today the excitement has set in, im sure you can see on the tracker we hugged the coast for quite a while. The mountains are so beautiful and the shoreline is just rugged cliffs. Originally we had headed in to find shelter in which to pull the main down. Once we got close however we looked at the rocks in the Milford Sound and decided not to risk it. We got the main down easy enough and have since been running just under headsail.
Now the wind has picked up and the sea state worsened. it looks like a tempest! we are running under trysail and staysail only. (we put the main down when we started cracking 15 knots).
what else can i tell you. We have actually had a fun day. Butter chicken for breakfast cause dad felt like it, then we spent most of the day just chatting, telling war stories. Dad was a very naughty boy. then carbonara for dinner and then buttoning down the hatches for tonight.
The forcast is telling us to expect 55 knots and heavy seas, it has already started raining heavily. We are in for a fun night.
We had a good chuckle today at Taupo Maritime radio, who kept calling Sunstone as Sunstroke. Its funny how its the little things that do it.
i predict that we will finnish sometime wednesday. i am so looking forward to stewart island. a good shower, a good meal, some stories, and im keen to explore a bit. Will be interesting to see how they live. (secretly i feel like Captain Cook travelling to some island in the middle of nowhere to study the local population and record my findings - i bring civilization !! - to any stewart islanders that might read this, im kidding).
To mum and the family, please say our goodbyes to granny jo for us, sorry we cant be there.
Matthew
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Wow, you guys are on fire out there! I love listening to your dad's stories and can't wait to hear more of them! Stewart Island is a pretty cool place, I reckon you'll love it. Sorry to hear about your sweet Granny Jo, will be thinking of you both tomorrow and know that you'll be there in spirit. Keep up the good work guys.
ReplyDeleteLoving reading your stories and watching your progress. We just got back from our drive up along the west coast of the South Island. Not quite the adventure you are on, but we loved it still. Best of luck! The Mercers
ReplyDeleteHi Mat, cannot wait for the morning to see where you are. You guys are really doing good, its so exciting. Steward Island is not that far anymore then you can take a shower, dont forget to wash behind your ears. Maybe now you can see why I want to move to the South Island. Its just beautiful. Enjoy your time on Steward Island. Gwen
ReplyDeleteHey Guys, love following your progress every day! You are doing so well, I'm so excited for you! Does the race finish at Steward Island or is it all the way back up to Auckland? I'm sure the trip back up is going to be a lot harder, because as you can see on Yellow Brick, it's all UP HILL!! (joke) I was so sorry to read about the passing of dear Granny Jo. She was also so quick with a hug and a kiss and I will always remember the deep love she had in her eyes for all those around her. Keep up the good work and stay safe! Love from Kaberry and family xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Guys!!! You will be glad to get to Stewart Island and have a break. All the best for the way back up.
ReplyDeletePlease accept my condolences on behalf of everyone at RFD on the passing of your Grandmother. Such a sad thing to happen while you are so far away.
Jilanne and the RFD Team
Hi Charles & Matt, well done its is great to see that you have arrived safely at Stewart Island, what a voyage! Congratulations what a terrific result, first on PHRF & 2nd on line, unbelievable. I am sorry to hear about your mother Charles, please accept our condolences. cheers
ReplyDeleteGrant Stewart