Life begins at 60 @cinimon01 - Tumblr Blog

Christmas with a difference.

Christmas Day was always going to be memorable as this would mark the very first Christmas we were not in Australia and no family parties or gatherings to go to. No one to cook for except us. We could just relax and enjoy the day as we had planned.

After a sleep in and a look around we saw that the day was going to get fairly rough later with a 1m swell coming into the bay. But we decided to stay one more night and go into the Marina on Boxing Day. I went for a paddle ashore and walk along the beach before a lovely brunch of smoked salmon bagels with cream cheese and an espresso martini. Had a swim and fed the ducks and settled in to wait for our Pork Belly Christmas dinner to cook.

We sat down to watch Die Hard, one of the best Christmas movies, and saw a sail skim past our window. I went out to check and a small yacht had capsized and the people were righting it and getting back on board. They seemed OK and waved to let us know they were OK.

David looked in the opposite direction and said, "The real action is over here." He pointed to the corner of the bay where I saw two boats collide. We both thought the large white boat, OKA Fruition, was in some sort of trouble and was dragging or had engine trouble. But this wasn't the case.

He rammed the boat purposefully and ignorantly, like a terrorist attacking an anchored peaceful vessel, on Christmas Day. We watched him leave that Boat and make his way to the next boat belonging to a French man. He had a short conversation with this crazy man and jumped into his dinghy and drove to the next boat, Love Worx. He had a short conversation with them, then we heard them call for help on the radio. They called the Coast Guard on channel 16 but they did not answer. They called, "Coast Guard, this is Loveworx, we have a boat nearby who is ramming other boats in Oneroa Bay. We require urgent assistance." After no one replied to this distress call, David then called Maritime Radio and issued a Pan Pan. Maritime radio responded and David proceeded to inform them of the location and actions of the offending vessel.

During this conversation, Fruition, headed towards Loveworx and threatened to ram them if they did not give him their phone. The French guy, still in his dinghy then headed towards us asking us to call for help as the guy was crazy and wanted a phone as the aliens were coming.

I was filming most of this and you can hear the distress in my voice. I felt that we were in a crisis situation and had to act quickly to save ourselves. I didn't know what this crazy was capable of, all I knew was what I saw and he had rammed two boats by this stage. He chased Loveworx out to the middle of the bay and then turned towards us.

I screamed for him to stop and anchor as he was very close to our boat. He asked for my phone, and I said I would help him if he just anchored and stopped threatening us and our boat. He said, "If you don't give me your phone I will ram you like I rammed the others, did you see"? I was distraught by this stage and David had begun to put fenders out in the likely event he rammed us. I thought we should up anchor and move away from him, but David said we should stay. So he rammed us as well, not as bad as the others, but we got a long scratch and another black mark along our rubbing strip.

I worried he was going to come around for another hit and I was yelling that the Police were on their way and he was in a lot of trouble. All of this took place over about 30 minutes, then he sat down at the back of his boat and he drifted into the middle of the bay. Then he started engines and motored out around the corner. David directed Police to his location and eventually we saw them motor across the top of the bay in the direction of Fruition. Then about 10 minutes later, Fruition was motoring with the Police close behind back to the Marina. They got him, and we knew we would be involved in whatever charges were pending towards him. They other two boats that were rammed sustained more damage than Mai Tai.

The owners of the first boat, Nala got David's phone number from the Coast Gard and they called to thank us for calling a Pan Pan. They called the land Police that watched a lot of what happened helplessly from the shore.

Even though we have been in stressful situations before, this was different. There was no where to go. We were on a boat in the middle of a bay. We wanted to protect our home from any damage and if our lives were in danger we had a life raft and a dinghy. But what if crazy guy had a gun, knife, weapon of some sort. He used his boat as a ramming weapon and did a lot of damage to property and people. But what if?

Now we have a very different story of Christmas day to what we usually experience. Merry Christmas 2024.

Second Coastal Passage

On the 11th of December with a new galley and full fridges we set off, glad to be out of the Marina and finally enjoying Mai Tai as we planned. The mission was to sail to Auckland to meet the fruit cakes for a few days of sailing and then drop them back.

This was out third time around the Cape and it was fairly smooth motoring compared to the last time with Neil. As you can see in the photo, the waves and swell is not huge and we are looking relieved. But it all comes down to planning, and when living on a boat, planning and weather dictate your life. This was a 4 to 5 hour motor as the wind was on our nose and we made it to the tranquil harbour of Whangamumu. An old whaling station is perched on the right hand side upon entry and a cute little beach occupies the front.

We stayed here for 2 nights, waiting for the wind to turn in our favour. Then on the 15th I made some sandwiches for the 6 hour journey and we set sail. The winds were around 13 knots and this Northerly was perfect for us to put up the gennaker and the main and we sailed at around 5 to 6 knots all the way to Tutukaka, which is half way. YAY.

Jumped in the dinghy and set ashore to find a popular fishing club. The fish and chips were passable, but the game of pool was to be remembered. We stayed here for 2 nights as the weather turned a horrible shade of grey and the seas were rough enough to make me appreciate this little harbour.

