cruising kids
from a child’s eye: passage to new zealand
Tonga to New Zealand by Justine, written at age 14 We were leaving. I stood in the shade of the Pacific blue bimini that covers our large cockpit, my right hand gripping the rough wood of one of the two twin tables for balance as the floor beneath my feet started to move. I was … Continue reading
new zealand ~ trouble in paradise
January 23 – February 11, 2014 Brief Abstract: Cold and rainy, a depleted cruising kitty, no job possibilities, a minor car accident for Wil, and excruciating abdominal pain for me. We had suddenly hit a major low point in cruising. Thankfully, amidst it all, we were among good friends who helped us through. With … Continue reading
new zealand ~ parua bay to kawau bay
January 9 – 13, 2014 It was time to bid farewell to our friends in Parua Bay. My parents had less than a week left with us, so it was time to get moving. The plan was to day-hop our way to Auckland, exploring what we could along the way. Since we were anchored in … Continue reading
new zealand ~ family time in bay of islands
December 30, 2013 – January 1, 2014 I’ll never forget seeing my parents for the first time in over a year . . . standing on the Opua waterfront with Pete and Rae, our buddies from s/v Saliander. Early that morning, our dear friends had picked my parents up from the airport in Auckland and … Continue reading
new zealand ~ the holiday season
November 28 – December 29, 2013 For Thanksgiving, along with s/v Elcie and s/v Sueño, we hoisted anchor and sailed to Roberton Island for the holiday celebration. A Thanksgiving turkey dinner was served aboard Full Monty, and it was great fun to be among good friends. Walks were taken ashore, and Wil attempted to dive … Continue reading
new zealand ~ opua & paihia
November 19 – 28, 2013 It didn’t take long for us to settle into life in New Zealand. We quickly found a good spot to remain anchored while we sorted out our thoughts and brainstormed new goals, as well as give our boat some much needed attention. Many of our good friends were either anchored … Continue reading
tonga ~ odd & end photos
October 1 – November 1, 2013 It’s time to wrap up our visit to the Vava’u Group of Tonga. There are so many more stories and experiences to write about, but it’s time to move on. Therefore, here are some odd-and-end photos taken in Vava’u. return to home page
suwarrow ~ a true treasure
September 2 – 16, 2013 Suwarrow, also known as Suvarov, is a nature reserve and small coral atoll belonging to the Cook Islands. It is located about 440 miles east-northeast of American Samoa, and there is not another island within 200 miles from Suwarrow. Every year, from April through October, the population of Suwarrow consists … Continue reading
bora bora ~ no eggs, wildlife & a toe
August 15 – 18, 2013 Our final days in French Polynesia had arrived. It was time to clear out, and time to say good-bye to friends we wouldn’t see for awhile. While still anchored near Mai Kai Marina, we spent time getting last minute provisions from town, and we finalized our clearance out of the … Continue reading
