Adventures in Russell - Fireworks, Racing, Fish Hooks, Hangi and Leather.

After a our time in the Bay of Islands for Christmas we headed to Russell to wait out the forecast gale force winds that were scheduled for New Year's Eve.  Our New Year's Eve party on Varekai was rather interrupted as we went to help an expensive carbon yacht that left the anchorage without an anchor or its owner.  The rest of the "gale" was uneventful in the lee of Russell and we enjoyed the excellent fireworks put on by the small towns of Paihia (leeward of us) and then Russell (windward of us).

It was then back to the dock at Opua to progress some much anticipated improvements to Fluenta done promptly so we could get back out to Russell to race in the Tall Ships Race in Nirvana.

The race was great fun which is not surprising in such a beautiful boat (an Alden 64) run so expertly by Gary and Julie.  We had three families worth of children on board who enjoyed lobbing waterballoons at the opposition.

Summer weather leaving Opua ...

Racing in Nirvana

Attack !

Racing kids.

The post race Hangi at the Russell Boat Club

The post race Hangi at the Russell Boat Club

Axel and Samuel's Birthday Party

Axel and Samuel's Birthday Party

Axel and Samuel's Birthday Party

The tortilla press is action

One of the dynemea soft shackles that Victoria made.

Caution ... sinking the hook beyond the barb in your finger can be painful.  Out comes the medical kit ...

Benjamin's first haircut.

Benjamin's first haircut.

Russell from the hilltop

Julie getting the children to stop moving for a few seconds for a photo.

Learning how to make leather.

Learning how to make leather.

The old printing press.

Russell from the mast top.  I needed to go up to persuade the top swivel to slide down so we can store the genoa

Russell from the mast top.  I needed to go up to persuade the top swivel to slide.

Nirvana at anchor.

Sliding down the forestay to check the extrusion set screws.

Pickling the watermaker in preparation for our grand road trip !