17th of December was another great sailing day with the wind behind us we had a smooth sailing gennaker up, saw two pods of dolphins, one at a distance but the other pod were up close and riding our bow waves. It was just awesome and I hope to have many more opportunities like this with out time on Mai Tai.

We were on our way to Whangarie (pronounced Foneray), to shelter as there were some howling winds coming our way. We ended up in Urquarts Bay to the right of the entrance to the harbour. Not a good place as the prevailing wind was relentless and we were bumping around most of the night. On our second day, just as we decided to move to another spot....Bio Security came along side. They asked if it was OK to check our hull. Having had the boat out of the water and cleaned 5 months ago, we were sure there was not much growing down there. But after what looked like a 15 year old girl dived down to look, the boss lady said we needed cleaning. Not just you need to have your hull cleaned, but you need to have it cleaned before your leave this harbour. This was the Thursday before Christmas and most businesses were shutting down for the holiday period.

I got on the phone to the only 2 boat yards in Whangarie and one was booked out and the other said he could fit us in for a clean the next morning at 8am.

So we up anchor and motored to Oceania Marina for a haulout.

So on the 20th of December we were delayed by this so called Bio security order. As you can see the hull is not overly covered with growth, even the cleaners said it wasn't bad enough for a "do not leave the harbour" order.

So we left with a clean bum and I thought seeing as we were passing Marsden Cove Marina we should pop in and have breakfast and see if they had any prawns we could set aside for Christmas. So we followed the channel markers into the Marina and as soon as we were in I regretted our decision. The place was fender to fender, boat to boat and all million dollar boats and some super yachts crammed into a sardine can sized marina. We motored our way in and I was panicked all the way. The visitors berth was spacious enough for us to come along side but we were facing the wrong way for an exit.

Ashore, I tried to focus on other things like Christmas dinner, the lunch we were about to share in the cafe, anything but leaving the dock. But reality and time catches up and you must face the inevitable task of getting out of this squashy, badly planned, one way in and one way out marina.

Back at the boat the wind picked up to nearly 20 knots and I went into the worst anxiety attack I have ever experienced. I was so frozen at the thought of how to get out of here without crashing into another boat or the dock I was comatose.

There was a cat behind us and the guy on board looked approachable and knowledgeable. David asked him what was the best way to get out and he was so helpful. He helped us spin on the spot so we were at least facing in the right direction. We used ropes and he held us firmly on the dock while David manoeuvred the boat around and we spun on to eventually face the right direction for exit. It turns out this sailor was the famous Erle Williams who has sailed around the world in a few races, done a few Amercias cup and Sydney to Hobart races.

He sat down for a beer on board and we chatted a bit about the spin we had just done, then he left us to get out by ourselves.

I was beside myself with anxiety and fear. Yes it was raw confronting fear. Fear of hitting another boat, being blown by this wind into the opposite dock, fear of being on a course and the tide pushing us into a super yacht. I have never felt so disabled, so on the verge of tears at the thought of untying our ropes and leaving the marina.

The wind was getting worse and David said we have to just go. So I mumbled an Ok. Took some deep breaths and pushed down my fear to untie and move the boat. David did a great job navigating out and surprise, surprise, we didn't hit anything on the way out. Once out of the Marina, I could breathe, even though the winds picked up to 28 knots I felt better just facing the open expanse of water. We found a spot in Little Munroe Bay for the night and stayed for 2 nights to recover.

22nd of December we sailed to Bon Accord Harbour on Kawau Island. The winds did not stop all day and so we had a smooth sail with winds in our favour. David planned to get to this harbour as it had a small cruising club and we could make it in time for dinner. So we anchored, showered and jumped into the dinghy amongst big waves we got to shore with only a little splash.

Two bottles of wine and a well deserved pat on the back knowing we were closer to Auckland.

Boat life

Out in the Bay, Day by Day. November 2024

After fluffing around in Australia for 3 weeks, birthdays, restaurants, doctors, shopping, visiting and looking at houses, we did not sell our house. We were all set with tickets booked and hopes high to sell the house on our return in October, but it was not to be. We acted on the advice of the agent and we will wait till the tenants move out and then we can dress the house up nicely and possibly get more for it than showing her with the furniture she has now.

So we are back on the boat, out in the bay and have been for the past 11 days. Wow, that is the most we have been out on the hook since we bought the boat in February. So its raining today and I was sorting out photos and here are some from the past few days.

We have been lucky to have a week of great weather before today. It has been warm enough for the brave to venture into the water on paddle boat and for a swim. There was enough wind for us to fly the gennaker for the first time and didn't she look bright and fresh on the bay. I explored many little caves and low tide rocks while on the kayak. So glad I had one on the boat. It is a means to escape and explore the surrounds and they are truly extraordinary.

