#106 NOW June 24, 2006 0915UTC +12 hours (New Zealand Standard Time) Anchored in Whataru Bay S3447.8 E17323.6 Temp 66, Wind SE 10-15 Good Morning, After waiting for about two weeks in Nelson for a break in the weather, we finally came up with a forecast for a couple of days between fronts that looked promising. It is not unusual to have gale and storm warnings in effect for the entire island. My good friend Rainer joined me last Tuesday and we slipped the dock lines at 10:35 AM and departed Nelson on a gorgeous sunny day with just light winds. Our strategy was to follow the front that had just passed over and ride the high pressure area that followed, proceed up the west coast of the North Island around the North Cape and into Opua before the next cold front caught up to us. The plan was a good one, and we enjoyed about five hours of nice weather as we cruised through the Able Tasman area. However, passing abeam Farewell spit our pleasure cruise became a rather wild ride with winds gradually increasing to 25 then 35 knots. What was forecasted as light and variable winds of less than 15 knots was soon changed to gale warnings in force and seas reaching 4 to 5 meters. The next front was still down over the Southern end of the South Island, yet the winds were kicking up very rough seas. With the para-vanes down and running at 1700 RPM, much faster than I normally run, we pressed on for the North Cape, rounding it just as the front hit. The areas just south of us were reporting Storm warnings in effect with winds to 50 knots. Once rounding the Cape, we enjoyed the protection of the island and set about straightening up the cabin and fixing a nice hot breakfast. Unfortunately, there are few good anchorages in this area. We rounded the cape and headed south into a full gale for about 30 miles into Karikari Bay, eventually working our way into the good protection of Whataru Bay. Dropping the anchor, we fixed a nice steak dinner, topping it off with some of my favorite ice cream. It was good to drop into bed for a much-deserved sleep. Today is clear and warm. Rainer is sitting out on the back deck enjoying the sun and the gentle motion of the boat. Our plan is to leave this afternoon, when the wind is forecasted to decrease to 20 knots, for Whangeroa Harbour. This is a very protected cruising area and should be a great place to anchor for the night. Sunday the wind is forecasted to be only 15 knots and we should be able to make a quick run down to Opua. The challenges of the cruising life can be demanding, however that makes the good times all that more enjoyable. Done Dreamin' has been performing without a hiccup during these rough passages. I put new shackles on the para-vanes before leaving Nelson, which was probably a good idea considering the workout they have been getting. Life is a cruise, Larry -- Larry Rick Done Dreamin' Nordhavn 40 #33 Site: http://gricknet.homedns.org/Dads%20Web/doneDreamnHome.htm