Exploring the Bay

The pub was fantastic and apparently the only pub on Great barrier Island, the other watering holes being hotels and bars. It was called the Currach pub and they were preparing for the All Blacks and Springboks game.

Gavin was trying to avoid being photographed yet again in his Swandri.

 

We had a great meal but with the wind still beating surf onto the beach we thought that we should play safe and head back to Anyway in the dinghy rather than watch the game. Even then it was very dark and very cold and wet heading across to the other side of the harbour.

Sunday was supposed to be a day of rest and it was for a while. But housework took over and then we decided to explore a bit while waiting for the Currach to open again. Meanwhile the ferry was in dock and a jellyfish was keeping us amused.

Great Barrier Island had a major property boom and now semi bust so there are lots of properties on the market. There was one spectacular section for sale that we walked over and spotted what we thought were pilot whales but no, probably dolphins. 

On opening time we descended but were distracted by watching the dolphins in the bay. Also stingrays close in to the beach in the extremely clear water.

There is no mains power on the island so solar, wind and diesel are the main forms of power.

Had a couple of drinks in the pub and chatted to the locals which is always interesting. I tried not to get too involved in  Council issues but it was tempting. 

Today we decided to head back to Anyway before it was dark and were rewarded by being surrounded by the dolphins, a beautiful experience in a beautiful part of New Zealand. 

In Shoal Bay

Some basic maintenance first thing on Saturday morning, well maybe not quite first thing, then after a short  dinghy ride we had a great day exploring Tryphena Harbour, several bays, cafés, shops.

The locals lived up to their reputation and were very friendly, gave us lifts, took us to the local emporium where I found multiple copies of “Going Green” for a dollar each so I bought some. (Now my kids know what their Xmas pressies are). It seemed that they use to be $5 each but the locals are clearly so green already that they don’t need them, hence the massive reduction. It was a store with everything and one the locals seemed quite proud of.

 

Found a pottery and a strange boat/plane.

It wouldn’t take long to get a feel for the Island which had the best of both worlds for those who wanted to escape the rat race. Plenty of seclusion but good transport connections with the mainland. The tide was up and the bay calmer by the time we had returned to the dinghy. So much so that we have decided to go back to shore to the Irish Pub in Pah Bay a bit later. Could be quite a way in the dinghy so will take toothbrushes with us in case the wind gets up again. 

In search of an Irish Pub

This day was going to be titled, “In search of hotpools” but half way through the voyage Gavin realized that we were going somewhere else. At least there was the lure of a pub and folk music, as mentioned in “The Bunker” in Devonport, but having arrived, I suspect it may not be that easy to find, maybe even just a Summer thing.

So the plan was to head from the Coromandel Harbour to Tryphana Harbour on Great Barrier and if that became excessive as the day progressed, then to head into Cape Colville. But, we made good speed about 6 knots overall and completed the journey of 40 nautical miles by 5.00.

I practiced my all weather gear and eventually Gavin did as well. Gavin thought he looked like Steptoe’s Dad but I am sure Gavin is taller.

On the way we were kept company by a shoal of dolphins, some whales in the distance and a penguin, maybe two. First time I had been been on a boat and had dolphins playing with us, really great. The whales kept their distance but seeing the penguin(s) was a treat.

In Coromandel Harbour

The morning was still and shinny and Anyway basked in the sun.

Decided to head for shore but before that I had to learn some knots and nots. I should explain for those that don’t know that Gavin is a teacher through and through but as I think life is about learning that’s fine by me.

Once I had passed some sort of test we pumped up the dinghy and off we went. We then leant that doesn’t work in that harbour in a low tide so had to give up and head back to Anyway for breakfast. Ninety minutes later we were off again, found the channel which leads up to the town, really just the outlet of the stream. It was still a bit shallow but Gavin was determined to get there, African Queen in Coromandel.

 

The goal was to get to Barry Brickell’s totally unique hillside railway in time to catch the train. Barry is an institution in Coromandel and beyond,and, from all accounts, an  amazing person.

A potter, he has also developed over 30 years, a railway which takes you up through the regenerating bush hillside to look back down over the spectacular scenary that Coromandel has to offer. Much of his work is conservation, restoring the property to New Zealand bush which supports native birds. He has fenced off one area as a sanctuary and hopes to reintroduce Kiwi shortly. 