Big splash but change in direction

On the 18th of June we were booked in for the splash from the boat yard back into the H10 berth at the Marina. Mai Tai was cleaned, pro speed was applied to the sail drive with new anodes and boot added. The batteries were in place, but needed a few extra days for testing and attaching the wind generator. It was a calm sunny day that we went in and had no problem getting back into boat life again.

That was until we were told to expect weeks of rain in winter and the damp that comes with it. On hearing this we were on the look out for a house to sit in or a cheapy to rent for winter. We met Rodger who was preparing his 52 ft yacht 'Swan' to sail to Fiji in the up coming weeks. He mentioned that his mate has a house in Okiato and would rent it to us for a fraction of other rentals in the area and it came with a car. We went to have a look and I fell in love with this little A frame house nestled in the hill if Okiato, over looking the bay towards Piahia.

We decided to rent this little cottage for 2 months and sail Mai Tai on non rainy days. Perfect set up. The little house is complete with a full kitchen with every appliance you could wish for and warm and comfortable furniture and my favourite thing, the garden. It is extremely overgrown but hidden under the wild Jasmin, that is about to burst into flower this spring, we found lime, orange and lemon trees. Just perfect.

The back veranda faces north so It gets the sun all day and makes for a warm spot on 13 degree days to sit and soak up some vitamin D. But as soon as the sun goes down, it can get really cold.

View from our back veranda.

Life for us now is in go with the flow mode. I see this little stay as a break from travelling and readying ourselves for the next stage in our adventure. We haven't stopped since March 2023 and being in Okiato feels like a home away from home. I've joined the Opua yoga group that was walking distance from the Marina, but from Okiato, I catch the car ferry. One of the ladies from Yoga lives across the road from us so we catch the ferry together with the teacher, Ines. On Fridays, after yoga and a coffee, we go for a walk along the track towards Piahia. Its absolutely glorious walking beside a beautiful water way and chatting about life and its possibilities with these young ladies. Karen is the youngest and then me. All of the others are near 70 or over and they can walk rings around me.

View from Piahia track walk.

Ines and Ann invited me to come and learn Mahjong. So Ann drove me to Ines's house in Russel, about 10 minutes away. Then from there we walked 25 minutes to the other side of the town to the bowling club, where we played Mahjong. It was very much like rummy to me where sets of tiles should be gathered to form a Mahjong. But the set you make must be in the book of rules and it must be exactly like it or your set is just a made up one. So in order to play, first one must know a few of these sets so they can aim towards the Mahjong hand. Was fun, I would do it again.

On the 10th of July with a few ladies from Yoga and Majong, David and I went to the Russel cruising club for dinner and to see a guest speaker Ann Hill who has sailed around South Georgia Island near Antarctica.

She and her partner travelled around this remote island for about 2 months experiencing the severe weather and rugged beauty of the island. Her talk was both informative and entertaining. I felt like a young sailor in this room of about 90 old salts, one being 97 years young. Most of the experienced sailors in the room had travelled the globe in their yachts, coming to New Zealand 20 or so years ago and deciding there was no place better in the world than here to settle and retire. I am beginning to think they are right.

Until next time, signing off on the 13th of July, ever grateful for our life and our family and friends. Cheers.

#60 somethings on a boat #first time cruising #New Zealand cruising

Big winds, rough seas and dirty bum.

25th May 2024,

Last day of car hire for this month, so we made sure we got some provisions and things needed from Kerikeri. It was a Saturday so the markets were on and we met more exceptional and friendly Kiwis.

We went to visit the stone house. The Bay of Islands is New Zealand’s foremost historic area, birthplace to Māori and Pakeha (European) relationships and home of the Kerikeri Mission Station.

26th May 2024,

There must have been snow somewhere in New Zealand as the winds from the south were blowing the cold air towards Russell. We thought we would go on a quick trip out into the Bay for lunch and then back before the storm hit, but alas, this is New Zealand and the weather can change in a 3 minute period. We just finished our sandwich when the wind picked up, we hauled the anchor in and set off for our safe mooring in Russell. After 5 minutes of motoring, the freezing rain hit us and it was so intense, we could hardly see 3 metres in front of us.

Next morning, after a rough and windy night we were enveloped in a calm soft glowing fog. It was cool and wet but still and enchanting.

4th June 2024,

Living on a boat puts me on a learning curve about all things that didn't interest me in the past. But now I am part of the day to day running of the boat and there is no escape from the use of power. We have 3 large AGM batteries and they have been used and abused, so each morning after running only the fridge and freezer we would get a low voltage alarm. Even when the afternoon before we were at 100% with our household charge, thanks to the solar and wind generator, we still got the alarm. We consulted an electrician at the Marina who was recommended by the table of knowledge and were advised to change out the batteries and go for Lithium. So we booked it all in for a week of repairs to Mai Tai.

All these wires and batteries are under the starboard front birth, where all friends will be staying when they come on board.

5th May 2024,

As Matthew the electrician had a few days work, we thought we would haul her out to clean her bum. It was obvious she was a bit dirty but I wasn't prepared for what we saw. There was a full grown underwater marine sanctuary growing on Mai Tais bum. It was complete with muscles, barnacles and even oysters. I felt like a very neglectful parent.

