Shakedown

Hi,
Well, we came back to the marina at Whangarei because the weather was not suitable for us to conduct day sails to experiment with new systems and sail combinations and Whangarei harbour isn't all that friendly with NW to W winds. Finding adequate shelter seems to be always a compromise. However, we came in the other day but are gradually weaning ourselves of the umbilical cord to the land - food shopping whenever we feel like it, movies, and all the things we take for granted in this consumer society of ours. Jim is slowly (maybe) getting used to the notion that we will run out of protein of the meat variety at some point and he may have to resort to chickpeas and lentils!!! Quelle horreur! Hopefully we might catch some fish which will alleviate the meatless symptoms somewhat. And alcohol deprivation - a very serious disease!! When the beer runs out that's it. However, a general observation is that we are both feeling better and more energetic and generally coping with the said disease with surprising fortitude.
Talking of movies - we saw "2012" last night and would have to say that, although the special effects were very well done and were edge of the seat stuff, it tended to trivialise in a typically Hollywood manner a potentially cataclysmic issue. We don't know whether to take it seriously or not but when you read a bit about it and learn about the astronomical knowledge that the ancient Mayans were reputed to have, and their predictions for the next critical planetary re-alignment which is supposed to occur around the 22nd. December 2012, and with all that could flow from that with the Earth tipping 90 degrees on its axis, perhaps there is food for thought. Compasses, GPS and charts won't be worth much then. They do say that it has happened before - about 3,500 years ago. Anyway, it's all beyond anyone's control and as far as we are concerned we will concentrate on our goal of ocean passage making. Being at sea could be the safest place to be when the event takes place and, if not, well we will have expired well fulfilled.
We are leaving again in the morning in the light of a much better weather prognosis and hopefully will get the old girl (the Tiare!) working like a well oiled machine. Whether one could say the same about the crew and skipper is another matter all together. Probably all depends on the severity of the meat and alcohol deprivation symptoms. The skipper seems to be much more susceptible to these symptoms than the crew.
We'll regale you again (if you can stand it) with further nautical adventures.
Jim and Gina