me it is around 29 degrees during the day. Here is is tops 25..
Bye for now

Still in Heaven!

Rained rather heavily so stayed below and rocked and read.
My neighbours, with small children, got their washing out to catch the first sun and breeze.
There are several cruising boats with chidren on board. The boats are rigged so that adventurous kids can't go overboard.
These children will probably spend the coldest months cruising Fiji.

The hull of Kimimoana is unlined at this time so it is like sleeping in a coolroom..... about 10 cms of concrete and steel between me and the coooool sea.
Reading by candle is best because the cost of batteries is pretty high.

Good Fiday and Phil and I went up to have lunch with Pip and Oliver, one of the first commercial charterers here, both of my generatio. Their home is beautiful, Pip's cooking is superb. Raising children and sailing has made her pretty efficient and a gourmet cook. They keep a smaller yacht at the bottom of the hill. They have a small B&B overlooking the bay. Watching the yachts sail by with a small glass keeps them in touch with the comings and goings :))

Easter Saturday and the children from "Rat bag" were cheering as their mum rowed them out to meet our visitors on a bright sunny morning. In cas you can't see them to well..... four dolphins playing up for the kids :))))

Russell aka Heaven

First Sunset in Russell

Well, I am here at last. After a 4 hour bus ride I arrived in Pahia. As this was the day after daylight saving finished I managed to get it wrong! It was too dark to try to scramble on board so I slept on Janet's couch. Next day was the first day aboard Kimimoana.
The work below decks was unbelievable. While quite primitive ( no power, floor unfinished and plumbing to be done), it was dry, snug and comfortable. Gas cooking on the galley stove courtesy of HMSNZ(?) Canterbury.
The shopping is done via a 15 min ride in a dinghy to the Russell yacht club and a 20 minute walk into Russell. The coffee is good but the bread shop always seems to be sold out of really good stuff by the time I get there!!
Martine had Phil's hair cut and his beard trimmed in Auckland about a week before I arrived.
He looked really beaut.
The sunset on the first day was unbelievable. Maybe being so close to the water.
I am still trying to work out my little computer so my email and blog is getting further behind.
Thommo, (big flash yacht chartering to tourists) gave me some good info re charging. Love to all
Mea

The Longest White Cloud

The Tamaki river has some spectacular cloud formations forming above it.
Here is a spectacular long white cloud.It took Mitch three frames and a lot of editing to get this remarkable photograph.

Afterbeing in Auckland for nigh on 3 weeks it seems to be one of the most well ordered and beautiful cities I have ever seen. Nestling in a beautiful bay with Rangitoto visible from nearly every hill, surrounded by higher extinct volcanoes it is truly memorable. The oldest buildings in the city are happily merged with interesting modern architeture. The bridges are decorated with ornate Moari patterned concrete friezes. People are friendly.
Little rivers and streams head into the sea everywhere. Trees and gardens are lush and public areas beautiful and well kept. Soon I will leave for Russell to spend Easter (and longer) with my son on his yacht (still building) Kimimoana.