Over 7,000 nautical miles, five countries in seven months, way more diesel than we thought, four different kinds of sea sickness tablets, incredible experiences and a potential love affair with the sea – and we are home.
After a three and a half day sail from Opua, down the West Coast of New Zealand, we’re back in our berth at Mana Marina. Kyle, Dean’s brother, joined us for this last leg and he was wonderful to have on board. Having a crew member that you already care about and who knows you is fabulous.
Being home is very surreal. Suddenly we are familiar. I’m trying to do useful things like clean out the snacks containers and sort out work, but sleep deprivation from night shifts and adrenaline is quite a drug.
We had a gorgeous welcome party with family – thank you so much everyone – you’ve made coming home very special. And of course we are reunited with the biggest love affair of all – our doggie, Zena.
So now what? While we were away we had plans. We were going to pay off debt and save like crazy then go away again in 2017, visit fewer countries, spend more time in villages and get beyond touristy visits. Dean is dead keen. I’m not sure.
Why the hell would I want to bob around again in a furious ocean in a little plastic boat with the wind screaming at me?
I really thought this affair would have developed. I’ve learnt more about sailing but not enough to overcome fear.
Our trip down from Opua was lovely at first (I almost enjoyed little bits of it) and then we came around from the Taranaki nob and the southerly hit. It was three metre swells, 25 knots on the nose and all early romance over. I didn’t drink enough water because going to the loo was too traumatising. I was rude. I left my body and expected to die. There were dolphins and I didn’t care.
We’ve met cruisers who have been at sea for 35 years. They’re sure, they can fish, they know all the knots. Maybe they expect to die at some point but they are madly in love with the lifestyle.
I get the freedom side of it and all the amazing things about travel. But, for me, cruising is ultimately self indulgent. If I do it again I will need to find a way to make it mean more.
But, as I walked down the pier towards our boat today, I felt happy. Not just the absence of stress and sadness, but something like happiness. Perhaps I do have a potential new love.
I’m going to post some geeky-boat things over the next while about how we prepared for the trip, what clothes were useless, hair tips and our favourite bays, as well as my neurotic thoughts on this whole sailing is scary thing. So I won’t be offended if you’re not into that, and want to unsubscribe. But I hope you’ll stay connected and share my posts.
PS. So far, the best seasickness tables are Phenergan 10mg – no side effects and no spewing.
PPS. Things I miss already: getting in the dinghy and venturing up a river; turtles; being friendly and that not scaring people off; not knowing what’s going to happen in the next hour.
Our first sight of NZ. Very emotional.
And bloody cold.
My lovely new friend, Gail from Puponga. When we left in May she gave me a pounamu koru necklace to keep me safe. I knew she was fabulous when the Opua Cruising Club were busy one night so she went into the kitchen and helped out doing the dishes. Gail was one of the first hugs when we got back. This was Gail’s first ever selfie. Happy adventures Gail.
A staph infection or bite within an hour of getting back to NZ! Dean watched Stargate episodes on the boat for a week while I ventured around Opua and Kerikeri.
I called him Fat Foot for a few days.
Russell. We loved the Bay of Islands and almost stayed. Dean got offered work at one of the charter companies. But the fantasy didn’t last too long (although one more sign from the universe and we could of stayed).
Summer Bay, Urupukapuka Island – as beautiful as anywhere in the Pacific.
My lovely Dad joined us for a very special weekend.
From Paradise Bay looking out at Moturoa Island. Sigh.
A big snapper and an even bigger red thing that we didn’t eat.
Another bad, bad fringe cut.
On our way down the West Coast after three night shifts, looking like crap.
I’ve done my share of 360 turns at night. Our auto-pilot turns off at random and unless you know the compass heading straight away, it can take ages to get the boat back in the right direction – until I started to write the heading above the chart plotter. So proud of myself for coming up with something practical.
Back home, walking Zena in Pauatahanui Inlet. Long may this wonderful feeling last. Thank you to the Coffeey-Beans for looking after Zena so well. She’s very happy and healthy and obviously loved. Come visit anytime. Woof.
Sailing is Not Scary 
A book that influenced me even though I didn’t read it, was called “Feel the fear and do it anyway” which has become my motto when sailing. I always felt amazing anxiety beginning the day or two before departure on longer trips and it usually settled after a day or two at sea but never really left me. But the positive feelings and experiences that resulted from not giving in to fear hugely outweighed the small gain I might have got from staying put.
Well done on completing your journey. You should be very proud of what you’ve achieved and maybe in a few months life in port will start to seem dreary by comparison, and you will start thinking of your next adventure….
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Hello, I’m desperately waiting for the next installment on the boaty-geeky things! We have a boat and I’m super scared also. I’ve loved following along your blogs.
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Oh thanks Linda – just when I thought no one was interested! I will get blogging. Take care. Feel the fear and get off the boat onto land for a quick shopping trip!
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