Winter over in Nelson

Hello Again One And All

I see it is over two months since I last sent a note out but it has been winter and quite a cold and wet one so we have stayed put here in Nelson.

In the middle of September SHAMAL was lifted out of the water for maintaince. Once again I had my heart in mouth as she was lifted. I tell you it is nerve racking seeing your home swinging in mid air. The crane driver must of thought I was somewhat deranged the way I kept reminding him of his responsibilities as I darted around with my camera taking pictures of his every move.

Alec and I then flew home for a few days for his Mum's 90th leaving SHAMAL in the hands of the boys in the yard to start work on her. Mum slept through most of the celebrations but it was good to see at least half the family again. We then did a quick trip down to see my Dad who has had a bit of an up and down time of late but I think will still be with us for his 99th Birthday in December.

Picton to Nelson (side trip to Australia)

Hello To You All

We left Picton in the top of the Marlborough Sounds on Thursday 17th July (Help that was nearly a month go!] on a mild overcast winter morning with no wind, so motored out of Queen Charlotte Sound and back into Cook Straight where we were back into winds of 20 -25k with moderate seas!!! Also it started to rain. Oh well it is winter. By 3.00pm we were back into the sunshine and motor sailing into Pelorus Sound. This really is a pretty part of the country. We found a lovely sheltered bay where we tied up to a mooring buoy for the night. Alec and I put the tender into the water and motored off to find a spot to drop his Cray pot. Once back on Shamal we then watched the seals on the other side of the bay swimming around the cages of a salmon farm looking wishfully in for an easy meal.

Wellingron to Picton

Hello One And All

Well we have made it to the South Island. We are now tied up to the marina in Picton. A little sail boat among the huge gin palaces and supper yachts! Boy there is some big money floating around here.