Back in Opua

Hi again

Another update! We have had a pleasant few days out in the Bay. Anchored in Paroa Bay and paid a final visit to Jim's old neighbours, Charlie and Pam Solomon then went down to Te Uenga Bay last night. We had a good sail back in a light SW to Opua and topped up the fuel so, apart from LPG and a few more provisions we are now ready to go. In the last few days homemade pea and ham soup, corned beef with mustard sauce and tonight roast lamb - will be different once we put to sea!!

As far as windows go, Monday looks as though it could be a possibility but only for 48 hours or so. Thursday the 23rd. is looking much better with no close following lows. So, have to get on the phone again tomorrow to organise our Cat One and then it's a matter of some re-provisioning and we're off!

Dishes to do now and after roast lamb there are a few! Weather is looking a bit grim - there's a gale warning out for Brett with strong NE forecast. Still. we're snug as the proverbial bug in the marina and no worries with power and hot water. On that note the marina has increased the price of showers by 100% as they have changed the coin machines from $1 to $2. Typical of this rapacious bunch owned as they are by the Far North District Council; they obviously think boaties are a cash cow. We will be showering on the boat from now on - not because we can't afford $2, but it's the principle. The FNDC hasn't changed; when Jim lived in Kerikeri he was told that the price of a FNDC Councillor was $100,000!! Probably higher these days. They own a boatyard here in Opua and have been trying to use the Resource Management Act to put a rival yard out of business over issues of access to the property. This saga has been going on for years at God knows what cost to the ratepayers but happily it looks as though the privately owned yard will survive. Sometimes justice triumphs - not often though.

Hi Anna and Clyff on Koncerto - now that we're back in the marina we are finding that SSB reeception here isn't good so we may not have any communication until we leave. Hope your passage continues to be uneventful. Trust that you might still be listening on Russell Radio's sched when we depart.

Cheers all,

Jim and Gina