All clean again.

We were booked in for new antifoul @ an absolutely ridiculous amount of money. So after several conversations with people in the know, we decided not to proceed. They told us our existing antifoul was in good condition and the new paint does not work anyway. We would have paid for something that doesn't work, even the contractor who sells the job of sanding and antifoul says it doesn't work in New Zealand. We had Mai Tai washed down in January and this growth was after 5 months of being near oyster farms and temperate summer waters. Other boat owners just get a diver to scrape the hull every 3 to 4 months. A fraction of the cost of antifoul.

Lithium is installed and the boat is upside down. But soon all will be back together and we will be off again into the Bay for some winter sailing days. Cheers.

Another Mothers Day without a mother or children.

Sunday May 12th 2024

Mothers day is always hard now we are older. We miss our mums in heaven and miss our children in Australia. But thanks to the technology of Star link, we are able to all catch up via video link and have a family catch up face to face. All of our fruit cakes looked wonderful and I just want to hug them all. I wish I could have a link up to my mum as well. There is so much I would like to tell her.😢

In the morning as we still had the car we drove to Opua to do some washing and we went to brunch.

On this day we decided to get the things done to the boat that were bothering us most. Mainly the batteries. Our batteries are AGM and 4 years old. They do not provide enough energy for our boat any longer and some days if there is not much sun to power up with solar, we have to start the generator to get things going. So that was one thing, then we thought about the freezer situation and decided to replace the inefficient Engel freezer and get a larger, quieter draw freezer. So these things decided we felt better about staying on the boat in New Zealand for the next 10 months.

Sun rise on mothers day.

13th May 2024.

We were keeping the car for a few days as Neil our long time friend from Shell was coming to stay so we had to get to Whangarei airport to pick him up. So we drove the Opua and left the car there and walked, yes walked 2 hours back around the coast track to Paihia. It was beautiful, a bit challenging but a lovely walk. I tried out my new knee guard and it worked a treat. I made the distance up hill and down without as much pain.

14th May 2024.

This was always going to be a big day. First tidy and clean the boat as we were having a visitor. Then motor to Opua and dock in berth H10. Time for a quick shower and jump in the car and rive to Whangarei. Went to Pack and Save to provision for the week, as its the best and cheapest supermarket I have found in NZ, then off to collect Neil. We arrived back to the boat at 9.45pm, had a few welcome aboard Mai Tai's and chat before we went to sleep.

15th May 2024,

Today Neil and David fixed a few things and we sorted a few problems that needed a third opinion. Then in the evening we were invited to Olliy's boat. A 60meter cat he works on and is about to sail to Tonga. We went aboard as they were provisioning and I couldnt believe the amount of food for 5 people needed for a two week passage. But I was told that they were planning 4 weeks before actually going to a shop. So the amount of beer may last?

17th May 2024

Yoga in the morning with the lovely ladies in Opua, then out into the bay where we managed to get the sails up for an hour or so before the wind died completely. Motored back to Russell for Davids stitches to be removed and I needed an afternoon nap, or as Neil calls it a SCAN. (Senior Citizens Afternoon Nap).

18th May 2024

Off into the bay, we sailed for a while then found a great fishing spot. (Same spot I caught the snapper). I caught a king fish and Neil caught 2 snapper. Just legal length. Yummy dinner and stayed in Te Hue Bay overnight.

19th May 2024

Neil had to fly home from Whangarei on Thursday the 23rd, so we thought we would sail there and stay in the Marina for a few days and see what it was like. We were told it was a lovely friendly Marina and the shops were just across the road. The weather checked in Ok but not great and we thought it would be good experience for us. So we started out with a man over board drill and practiced a figure of 8 to pick up Wilson, our orange fender. We picked him up each time but I think he had hypothermia by the end of it. The we started towards the hole in the rock which is open to the sea and on the way to Whangarei. As soon as we turned the corner to round the rock we were hit with 2m waves and a huge swell. Neil said it wasn't that bad, but we were travelling against the wind and the boat was shaking and rolling all over the place. It was a messy ocean with waves and swell mashing together. Not a comfortable ride at all. After about 3 hours of wave bashing we pulled into Bland Bay for the night. I was not as protected from the southerly as we thought so we rocked all night. I cooked a quick spaghetti bolognaise for dinner and we were all exhausted.

20th May 2024.

A decision was made to go back to The Bay of Islands as the weather was worse than yesterday. So we again faced the huge seas up the coast toward the hole in the rock, but this time the wind was behind us and we surfed most of the way. There was a rouge wave that hit our starboard windows and shook the boat, toppling a few things, but other than that it was better than yesterday. We pulled into Opunga Cove and all was quiet and calm. So I cooked the lamb roast we planned for last night and it was delicious. There is a unique feeling of cooking and eating something so yummy and soothing after a rough day, in the middle of now where, surrounded by water and not a sole in sight that makes this a special moment. And then appeared a rainbow.

