Back in the USA

We have returned from the Land of Yis and didn't see even one Hobbit, though I'm told they all hang out in in the south island. We very much enjoyed the short time we spent in New Zealand and look forward to seeing much more of the country when we return in January.

The flight back to the US was a little arduous but all done now and it's good to be back home after such a long time. So much space and no Navy showers for a little while. Driving again has been a bit hazardous but no collisions so far. The downside is dealing with a year's worth of mail, which will take days at least.

We will have the pleasure of 4 out of the 5 offspring visiting us for the week, there will be lots of eating and drinking no doubt.

I'm going to post some more photos and some statistics and observations about the past year's cruising experience when I dig myself from out of all the stuff that has to be done.

In the mean time, Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Whangarei, New Zealand

We have been lazing about in Whangerei for the last week. Getting the boat ready for our departure to the US on the 18th and talking to various contractors about repairs have taken up most of our time. Everything happens very slowly here but much, much better than Polynesia.
We rented a car and have made some road trips to Keri Keri and Opua in the Bay of Islands and also the Kauri Coast on the west side of the North Island.
We leave New Zealand early on November 18 and will be back in San Diego the same day! I still can't believe a year has gone by so quickly.
More photos to follow and also some statistics of the past years activities.
Next seasons cruising will incule Fiji, Vanu'atu and New Caledonia and then Australia and will start in May and probably end at the end of October

7 November

Whangarei, New Zealand
We arrived safely at Marsden Cove Marina in Whangarei, NZ at about 2030 last night just as it was getting dark. The last 24 hours of this run were a bit of a trial but all done now. We are here and safe and sound. Ron and I are waiting for the customs and immigration guys to show up and once they clear us we will leave on the tide and go 12 miles up river to Riverside Drive Marina in the actual town of Whangarei which will be Callisto's home for the next few months. After a year at sea she deserves some cleaning, waxing and general TLC. Some things need to be repaired and this will be the place to do it.
The Admiral will come up to Whangarei from Auckland by bus and we will hopefully meet up this afternoon at the marina.

6 November

Day 6 November 6 2010
Overnight we have been hit with 20 kts of SW wind which is right on the nose. We have only 70 miles to go and it has been difficult going overnight. I am going to motor these last few miles as I think that will be quicker than tacking hither and yon, despite the fact that I can only get 4 kts with the motor into these head winds. We should be in tonight and the Admiral will meet us tomorrow in Whangarei.
Curr3nt position at 0630 LT is 34 48.8E,175 16.3E Speed 4 kts wind 18 kts SW Seas 2 metre SE swell

5 November

Day 5 November 5th 2010
After motoring in almost no wind for 36 hours we are now back in 18 kts of wind as we slide around a high pressure system off the north coast of New Zealand. Gone are the tropical skies and warm weather and we are back in temperate latitudes with numerous fronts from the west at this time of year. We may have to fight some head winds as this front moves through but should make it into Whangarei sometime tomorrow. The high point of the day yesterday was an at sea fuel delivery from us to another boat who was low on fuel. We gave him two jerry jugs of diesel to keep him on his way. Fortunately, conditions were calm for the transfer which occurred without mishap.
Current position at 0646H is 32 37S, 175 37E. Speed 7.8 kts course 195 M wind NNE 18kts Seas 6 feet SE.

4 November

November 4, 0600H local time
As predicted, the wind died at 0800H yesterday and we have been motoring at about 6,5 kts for the past 22 hrs. We made 160 miles total yesterday and will probably be the same today. The high point of our day yesterday was a fly-by from a NZ Air Force Orion airplane which went past at about 100 feet. They called us on the radio and asked for a destination and an ETA. It's good to know that they are prepared. Other than that it's been pretty quiet and getting colder every day.
Current position is 30 18.5S, 177 25.5E, Speed 6.5 kts, Course 202M wind 4 kts SSE swell 2 metres. 360 miles to go

2 November (2nd edition)

Day 3
We have just begun day three at sea and we continue to make good progress. We are now at the half way mark and will probably be in on the 6th or seventh of November. We have had variable breeze all night with an apparent wind angle of between 50 and 65 degrees up to 18 kts apparent. I don't know for sure what the true wind speed is as my speed log has quit working.
This is despite the forecast which predicted no wind at all.
The seas have moderated quite a bit and the voyage is quite comfortable so far but it's really getting cold and we both have to layer up at night. We may also have to post an iceberg watch also. We are now again in the eastern hemisphere after more than three years
Current position is 28 09 7S, 179 09E Speed 6.8 kts course 201 M Wind SSE 12 kts Swell 2 metres SE
516 miles to we are just past halfway