YTH2418 – Rā Tuarima – Day 5 (and Day 4)

We have made it back to the Bay!

Hi guys, sorry we didn’t have reception for a blog up in Whangaroa but it was an awesome trip.

Yesterday, we woke in Waiiti Bay of the Cavalli’s and headed around to the North end of Motukawanui for a hike up the hill and some beach games/time before coming back for pumpkin soup lunch. Then we had a pretty nice sail past the islands, up the coast, and into the almost hidden entrance of Whangaroa. By the time we got there it was late afternoon. Some of us went fishing off the ship, while others went for a Tiki Tour further into the harbour maze. We all had a delicious lamb chop, potato bake and broccoli dinner made by Rach before rounds and a calm night’s sleep.

Today, we awoke to a misty morning in Whangaroa. A beautiful morning for our morning swim! We did ship cleaning quickly, had breakfast and set sail. We just about got out to sea when the toilet pipes blocked, so we turned back to fix those before our longest passage of the trip. Our captain Magnus is our hero! Just before lunch we were off again. We had to punch it out til we could turn past Flat Island and this took a while. The bowsprit went under the water a few times, which brought excitement. Once past Flat Island, we set the inner headsail and turned off back down the coast. The swell and wind were now abeam which made the ride a bit smoother for us. Some people stayed up the whole time, while others tried to teleport back home below. All in all, it was a great and safe day out in the weather but we are all glad to be back in the Bay at our anchorage for the night – Paradise Bay, Urupukapuka.

A much anticipated game of spotlight on the beach awaits us tonight. Now though, Cottage Pie for dinner and then Cheesecake made by our great volunteer Rebekah. Got to go!

Pō mārie,

Us.

R Tucker Thompson