21st May 2024,

Went sailing again this morning. Neil imparting some knowledge on trimming sails and getting a feeling for the wind has been soooo valuable. Pulled into Motuarohia Island where I walked to the top of the hill, fantastic look out and then had a picnic on the beach. Finished the day with some fishing and met Colin the Cormorant. He stole my bait and then Neils bait. So we motored away from him to another sport, but he followed us for quite a distance. It was quite funny. Then back to Russell where we went ashore for a pub feed and then back to the boat for a sleep.

22nd May 2024,

Caught the ferry to Paihia then drove to Whangarei. After some house keeping, Bunnings, plumbing shop, Warehouse and ordering of some Mai Tai shirts, we had the best Thai meal and said farewell to Neil who stayed at the Grand Hotel for the night before his 6am flight. Then David and I drove back to Russell where I saw our first kiwi on the road between the car ferry and the town. He scooted across the road so fast. There are quite a few signs announcing that the live in the area and I'm always worried I would hit one.

Week 5 blog log of living on a boat.

Sitting around the table of knowledge.

Saturday the 27th of April:

After our little mishap with the out board motor we had a day of R and R but we did go ashore to get a few supplies. At Russell, there is a large supermarket called '4 Square'. I thought the name was clever as it insinuates 4 square meals a day, where as most people only have 3. They stock most things, a small selection of fresh fruit and veg, some meats, plenty of dairy and a bottle shop with a good selection.

So our routine is to tie up the dinghy at the wharf, and take rubbish ashore and dispose in bins on the main drag. Then off to shop. Now this day we bought a few extra things and we had 3 full bags of groceries. We opt to push the trolley to the wharf and then unload into the boat and I push it back.....as I like to get as much walking in as possible when ashore. Zoom back to the boat, and I have mastered getting off with rope in hand to tie her up and then David hands me the shopping. Only this time as I lent over to get the bags, my reading glasses fell off my T shirt neck....where I wear them so I can read things on labels.

Our second donation to the water gods, the first being David's watch when tying up in Opua Marina, his watch band broke and fell into the abis. So now king Neptune can read small print and tell the time.

28th April 2024:

Back to Opua Marina today to meet with some friends, do some washing and buy a fishing rod. We have finally mastered getting into the Marina and into a berth safely and without too much stress. We go in on a slack tide, which is one hour either side of a high or low tide. Then there is nothing to push you around except wind and this day was calm and still. Steering with engines' only and not using the wheel is something the harbour master suggested last time and it works well. We got close and my nerves kicked in so I called out to our friend Jerry, in the berth next to ours and he came out to catch a line. So did 2 other friendly neighbours, so I was relieved when we safely tied up and no boats were hurt. Yay!

Table of knowledge, Opua Cruising club.

This group of fellows are our neighbours on wharf H at the marina. Bryce next to David has a 52ft Fountaine Pajot, then Duke in the yellow shirt has a 38 ft Lagoon, Tom has a 42 ft mono hull and Jerry has an Antares 45. So a wealth of experience and knowledge over dinner and a beer and a wine was so worthwhile. Tom and Jerry, ha ha and their partners and crew, Bryce and his family and Duke are all leaving soon to join a rally to Fiji. We will go next year but they have already helped us with small questions about battery storage and the electrical circuits on the boat. I think the boys get so excited as they all have the same toy, aka a boat, and they can chat and share and know exactly what you are explaining when you talk about an alarm going off, or the windlass not working. As I said, you meet a better type of bum at a marina.

At Burnsco, (same as BCF in Auz), David bought a you-bute fishing rod on special with all the bits and bobs and I got a $50 childrens rod that I was told I could catch a snapper with. That's all I wanted.

Next day we re fuelled at the Marina on a slack tide. It was our first time fuelling up in Mai Tai. She is so big and floaty, and any wind can blow her around. We had the harbour master Mark come and help and just as well as we were blown off the wharf while fuelling. All was OK and he helped pull us in.

4th May 2024: We were off on an adventure to Mosquito Bay where we were told there is an excellent chance of catching a fish. Gary, the owner of the fish and tackle shop in Russell told us to use this bait and you will catch a snapper. So I thought he would produce a small packet of prawns as bait, but no. He handed us 2 very large frozen mullet. Just chop a bit off and put the leathery skin piece on the hook and away you go.

So we found a beautiful spot on a calm, blue, forever sky day. We passed fairy penguins and lots of sea birds before we baited our hooks and let loose into the bay.

I never profess to be great at anything although I'm good at somethings and I would not have included fishing as one of my skills. But within 4 minutes of throwing my line in I caught a fish, then another and another. I caught a total of 6 fish on my $50 childrens rod and David caught ZERO. Ha Ha. Because of his injured finger, I un hooked the first 5 as they were Kahawai, which need to be bled before eating and we were told they are very messy. So I threw them all back and they swam away healthy but with a new piercing in their lip. Then I was out to catch a snapper. I said if we don't catch a snapper we would go and we will have sausages for dinner. Well well well. I caught the biggest snapper I have ever seen. 62cm.

