Opua: missed
Opua: missed
The storm stayed south of Opua. Auckland reported winds up to 76 knots, but I left my instruments on until I went to bed and didn’t see a reading higher than 26 knots. There was stronger wind nearby. VHF Channel 21, which is a continuous weather channel, including readings from buoys and shore stations, said “Bay of Islands: 46 knots maximum.” But that is obviously recorded at a more exposed location, probably Cape Brett.
The farther south you go in the country, generally the worse the weather. Snow was falling at Invercargill at the far end of the South Island this morning.
The night was quiet, except for two brief passing squalls.
Today has seen broken clouds, sun and a rainbow.
A break in early afternoon caused me to pump up the dingy and row ashore for a shower.
On the way in, the west wind picked up again to 20 to 25 knots and the tide was strong against me.
After my shower and buying a couple of things at the general store, I made it downwind back to the boat in ⅕ the time it took me to row in. All I really had to do was use the oars as rudders to keep us pointed in the right direction and catch hold of THE HAWKE OF TUONELA as we flashed past.
Saturday, September 18, 2010