Getting Ready to Test the Waters Outside Whangarei

Finally making the time to send photos from the last month's journey from Dockland 5 into the water and onto a pile mooring in Town Basin, Whangarei. We are getting ready to do a "shake-down" cruise out to Great Barrier Island and then on to Auckland, where we need to find the US Embassy and sign official documents for our finalized re-finance. Given the favorable weather window this upcoming week, we will then make our way back up to the Barrier Island again, do some fun hiking, and then come back here to Whangarei for the the last of our provisioning before heading out to Fiji. There is still lots to do and it sometimes seems over-whelming to be heading back out to sea after so long, but we know that once we get out there, Sidcwinder will be smiling once again, as she is happiest when she is sailing, and her crew relaxes with the good vibes. We hope to leave for the beautiful bay at the mouth of this river tomorrow afternoon, and then we will sail on Sunday for our first destination. Onward!!!!!  Hope all is well with everyone. With the very sad news that our dear friend, Kenny Phebus passed away last Saturday night, we are filled with a renewed spirit to make each moment memorable. We love you all.     Suzi and David

 David and Doug help Tony, our next-door neighbor, ready Catalyst II for the water.

 Tony heads for the Town Basin while the kids from Mango watch and wait for their turn.

 David does the last of the boat work, happy to know we will be back in the water soon.
Charlie generously treated us all to a wonderful Easter BBQ and Suzi, Jason, Mike and Tony enjoy!

 Conor and David played wonderful sweet music while we all sang.  Great evening had by all!

 Farewell to Sidewinder We will miss all the friends we have made and hope to see them out there sailing.

 The travel-lift, driven by delightful Doug, gently takes Sidewinder back to the water where she belongs.

 Whangarei has some wonderful hiking and our first adventure while here in Whangarei was with Bruce and Alene from Migration, whom we first met at Rainbow Reef, Fiji.

 The friendly cat welcomed us to his backyard and escorted us up the trail for quite a distance.

 The river continues up toward the falls and many paths are enjoyed by all.

 After our first rainy hike, Alene and I ventured back out a few days later to re-energize.

 From the top of the hill, the view of Whangarei is spectacular. It feels so good to hike again with a friend!

As we all know, life is so very precious.    Suzi and David