Awaking to grey skies and misty drizzle, with the Corona Virus taking its deadly hold on the world and practically all services closing down as New Zealand’s Level 4 shut down took place, the decision was made to up anchor and head into the shops to restock. By doing this, we could continue our exploration […]
Despite having travelled Norway, remote volcanic islands and more, this New Zealand landscape is the likes of which there is no real comparison for. Rugged, jagged outcrops atop the peaks towering high above created a time for amusement as we, like children, identified shapes within. Rocky outcrops burst forth from the uneven seabed […]
Moody, rugged, and awe inspiring from the water, the landscape altered at every turn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpyRIUTI39Y Dolphins played. Whilst we moved, taking that perfect shot as they burst forth from the water was practically impossible. On arriving at our destination of Urquharts Bay, the picturesque landscape so suited to the saga of the hobbit […]
A second visit to Mansion House in Kawau Bay was undertaken this morning. Anne was dying to experience dining on coffee and cake whilst sitting in a cafe once more. What a disappointment she received upon discovering the café closed on arrival. Peering long and hard through the window, we eventually sighted a sign notifying […]
The most peaceful of nights behind us, a relaxed morning was spent in the cockpit enjoying ‘just being’. Lunch dined upon whilst a hungry duck or two hoped for a morsel, the dinghy was lowered and the four of us having boarded, off we motored around this idyllic waterway. First, though, was the maust take […]
After spending a month and a half working on and preparing Saliander in Half moon Bay, the long-awaited day had at last arrived when an 1120 departure found our new beauty exiting the Half Moon Bay Marina. Sunny skies brought with them a light variable breeze and calm flat seas as we navigated the channel […]
http://www.gratisaustralis.com/a-new-microwave-installed/
Today found Bob working on the anchor winch battery. Connected to the house batteries which are situated level with the entrance to the boat, with the anchor winch battery positioned in the forward cabin, it is quite a cable run to connect the two. As a result, there is a lack of charge to the […]
Some more reads. Click on the links below (they are grey, but still work). Departure delayed has been updated with greater detail http://www.gratisaustralis.com/departure-delayed-2/ The removal of the gearbox wasn’t that simple a task. http://www.gratisaustralis.com/removal-of-the-gear-box/
I have never owned a mortar and pestle, determining the expense just not worth while. On my exploration and rearranging of items within the cupboards, I came across one hidden in the space below the oven. Vibrantly bright in colour and large with two handles jutting out from the side, I chose to leave it […]
Whilst the gear box is in being repaired, Bob is replacing parts on the water filter.
The gearbox went in for repair this morning.
Life is never boring on board……. Click the links below to have a read. http://www.gratisaustralis.com/new-toilets-up-and-running/ http://www.gratisaustralis.com/rigging-checked-and-phone-calls-galore/ http://www.gratisaustralis.com/a-new-washing-machine/
The remainder of yesterday found Bob working on the removal of the gearbox, a process not as easy as one would imagine. Not familiar with the system and how it was interconnected, this was a slow steady process, as one misstep could cause a flood of seawater surging onboard, or a critical part severely damaged. […]
Departure day the coming day, the morn saw Bob set the engine in motion. Having started her numerous times over the past month to ensure its systems were in working order, it should have been a breeze but once more, good ol’ Murph was up to his tricks. Looks like we’re not departing tomorrow after […]
The lovely ex owners left an array of items that somewhat eased the pressure of commencing life on our third home and this was much appreciated. Items such as sheets, towels, cooking implements and work tools meant there was no requirement to rush out and make purchases other than for food during the first few […]
One of the most critical connections on an ocean cruising yacht are those for the drogue. For the uninitiated, a drogue is a funnel shaped contraption that slows the boat down in times of heavy weather. Open at both ends, it is made from strong material that is attached to rope with a stretch in […]
A trip becoming acquainted with the outer region of Ōtorohanga was the day’s agenda. First destination was the delightful Aranui Cave region, named for the Maori, Ruruku Aranui, who discovered this beauty. If fortunate, you might even sight the grasshopper like Wetta, or if dark enough the glow worms that live throughout. We didn’t undertake […]
This morning Bob and I took our first break since arriving in New Zealand. Packing clothes for a couple of days, we piled into the car and undertook the three – hour drive southward to the country town of Ōtorohanga. It was here that we caught up with some friends we met on our travels […]