I said thankyou for your life Sammy snapper and did the scaling, gutting and filleting all on my own. Then I froze half and we had fresh snapper for dinner, that I cooked. WOW talk about a first time day.

With my excitement overflowing, we motored to Army Bay and dropped the anchor and I went for a swim. The water was icy but refreshing after all that fish guts and scales flying everywhere. It was a great day and we really enjoyed the boat. This is what its all about. Finding out that you can do things you never thought you would. The thrill of a first time catch, clean and cook. I'm sure there will be plenty more.

Until next week.

#snapper catch #60 somethings on a boat

Riding the contentment wave on our own boat.

.....and then things happen that you didn't plan for.

22nd April 2024: Planning day to see if we should go out to the Bay of Islands and just stay for a few nights. We saw that the wind was great today and practically non existent for the rest of the week, so we untied our ropes and let loose into the beautiful bay. The winds were just enough to let us cruise at 5 to 6 knots, but Mai Tai has a mind of her own and turned into the wind on several occasions making me panic and David wonder why she was not steering where we wanted her to go.

So we sailed around in circles for a while and then went back to the mooring, then into the town of Russell for pizza.

23rd April 2024: Today we are going out into the wild blue Bay of Islands for a few days. We first motored to the fuelling dock and re fuelled 7X20 litre diesel containers. This was tricksy as they took up a lot of room in the dinghy and then we had to get on too. We made it back safe and unleashed Mai Tai and motored out towards Army Bay.

No wind as forecast so we had a relaxing time motoring. While I was on the dolphin seat looking for any signs of wildlife, David saw a 3 meter bottle nose dolphin just next to the helm. He called out and I just saw him as he went for a dive. He was huge.

Once anchored, we went ashore and had a walk up to the look out and a great view of the bay and Mai Tai. It was a tad worm at the beach so when we got back I went for my first swim. It was chilly but I just love the water. What a great day.

24th April 2024: Our anchor held all night so I was grateful for that. We went ashore for some more exploring and discovered another part of the bay. Walked to the top and saw some squatters in tents on the side of the hill. But the bird life is something else.

On our way back disaster struck. David was letting the outboard motor down off the lift and it fell back and caught his finger. I saw by the look on his face as he said, "I need help", it was serious. I expected the whole finger to be inside the clamp. Shit, so I got out and helped him lift the engine off his hand. I saw it was still attached so that was a good thing. He said, I'm alright just caught my finger. So we got it the dinghy and started back for the boat. So this little catch on his finger started to leak blood everywhere all over the boat. I handed him a cloth shopping bag to wrap around it and quell the bleeding. It helped till we got back to Mai Tai and I had a proper look. David caught his right index finger in the clamp and it tore through the fleshy part, missing the tendon and bone by millimetres.

This needed stitching. I applied first aid, cleaning, stopped the bleeding and wrapped his hand up until a doctor could see it.

Now we had the job of getting back to Russell from Army Bay. I called a cab and booked him in for,,,,of all days, Anzac Day. Then planned to get us back to Russell. Pulled up the anchor, and motored back fine. Picked up our mooring and relaxed.

Get a boat they said, It will be fun they said.

25th April 2024:

Anzac day for us this year was a little different. We drove the dinghy to the wharf, caught the Russell ferry to Paihia and met Geoff, our taxi driver. He was wearing a Trump hat saying make America great again and he was a pommy. He drove us to Kawa Kawa Hospital where, I was happy to see no one else around. The doctors made quick work of applying 7 stitches and checking the tendon. They were fantastic and so helpful. I have been in a few emergency rooms with the kids and David and the staff here were great. I even scored a few extra bandages and first aid equipment to replenish what I used for David's hand. All done and back to Paihia for brunch. We were both exhausted so went back to Russell and back to Mai Tai. We did go to the pub later to have dinner and watch a dismal game by the dragons. But that was it.

Lest we forget.

So after a busy few days I have found that living on a boat is no different to living in a house. Shit happens and you deal with it. Make the most of your time while you can and count your lucky stars and fingers if all of your days go to plan.

#accidents on boats #life on a boat #60 somethings on a boat

You meet a better sort of bum in a marina.

1st of April 2024: I know, April fools day. However it was the day we chose to start to live on board our new boat. We had meticulously packed so we each had 30kg, as allowed by Qantas. This process took into account the things already on board, those we may need, those things we just wanted to take whether we needed them or not and those things we want to have just in case. Another 3 hour flight and 3 hour car ride. We hired a car for a week to be able to get to all of the shops and buy all of the stuff we would need. Mainly food and gas and fuel.

3rd April 2024: Paid a visit to customs as our customs form stated we were able to stay in New Zealand on Mai Tai until June 2024. We wanted to stay for the allotted 2 years each boat receives when they first arrive, but somewhere in the purchase this was changed to June. So we started the process at customs. We found out that having a foreign boat in New Zealand allowed us to avoid all taxes on any purchases. Wow so if we needed a new freezer @ $2500 NZ we would get $375 off. Not too shabby.

