Thursday 12 May the final countdown

We're leaving, we're staying, we're leaving. We have a unanimous decision to leave Whangarei Town Basin on high water late this afternoon. This is it – time for the last dash to the laundry, last dash to get groceries and counting the cash to see there is enough for a case of beer which is an essential for our 'we're here beer' when we arrive either in Minerva reef or Fiji.
Opinions on the dock have been split between those, like us, who are opting to leave ahead of two fronts coming over this weekend and the alternative camp to wait until they've passed.
At 3 o'clock we've said au revoir and thanks to Brian and Sharon who run the marina so efficiently with their laid back style and the farewell committee, or is that good riddance committee, have gathered to help us with our lines; Joanie and Guy (Pickles), Dirk and Anne (Sail Away) and Yaap (De Ware Jacob). Waves and bon voyages follow us down river.
Two hours later and we're anchored back at MacGregor's Bay opposite the oil refinery. On the way in we stopped to say hello to Mary and Peter on Asor Lare. They are staying in NZ until August and then heading direct to Vanuatu.
Our first night on anchor in a month and it feels good. We both said how much more relaxed and calm we felt. Not sure why. It might be the quietness or the stillness or the removal of any shore side pressure to go out and communicate. We had a wonderful dinner of steak and mushrooms with a glass of wine and then spent a relaxing evening chatting and reading.

----------
radio email processed by SailMail
for information see: http://www.sailmail.com