(no subject)

Well, we haven't wandered far since our last communication. This ESE wind has been diabolical - especially for sailing south. An English yacht whose owners have sailed halfway round the world left for the Bay of Islands a couple of days ago and turned back at the Cavallis in headwinds of 45 knots. This is something to deal with at sea if encountered but to actually head out into it is not a good prospect. So, here we are still. Our electrical problem has been solved and thankfully the winds are reducing but we hear that another system might bring similar conditions again so we might make a dash for the BOI in a couple of days. We'll probably abandon Mangonui as the anchorage there isn't good in these winds.
We are anchored again off Whangaroa Village and this morning we decided to climb St. Paul which is a 212 metre volcanic peak just behind the village. It was a steep climb in places and near the summit which is actually a precipitously sided volcanic plug there is a crevice in the almost vertical rock where chains are fitted so that one can haul one's way up to the summit. Coming down was more difficult than going up!! But it was definitely worth the effort and of course the view was magnificent. Not bad for a 63 year old I thought!!
Watch this space!!!
Cheers, J & G

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