There has been a lot of bad weather bringing a northerly wind into Tindalls Bay, so I have moved across to a sheltered bay on Kawau Island for a few days.
Category Archives: 2023 season
Come for a swim
Bird Shit
Jumping off the boat
Fish and Chips
Yesterday after the boats left us we thought we would follow them into Neiafu Harbour and the big city. We had to book in with Customs once again to let them know we would now be sailing around Vavau. We also had to see about extending our Tongan visa. It was quite an easy process once we had found there office and paid $400 for the two of us. We found a laundromat and left a small pile of washing. Next it was off to the fresh veggie market. By the time we had got there there wasn’t much left. It’s not yet whale season but there are whales around every corner.
Fabien and Nolwenn spent the afternoon at the Tropicana Cafe with free WIFI while we went back to Imagine. Last night we went out for dinner at the fish and chip shop. It’s a barge with a cabin on it anchored in the middle of the bay. A few people can eat dinner there but most order takeaway. They have a vast menu of Fish, Chips or Fish & Chips. We all chose fish and chips!. They have wine, beer, and make margaritas.
This morning we went back into town to get fresh veggies from the market before sailing back to Port Maurelle. Another relaxing afternoon, swimming snorkeling and walking along the beach.
All the boats in the bay had a visit from a local guy in his boat with a hi-vis vest on. He he is officially collecting anchoring fees. From the Community Reserve each time we asked him it was the Local Community and something else. Possibly a local community scam to support the local community. Along with all the other boats we paid the $20 fee to anchor for at least one week in the bay, then we will have to pay again.
Weekend away
We spent a night at Moturekareka then went to Kauwau Island. We tried our luck at fishing, but nothing for dinner. B caught a couple of small snapper , too small to keep. John and Connie went for a hike on Kauwau while B and I did some more little work on Imagine.
Today was a beautifully day. We stopped at Bostaquet bay for lunch on the way back to Tindalls bay. Connie helmed all the way back and she is now assisting John preparing dinner.
Almost ready
After months of work Imagine is almost ready to set off on a new adventure. John and Connie a Canadian couple have joined us to do their first blue water crossing and travel around French Polynesia. We still have a few things to do before going. We deserve a break after the hot water pipe burst and folded 100 liters of water into the bilge and soaking the carpet. Then the shower mixer split leaking water down the inside of the wall.
Connie ventured into the water for her first morning swim this morning. John wasn’t so adventurous. We did a little shopping this morning then we sailed to Moturekareka Island for the weekend.
See you later Cobber
Its been a busy week. Lydia had no holiday. She just got stuck in and helped remove the old steering and install the new one. A friend Rodger helped us making the brackets in his shed for the new rudder ram. We still have to run the hydraulic pipes (tomorrow). In-between Lydia installed the new autopilot and rewired the raymarine system. B continued with the painting and also made a bird scarer, as the birds were rusting on the railings at night and shiting on her new paint.
This morning started with saying see you next time to Lydia as she had to fly back to Brisbane. Next was exercise with Mollie. We took my brothers family dog for a walk this morning and a play on the beach. I had to go pick up the new Gipsy that matches the new anchor chain. That took all afternoon as the traffic was so bad. We have a busy weekend ahead as we have to finish everything off in time for the new crew arriving.
The Beast is out
Back in the water on Monday, Tuesday slept, Wednesday went shopping and Thursday Lydia arrived. Lydia has been on Imagine several times before, this time with her engineering background she came to help remove the old steering system and install the new hydraulic system.
Thursday night we relaxed, chatted and played cards. This morning Lydia and I started. First the morning swim before breakfast. We then unbolted piece by piece the old steering system. Now we have no steering. This afternoon we measured up brackets for the new system. Tomorrow we will start to make them. B continued with the painting and then cleaning up our mess. None of it was easy as the northerly swell came in the bay and rocked Imagine all day.
Thursday night we relaxed, chatted and played cards. This morning Lydia and I started. First the morning swim before breakfast. We then unbolted piece by piece the old steering system. Now we have no steering. This afternoon we measured up brackets for the new system. Tomorrow we will start to make them. B continued with the painting and then cleaning up our mess. None of it was easy as the northerly swell came in the bay and rocked Imagine all day.
All done
We are back in the water! Ten days of hard work and Imagine is back in the water and looking great. Hull is antifouled below the water, above waterline is a nice clean white. The rubrail is repaired and the brass strip is shiny. The anchor chain has been replaced. We are just waiting for the new Gipsy (cog to match the chain) so we can use the new chain. The startermotor and Volvo electronics have been replaced (the motor starts now). More of the toe rail has been finished and the rear ladder glistens.
We had ten days of hot weather while we worked on her and today it’s raining.At least the rain has given us a chance to rest before we start replacing the steering system and keep going with painting and refit…so much more to do! ( B thinks that the “all done title is not quite appropriate)