5th April 2024: Went to my first yoga class in Opua. So close to the Marina, I just walked about 10 minutes and the community hall was next to the car ferry. Great view of the BOI from the front door. Great class run by a lovely lady called Ines who was selling bananas from her tree.

We had to sort out our gas cylinders as they were foreign and we couldn't get them filled here in NZ. They didn't meet their high standard but fit perfectly into our cubby hole for cylinders in the cock pit. So on the last day before we returned the car we drove to Keri Keri where a cylinder servicing centre was only too happy to help. They said the cylinders were aluminium and worth about $400 each. They would be good for a few more years yet. Great news as we were thinking of just getting new ones. Back to Whangarie delivered the car, taxi to bus station, bus back to Opua, walk down the hill and now we are truly living on a boat without any other form of transport.

On the morning of the 5th our good friends from Bali were here on a cruise and we were able to pick them up and bring them to the boat. Still no sailing as we were waiting for a sail track installation. It was great to welcome aboard our first guests and they loved the boat. Ironically, they will be back next week on a different cruise, so we will see them again and go sailing.

While we we in Whangarie, the good guys from New Zealand Yacht Services came to check everything was ready for the sail track install. It just happened that they were able to get the boom off easily, remove the old track easily and so they decided to install the new track. We weren't even there. Job done and now we can go sailing.

11th April 2024: Extreme weather conditions saw us stuck on board for nearly 2 days and during the night the font hatch in the main cabin leaked. My pillow and mattress was wet and my enthusiasm dampened. So since we bought the boat, the sail track needed replacing, the gennaker was torn to shreds so a new one was ordered, the helm clutch break knob fell off and had to be repaired and replaced and now the hatch leaked. Luckily the boat came with spares and David re installed a new one and its water proof! yay!

15th April 2024: Peter and Diana arrived and we took off. We stretched our sails into nearly zero wind and had a fun day trying to make Mai Tai go without much help from the westerly. We picked up a mooring for $600 for 6 weeks in Kororareka bay, just off Russell old town. Beautiful spot.

18th April 2024: Went to yoga in Russell. First time David drove me to shore in the tender and went for a walk while I made new acquaintance with my muscles. Then off to Opua for a Rally meeting. It was extreemly informative and there are about 60 to 70 boats going between May and June. Some are going to Tonga, Tahiti, Fiji and Vanuatu. We are excited to go in 2025, but seriously need to get to know our boat first.

16th April 2024: Yoga again in Opua, washing and we got our yellow customs form! So David bought a fishing rod and some new lines and a custom step we designed so we can easily step up onto the roof when sailing. Looks great. Now we just need some great weather and we are off to explore the Bay Of Islands and catch a fish.

Mai Tai experience 2024

Adventures of 60 somethings on board a catamaran.

On the 31st of January 2024, we became the proud owners of a Lagoon 400 2010 model, located in Opua New Zealand.

On the 27th of February, after a few family engagements, we flew to Auckland and drove 3 hours to Opua Marina, gathering some simple supplies on the way. I felt so cold and exhausted when we arrived that I nearly cried at the thought of living on this small, damp and smelly boat for the next 5 years. What had we done, we had a perfectly good life in a house. Why why why?

The next day was better.

28th February 2024, we sorted out a few things and organized a few others. Where to put clothes, towels, and did we have enough. Sheets were on board, but I threw most out as they were thin and barley reuseable. I started a list of things to but for us and the boat to be comfortable and livable for the next…..years?

So first trip in our hire car to Whangarei, (Pronounced Foneray) we found Spotlight, Countdown, Kmart and Bunnings. We loaded up and drove the 1 hour back to Opua.

1st March 2024: Next day we though we would take her for a spin and charge batteries and empty the black water tank, (the wee and poo tank). So we got out to open water and came into the bay of Russell. Lovely little spot but the anchor wouldn’t go down, so I suggested David just drive around and Ill cook breakfast/brunch.

So we did that and headed back to the marina. On our approach, on an outgoing tide, she was hard to handle. The birth spot was big enough for a catamaran but not big enough for us to park in with our limited experience and a tide that wanted to push us where we did not want to go. So I am running around the deck shouting directions to David. More like, “STOP, YOUR GOING TO HIT THE WHARF”. More things like, “Oh what the FUCK, we are going to crash”. Came out of my mouth on several occasions. We had the neighbours, folk from boats near us, on the dock along with the harbor master Shane. He was speaking calmly to David about pulling back and not so heavy on the power, but I don’t think he could hear him over my screaming, “We are going to crash.”

Yes we hit the dock and crushed our port side sugar scoop with an indent of about 25cm long and 10cm deep. Not too much damage to the boat but our self esteem was shattered, and I was a nervous wreck. One of our neighbours from a boat named Scallywag, was on the dock to console us. He had just had a similar experience and the tide pushed him into the bow spirt of another boat punching a hole in the side of his 50 ft catamaran…..Ouch.

