March had it's ups and downs, with Doreen's birthday (only 12 months to the pension) being an up and more work and money to be spent on the boat (sorry children) being one of he downs. In between, the great summer weather we've been having this year continued and the NZ cricket team maintained their tradition of being totally useless. Aside from all that it's just been another month in the lives of a couple of aging babyboomers.
The problem with the boat is mildly serious with very slow leaks in both fuel tanks needing to be fixed. Problem is the tanks were put in the boat before it was fitted out and the galley, navigation area, battery compartments and companionway steps have all been built in over the top of them. A bit like the old song about the thighbone being connected to the hipbone really. Anyway, to cut a long tale of woe short, the tanks need to be taken out and either repaired or (more likely) replaced with new ones. I shall leave you, dear reader, to envisage the task ahead.
.
On a brighter note, we went out to The Poor Knights (not to be confused with our daughter and son-in-law, The Rich Knights) Islands on a friend's launch last Sunday and as the other Knights will know, it was well worth the trip. The islands are a wildlife sanctuary about 12 miles off the coast of Tutukaka and a well known dive location which draws visitors from around the world. Fishing is not allowed there and consequently the water is teeming with fish (mainly snapper) that are quite tame and almost eat out of your hand. The island scenery is quite spectacular and well worth a visit. The islands are obviously the result of some violent volcanic activity a long time ago and are full of caves, some of which are big enough to take a boat into.
And that's about all the news for March.
This coming Friday (Easter Friday) we're taking off for a week with friends on their boat for a bit of a break at Great Barrier Island. Should be a lot of fun.
So until May.........
