We spent a pleasant afternoon together, although we had to suddenly shelter in French Farm when the southerly change suddenly hit.

The next morning we were off out the harbour and were blessed with good winds for most of the day, and part of the night. Through the clouds the stars and full moon shone now and again, and we had our watches. The motoring is tiring, but once the wind has died, has to be done. It was motoring, and then feeling the breeze come up, try sailing, then motoring again, and so on. So when the watch was finished Rowena was too exhausted to even crawl into her sleeping bag.

The breeze picked up about mid morning, but the forecast wasn’t for more wind so we decided to go in at Oamaru. We had to anchor outside the harbour and wait for high tide, as the harbour is very silted up. Then a fishing boat came out to guide us in….pretty scary, but we managed. Inside the harbour, no problem. So, while waiting for winds, we had two days of exploring, eating out and so on.

We saw a drama about the great storm of 1868 and by coincidence the daughter of a friend was acting in it. It was very well done, with a cast of three, and we were very impressed. http://www.livinghistorynz.com/gallery.php The historic precinct was very enjoyable, and especially after seeing the drama we appreciated it all the more. The Limestone carver was fun to talk to and watch carving.

The next day Julia Guthrey (the actor in the drama) came to Sunshine for a visit.

We think we are sailing to Moeraki next, but who knows……..