Wednesday, 23 December Civilisation

Rafted up at Town Basin

A friend told us the journey up the Whangarei river is longer than you expect. We allowed 2 hours for the 10 mile trip on an incoming tide to give us as much water under the keel as possible and still had a couple of breath holding moments when the depth reduced to 1m as we negotiated the last 2 bends before town. We came around the last bend and the narrow(ish) channel suddenly opened out in a large basin with pile moorings and berths for 100 boats.

When we phoned yesterday we were told we could have 1 of the 2 available places on the quay. We knew we were going to raft up alongside a boat of similar length and we knew we were going to go our bow to his stern so our cockpits would be apart. Remembering one the lessons of our first sailing course, preparation, preparation, preparation, we came in with lines ready, fenders out and a plan. I can proudly say this, our first experience of rafting up to another boat, was done so efficiently David and I didn't to talk. We came in, turned 180 degrees (using the bow thruster) and reversed into our spot quietly the man in the next boat came out later and said he hadn't heard us come in. Big pats on the back for a job well done.

We hooked up to the shore power without a hitch. NZ has European 220v electric supply which is perfect for us. American boats are configured to take 110V and have to have a step up transformer to take shore power. Why the excitement about power? Because it's important to give the house batteries a serious boost from time to time to keep them healthy.

I think I'm going to like being in town for Christmas. Many of our friends are here too including Dignity who we first met in Grenada in August 2009 is two boats away, Emily Grace is alongside as well as Pylades. Of course we had to say hello to everyone and them go ashore to explore. There are cafes so close I could order a breakfast latte delivered without having to leave the boat. Above the marina office is a time piece based on the historical one Greenwich observatory which allowed vessels to check the accuracy of their clocks. A few minutes before 1 o'clock a ball is raised below the weather vane and at exactly 1 o'clock it drops. The one in Greenwich still works, Whangarei's is broken.

As well as the coffee shops we are within easy walking distance of retail therapy. Shops that sell things you want. Shops with pre Christmas sales are even better. I found walking boots in my small size at a bargain price. We found a soft cotton hammock to replace the skin scoring nylon mesh one we have and half price silicon bread tins to replace our rusted tins. No more ferrous oxide flavoured toast.