After we walked back into town and stocked up on provisions we tried a couple of local watering holes, one trendy, one not so trendy but good, and headed back for the dinghy. It was now high tide and the wind was against us, a wet ride back to Anyway. Certainly not the easiest of harbours to hop ashore for a quick Pinot, but well worth it once there. Having been there in the busy season I'd say that now was a good time to be there without the hoards, and from the gardens it appeared that Spring was almost upon us. 

Tomorrow we head towards Great Barrier, whether we get there depends on wind and weather.

Day 2 Man of War Bay to McGregor's Bay Coromandel.

Uneventful first night at anchor. Then the morning looked promising, a beautiful day awaited us.

The wind was supposed to get to 25 knots meaning a quick sail across to Coromandel. It didn’t eventuate ranging from between 5 and 15 knots with a fairly rough swell. Sloppy as Gavin said. Meant a slightly queazy sail. Had a reef in the mainsail and sailed with the genoa and the cutter.

Anyway is a solid 13 tonnes and is sailing really well but today’s wind and swell combination wasn’t ideal. However no rain and it looked as if there was rain over Auckland. Certainly not warm though, a heater in the boat would be good but as there isn’t one lots of clothes are required.

I have a lot to learn to be able to do things quickly enough if it gets rough. Piked out today on stowing the cutter back in the bag when the sea was a bit rough. Will practice while at anchor. At least we tried out our new lifejackets, very smart and of course serviceable.  Identical apart from the PLB hanging around mine.

Arrived at Coromandel at about 3.30, a 3.5 hour sail for c. 25 kms, we are now anchored of the north end of Coromandel Harbour in McGregor’s Bay near to the town but won’t go ashore until tomorrow when we will spend the day mouching around the town and being tourists. 

We are adding some personal touches to the boat, one of Gavin's contributions is above him, hence the smile, its a chubby scantily clad lady who looks absolutely nothing like me! 

First day at sea

First day, leaving Auckland on Anyway. 

I should tell you about Anyway. She is 40 foot long, quite fat (I expect that isn’t a nautical term) but helps stability, built in 1987 and refurbished about 3 years ago. The previous owners were a Swiss couple with a 13 year old daughter. They bought the boat in the States, took her to San Diago and then sailed her to New Zealand. Somewhere along the way the daughter decided it wasn’t for her and the family headed back to Switzerland.

They left an enormous amount of spares of everything on board, plus a card and a bottle of wine for the new owners. Really nice people.

We left Auckland at 10.00 and it wasn’t until we passed Brown’s Island that there was enough wind to set the sails and turn off the diesel motor. 


On the way we passed Devonport, my home for the last year. It has to be the best place in Auckland to live. 

The wind then was between 8 and 15 knots and we headed out to the end of Waiheke and to Man of War Bay.  Arrived about 3.30 having travelled at about 4 knots overall.

This photo is because Ella suggested that there be some photos of me, I normally being the family photographer, this is probably my limit, after this it is other people and scenary.

It was a great day to try out some basic moves and basically get to know the boat. Couldn’t have been better weather (for Winter).

Anyway has a self steering thingy (OK, again not a nautical term) very useful however for allowing Gavin to show me what I need to do at the other end of the boat, leaving the self steering thingy to keep us on course. 

Put down the anchor and had a 'rusty nail' to celebrate our first day, (that being a mix of whisky and Drambuie) then dinner, and reading and mandolin practice, blogging and bed.  

Setting Sail on Anyway

One day to go, provisions brought for a couple of weeks, although it isn't likely we will be out of sight of land for more than a couple of hours, basically hugging the coast.

The weather has not been encouraging, strong Southerly currently passing through but tomorrow looks better and Spring is on the way, I think.

First time I've sailed on a boat the size of Anyway, my last attempt was a little smaller, see above, OK a lot smaller and not quite so complicated.  Oh yes and a few years ago, given that I can't deny the date stamp on the photo. I'm assuming Anyway isn't as tippy as the dinghy, otherwise wouldn't get out of the marina.

Some new found friends have decided to come with us on the first leg of the journey, that means that we will go into Matiatia (Waiheke Island) and they will catch the ferry back to Auckland. They are Ross and Mary-Lou, originally friends of Gavin's son's Mother (I've noticed that life gets more complicated as one gets older) and keen to have a sail.

 I'll try to keep a daily blog to record this adventure.