Well it only seems like a few days ago that I last updated the blog but on reflection, maybe it was a bit longer. Time flies when you're having fun as the old saying goes.
Entrance to Tutukaka Harbour
Actually, I have started to update it several times from Tutukaka but the internet there is quite slow and whenever I've tried uploading photos it has timed out and I've given up. A blog without photos is like a rum without ice, not at all interesting. That's my excuse anyway and I'm sticking with it.
Irrepressible (through gap, 3rd from left, green sail cover)
What have we done since the last entry I hear you wondering? Well, actually, quite a lot although we do seem to go for quite long periods just chilling out in the marina.
Our beach, 100m from boat.
I guess the highlights of the time have been Ange and Zane's visit in March and then a five day Easter cruise up the coast. We sailed in tandem with another couple in the marina and spent a couple of days in Whangamumu Harbour about 25 miles up towards the Bay of Islands and then a couple of nights in Whangaruru Harbour which is about 15 miles north of Tutukaka. The weather was very nice the whole time we were away and we spent the days lazing around in the sun and the evenings slaving away over cold rum, red wine and nice food.
Our jetty. Far end, right hand side, green sail cover.
In between all this we've been steadily working away on the boat getting it up to the standard we want. It's amazing how much there is to do on a boat after you've bought it. All the jobs that have accumulated over the years the previous owners have had it seem to become urgent and there seems to be a pressing need to "put your own stamp on it" and make it your own. Doreen spent a long time making curtains for all the windows, not a big job on the face of it but when you realise there are 15 or more windows and making small curtains and putting up track is as big a job as for house sized curtains (in some cases even bigger as fitting track and curtains in very confined spaces can be quite difficult). We also had a new set of sails and sail covers made, plus new canvas covers for the outboard motor, BBQ and hatches so all in all it's now looking a million dollars, which is only slightly more than what it's cost.
Ange and Zane's visit was a great time. It was good to see Liam again after a year and to see how much he had grown. They had told us what a model child he was and by and large they were right but there are signs that the "terrible twos" are not far away and his need to assert his personality seems to increase every day! Unfortunately the boat didn't have any sails on it when they were with us so we couldn't go sailing but I think they enjoyed their stay nevertheless.
At the present time we're in Brisbane for a couple of weeks. Leigh, John, Chloe and Katie are over here from the UK for a fortnight and it's the first time we've all been together for six or seven years. In fact it's the first time we've ever all been together with all the grandchildren.
We've been staying with Ange and Zane while Leigh and her family have been staying at Kerrie and Rick's new place. Today being my birthday (belated presents or cash can be sent c/o Tutukaka Marina, RD3, Whangarei) we are all going over to Chez Mason for a BBQ and no doubt, family photo shoot. Should be a good night! Yesterday Zane and I went and played a round of golf (crap golf but good fun). The weather is still summery here, lovely sunny days for the most part and temperature today forecast for 27C. No doubt by the time we get back to Tutukaka at the end of the month it will be time to pull out the winter woolies. One of the good things about living on a boat is that you need very few clothes. A couple of pairs of shorts and a few T-shirts sees me through the summer and a pair of jeans and a couple of shirts plus a jacket or two does the winter. I don't think we've used the iron (other than for making the curtains) since we've been living on board.
Well that sort of covers the last few months, what next?
We go back on 23rd April and one of the first jobs we need to do before the winter sets in is get the boat out of the water and the bottom cleaned and anti-fouled. I think we'll probably go down to Whangarei to do that. There are good haulout facilities there and it's much easier than trying to do it in Tutukaka. Then in July there is the possibility of a visit from Julie but apart from those two things we don't really have anything planned. Probably we'll just hunker down for the winter.
One question we are constantly asked is: "what's it like living on a boat?" Well I guess the answer is it's pretty much like living in a house only more cramped. Actually, when I really think about it, it's nothing like living in a house. It is certainly more cramped but you get used to it and learn to make use of every available nook and cranny. One of the biggest issues is storage space (there never seems to be enough). Maintenance is also another big issue. You have to learn to be a diesel mechanic, plumber and general handyman very quickly or you either go broke or sink. Every day brings it's own unique challenges from finding and fixing the latest leak to pulling out engine water pumps and overhauling them. Life in the galley is much the same as in a house only everything is much closer at hand. We have a gas oven with 2 burner hob plus a fridge and freezer. There are two toilets, one shower and a front loading washing machine. We also have satellite TV, DVD player, stereo and well stocked wine cabinet. All in all we're pretty well set up. There are half a dozen or so couples living on their boats around us and we all get on extremely well and most nights get together for an hour before dinner to swap war stories and drink rum. Occasionally we'll have a communal BBQ and most weeks I go out fishing with the guy next us on his 15m launch. All in all it's not a bad life and certainly beats mowing lawns.
Well that's it for now. Hopefully the next update won't take quite as long.
Queuing for the Log Flume Ride with Chloe
First prize
Second prize
