Christmas in the Bay of Islands

We cleared into New Zealand in Opua at the end of November.  We caught up on some maintenance (and sleep) and then went out into the Bay of Islands for Christmas.

The Tall Ship R Tucker Thompson came into the anchorage so the big kids swam over to say hello

Swimming back from the R Tucker Thompson with scones and jam !

Benjamin watches to ensure they stay safe.

Swinging on their rope swing.  The kids swam back with scones they were given.  The kids then went back to give the crew some of the fudge that Victoria had made.

Anchored off Waewaetorea Island where we spent Christmas with the other kid boats two years ago.

Lots of nice hikes in the Bay of Islands.  Johnathan is sitting on a WWII observation post.

Pretty views.

Where we anchored for Christmas this time.  Waiwhapuka Bay

Hiking on Waewaetorea Island

Hiking on Waewaetorea Island

Hiking on Waewaetorea Island

One of the beaches on Waewaetorea Island.  Liz was doing yoga here in peace and quiet when a tour boat load of tourists landed on the beach complete with barbecue and stereo.

Spearfishing with the kids for lunch and dinner

and mulberry jam from the mullberries the kids picked from behind the Russel Boating Club.

A bronze whaler shark coming to check us out.  They are bigger than most reef sharks but seem quite timid.

A contrast in anchoring neighbours: nice considerate neighbours anchoring at a safe distance.

A contrast in anchoring neighbours:  anchoring too close - hard to see but there is a posh Hanse sailboat right behind our transom).  We took this photo after they had let out some more chain and we brought in some more chain after we had asked them three times.  Winds were forecast to be 25 kts so not the time for short rodes.

The kids regularly took the bus down to Whangarei to visit their friends on Honey.  Christmas preparations

The kids regularly took the bus down to Whangarei to visit their friends on Honey.  Christmas preparations

I am not if this is where they stored Benjamin when he visited Honey

More Christmas preparations

The elve's sweatshop in the V-berth. Victoria making Christmas presents

Christmas !

Christmas !

Christmas Dinner !

and, of course, maintenance.  Johnathan removing the dynmea tack line so we can take the mainsail off for inspection.

Johnathan and me making a new "anchor stick" for the windlass.

Modifying the anchor stick for the windlass

And a bit of wind - 51 kts - as we prepare to leave the boat for a few weeks.