2nd March 2024: Olly the previous owner came by and he sorted out the windlass, (anchor) not working problem. He said he cleaned up some loose wiring and maybe some got lost in the process and he unplugged the windlass. Not sure but he got it going and answered a lot of David's questions. We told him about our encounter with the dock and he said, “You know what they say, “You haven’t been around if you haven’t run aground”. I’m not sure if that made me feel better but, there you have it.

3rd March 2024: We gathered up our torn confidence and broken dreams decided we had to get back on the horse….so to speak. So out we went for another attempt at having fun on our new boat. This time we dropped the anchor in Russell, and I just put the kettle on when the afternoon storm that was expected at 1pm came early and interrupted our 10am brunch. So up came the anchor and we headed back to the marina. Before we even arrived my stress levels were off the chart. But we listened to Shane and came in on a slack tide and we managed to berth Mai Tai without incident. This was cause for celebration, so we had a shower and went into Paihia for dinner and a bottle of wine.

8th March 2024: Flew back to Sydney for my 60th birthday cruise on board Celebrity Edge to …..of all places, New Zealand. During this cruise we saw parts of the South Island and the sounds that were absolutely breath taking. The enormity of these places that we could now explore in our own boat! So we decided to skip the Rally to Fiji this year and explore New Zealand for 12 months. Plus we are not experienced enough in operating our boat yet. We need time and some nautical miles before we conquer open water.

#first time cruising #catamarans #sailing retirees #first year on a boat

How time flies and circumstances change. This photo is pre pandemic, my last day of yoga on the beach. Farewelling my yoga buddies and now friends for life. Our lease was up and we were headed back to Aus for the wedding of our daughter and a few months at home. Then the world changed......

It started with a text that the Easter show was cancelled. We had been following the news and whay was changing each day, but the Easter Show? Cancelled? That ment somthing serious was coming down.

Beach Yoga

Beach Yoga in Bali

I bought a second hand bike from Barb who was closing down her bar....thats another story. So now I had my wheels all I needed was a pump. As soon as we could we purchased a pump for the tyres, that first day was memorable for me. I rode down the street knowing I had to turn off at Smorgas café, down the lane and I was there. I saw John and lucky for me I remembered his name. I picked a place, not to close to the front and not in the middle but to the side where I felt comfortable. As the lesson began, I looked around and felt quite calm and relaxed even though I couldn’t understand one word that was being said by the instructor. I copied every move…or to the best of my ability, and after buckets and buckets of sweat made my towel wet, I lay down for the relaxation time. Looking up I could see the beautiful tree above me silhouetted against the sky. I felt a contentment and overwhelming thankful ness that this should be my life. As a squirrel ran down the tree onto the offering pile at the beach tempol, the group shouted and clapped three time, Sega Oga, Sega Oga, Sega Oga. After which they clapped and laughed. I felt so happy I cried.

Sunday, family day. Thanks Corina and Steve for showing us around your Bali.

After the dodging bikes and noisey street that is Canggu, we are now in Calm and serene Sanur. Looking for a home for a year.

#lovethisplace #moviingtobali #retiring

Bali heat.

The second you get onto the aerobridge from the air conditioned plane, it hits you. Like walking into a steam room without steam. Like walking into a moist hot closed room with a distinct smell of green smoke that just hangs in the air. It's the Bali smell, it's been the same each time I have visited.

Will I get used to this? Will my body be in a constant state of sweat that I resign to sitting slippery on chairs when wearing a dress? That I leave embarrassing bum marks on wooden chairs......how does one get around this? That eating hot soup creates a drip factor from face to table. Where hair is never worn down and in a constanat fizz state. Where moisturiser in the morning is wiped away by 9.30am?

We were in a swanky warung the other day and ordered meat on a skewer by the gram. Now I'm mostly alright when it comes to working out weight, so when David ordered the 300gm I thought that was way too much and orderdd the 150gm. While waiting we were just dripping with sweat. It was running down my back and even my arms to elbows. Pleasant enough though as we had a cool iced tea and a Bintang.

Then the food came and I just laughed. There was enough meat to feed the entire staff and Im sure they would have liked some. Accompanied by 2 sides it was a meal to remember, along with the heat.

Embrace change and experience all there is of Bali.....including the heat.

#moviingtobali #baliheat #retiringinbali

Canggu

We have arrived in Canggu. The driver that picked us up late on Thursday night did not speak much englishnand I didnt speak any Indonesian sso it was a quiet ride. Once here tired hot and sweaty, we were given a cool drink and asked for the usual passport copy. Then to the villa. Down this paved walkwaY that went down two sets of steps, was this beautiful carved coloured door. It was opened by the concierge and we all stepped onto a small deck that ran along side a 3 x 2 metre pool. It was tiny but big enough to get wet and cool off.

Bed was comfy and the air con nice and cool. We have arrived to look for a place to live in Bali.

#moviingtobali #retiringinbali

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