After Motuara Island we spent a couple of nights in Double Bay.
During a lull in the gusty southerly wind I tried fishing, but only caught a couple of small fish called spotties – one of which was being chased by a meter-long barracuda!
The next morning, Alex decided it was time to replace the damaged wind indicator on the mast, so he kitted up and, with a bit of winch grinding on my part, up he went (either he’s getting heavier or I’m out of shape!). The job was quickly done, but not before a rain shower doused him while at the top of the mast (I sensibly got under cover of the spray dodger!).
We had peaceful night in Kaipakirikiri Bay and came back to the marina early in the morning – we’re learning that early morning or around sunset are the least windy times for getting into our berth, which can be challenging when there is a cross-wind.
We spent the weekend in marina. Friday night we had dinner at the yacht club (we won the meat raffle!), and then Alex took me to the best (only) restaurant in Waikawa Bay for my birthday. On Monday a big front came through bringing 38kt gusts, torrential rain, and lightning.
On Tuesday the wind was still blowing so we took the seniors’ bus (only runs on Tuesday and Thursday, twice each day) to Blenheim. I can’t say much for Blenheim, but the bus trip was entertaining. Helen the bus driver (30 years driving the bus) greeted everyone personally, offering free zucchini to all and a doll to a baby passenger, and the passengers chatted with each other the whole way.
Wednesday was a fine day so, after getting our genoa back from the sailmaker with the UV strip repaired, we headed off again to Furneaux Lodge in Endeavour Bay. This is one of the resorts that is only accessible by boat/water taxi and they have their own moorings to entice boaties to come ashore for a meal. After a short walk along the Queen Charlotte Track to an ancient Rimu tree, we enjoyed dinner at the lodge (via a courtesy dinghy shuttle to and from Rusalka).
