Sunday 27 November We're back

We went so fast through the night our ETA for Opua came forward from 5pm to 5am. Indeed we entered the Bay of Islands at 3am and then a 2 hour motor up the river to the Q dock in the marina. This has been one of our best passages; constant winds, less than 12 hours of motoring when we had no wind, and kind seas. No burying the bow under water, no hard side slaps, just long interval swells to gently roll over. Huzzah! for patience and waiting for the right weather.

2hrs from bay entrance to marina

Customs and immigration formalities were completed mid morning leaving us free to find a spot to anchor and to be back on shore in time for lunch. Pulling up to the dinghy dock a welcoming sight; two boats we haven't seen for a while. First Anthem with Jack and Jan who we last saw 7 months ago and Chrisandaver Dream aka CD with Chris and Dave who we haven't seen since they helped with our transit through the Panama Canal 18 months ago. Great to see them both. There was a lively catch up of news and stories over a glass or two at the cruising club this evening. In fact we were the last ones to leave and still hadn't stopped talking. Not that that's new for David. Love 'im.