Ours was very nice. We were underway, heading down the east coast of New Zealand. We anchored in a couple of beautiful bays, but it is very shallow on this coast. We bumped the bottom twice at low tide, and had to keep moving the boat to higher water. We cooked the full-meal deal – turkey, and all the trimmings. It is a bit of a challenge on a moving boat, but everything turned out great. I was thinking how much easier it is here than it would be in Tonga or one of the other South Pacific islands. Groceries are so plentiful and fresh here – just like in the states. I don’t think I ever saw a turkey in the South Pacific! Well, I can think of a few boaters that fit the description…
We are now moored in Gulf Harbour Marina, near Auckland. It is a first-rate facility, with some nice hikes and parks close by. We have an appointment to haul the boat out in early January, to paint the bottom, wax the hull and do a little maintenance. Got to keep ol’ Ruby Slippers sparkly!
We said goodbye to our friends from the boat “Coconut”. They have ended their 4-year journey from Norway to Australia. They have already shipped their boat back home and are flying to Norway today. It is a bittersweet time for them; they are anxious to see friends and family, but have enjoyed every bit of their cruising experience. Their children, Camilla and Colin have become good friends with Molly and Jessie. It was kind of sad to see them say their farewells. To think we might never again see some of the cruisers we have met is quite sad. Making friends seems to be accelerated on the ocean; you meet, discover much you have in common, and form a bond very quickly. You might spend weeks together, anchored in the same bay, and communicating by radio or e-mail when you are apart. Reunions are joyous occasions, especially when kids are involved. Then, all too soon, we must say goodbye, most likely for good! We have gotten to know sailors from all over the United States, Europe, South Africa and Australia. It’s been a great cultural experience for all of us.
A funny thing about the way New Zealanders talk is that both “i” and “e” have the long “ee” sound. So, it might be pen or pin; might be ten, tin or teen, might be win or wean, it might be lip or leap. If your teen got a score of 10 on a test, it all sounds the same! We were looking for a store called “meetahteen” that someone told us about; we finally discovered that it was Mitre 10, a hardware store chain. We are slowly catching on.
We hope 2008 brings many adventures to your life, along with peace and happiness!
~ Jeanna