YTH2319A – Rā Tuatoru – Day 3

This morning we woke up at Patunui Bay in Te Puna Inlet. After good sleeps, we finally got to try out the normal morning routine.

At 0700, we swam off the side of the ship and had our rinse off (not shower) under the hot shower on deck. After that, we got into our morning cleaning stations and by the time we had finished breakfast was ready. After breakfast, we split into our sail station groups and did dishes, engine check and got ready to pull up the anchor. We gathered for a talk with Pete and Tom about how the sail stations work together to move, turn and really sail the ship and then we set sail. 

We had an awesome sail going a solid 5-6 knots out past the Black Rocks and across the bay to Waiwhāpuku, Army Bay, Moturua. Once there, we had a swim and a sausage sizzle lunch. Recharged, we went ashore and walked over the hill to Mangahawea. Saddlebacked Tieke were ever-present along the way. At Mangahawea, we learned the special history of the place . We had some quiet time thinking about the voyages our ancestors might have made as well as checking out the beach. The rain was on and off on our way back and since we were mostly wet already some of us chose to swim back to the ship!

Back at the ship we all ended up going for a swim, Lola led some crafty jewellery making in the saloon and then Arihi had Nacho dinner ready. We have just written our daily logs and are hoping to go for a night walk and see a kiwi. Everyone is happy and probably looking forward to another good sleep tonight.

Til tomorrow,