On our way again

Tuesday - 01/02/2011

January is over so it is high time we were on our way again, and we left Mana this morning. The high winds of the day before had died out overnight and it was a lovely calm morning. We were up at 5 to listen to the 0530 weather forecast and after a cup of tea and toast we left Mana to cross Cook Strait once again. It turned in to a beautiful day. We put the mainsail up and had an easy trip to Tory Channel which is the southern entrance into Queen Charlotte Sound.

Last night the plans changed – instead of the West coast we are now going for the East coast route. After a chat with Dennis who is also heading south on his boat Kura, we all came to the conclusion that the West coast would be pretty uncomfortable having had westerly winds for some time and no sign of any easterlies arriving anytime soon.

By 1000 we were at Perano Head, just north of Tory Channel and stopped to try a bit of fishing.

Cliffs of Arapawa Island on the northern side of Tory Channel

I don’t think the fishing was too easy as we drifted in about 100 metres less than a kilometre off shore. Tidal eddies and rips in this area are common as the water pours out of the Sounds through the narrow Tory Channel. We were drifting at over 2 knots and so trying to get the line down to the bottom was near impossible. However we were able to land 3 scarpies (aka Maori Chief, Red Sea Perch, or just plain ugly red fish with totally out of proportion very large mouths and vicious spines – photo next time we catch one) but which make very good eating which we had for dinner. Also one spiny dog (small shark) which was returned to the sea.

It was fascinating watching the swirling eddies bringing all sorts of debris past us including large logs and clumps of kelp. The change of tide is distinctly visible in the bands turquoise then deep green water.



Tory channel from sea side with ferry entering channel



We entered Tory Chanel and motored down past the old whaling station on Arapawa Island just inside the channel. I believe that this was developed in the late 1820’s and later whaling in the area was mostly carried out by the Perano family right up till the mid 60’s.

Ferry leaving Tory Channel

We anchored in Deep Bay and enjoyed the sun and catching up with a few odd jobs for the rest of the afternoon.

Wednesday – 02/02/2011

Looks like the front that is over the country should pass quickly and we will be ready to head off down the east coast later this afternoon. We will see what it is like when we get further south and decide if we are going to stop at Lyttleton or Akaroa (about a 24 hour trip
1900

Departed Tory Channel and now pounding into a short sharp sea with southerly wind.  Right on the nose so no good for sails.  A bit bouncy but not too bad - just hard trying to type this... More another day.