#103 NOW May 1, 2006 8:00UTC +12 hours (New Zealand Standard Time) Good Morning, It's vacation time! For me, that means a trip back to the US to visit family and friends. I am looking forward to some momentous events, especially the arrival of my first grandson, and the graduation of my youngest daughter from college. I will be busy crisscrossing the skies with stops in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Nebraska, and Florida. There are some benefits to having worked for an airline. Last Tuesday, Rainer and Claudia joined me for a few days of cruising to the Abel Tasman National Park. We cruised the backside of Adele Island, around Pitt Head, and finally into Torrent Bay. This is a lovely Bay with sandy beaches and protection from most winds. We off-loaded the dinghy in gusty conditions (a major undertaking) and headed for the shore. From here, we were able to join the well-known Coast Track for a little tramping. It was drizzling so we did not go far. Nevertheless, this will known track, which extends 32 miles along the coast would make a great hiking vacation. After spending two nights here, we continued up the coast a bit. However, with a forecast for gale winds, we decided to cross Tasman Bay back to DUrville Island, which I had visited earlier. Near the entrance to Port Hardy around sundown, Rainer decided he wanted to do a little fishing. I must admit that I was a little skeptical that he would have much success before dark and our need to be securely anchored. Wow! Within 15 minutes (no exaggeration) Rainer had caught nine fish, three of which he threw back. That evening we had a feast of blue cod fit for a king. One thing we did not lack for was some great cooking by Claudia. Her German heritage was showing forth in the galley with scrumptious gourmet meals. I had been proud of myself for losing a few pounds. However, they have somehow magically reappeared this last week. With the wind blowing out of the Southeast, we proceed down the coast, which provided us some protection. Once again, I pulled into Croisilles Harbour, and anchored at the far end of Squally Cove near a small waterfall. The wind blew hard during the night with the typical williwaws that are so common to this area. My anchoring tackle was getting a good workout. The next morning with winds in the 25 to 30 knot range, we headed back to the security of Port Nelson. It was a wonderful passage with some good friends. This will be my last NOW for a while, as I enjoy a break. I look forward to seeing many of you, and wish all the very best. Life is a Cruise, Larry -- Larry Rick Done Dreamin' Nordhavn 40 #33 Site: http://gricknet.homedns.org/Dads%20Web/doneDreamnHome.htm