We're going back to beauty

We're still in Nelson, needed a day rest. Will head out tomorrow - back to the South Pacific's most beautiful beaches - to take a rest for a week before we sail into Nelson to fix the paint.

Did lots of washing, shopping for the paint job, stocking up groceries etc.  Time to head out again and find some peace.  

Those Kiwis

We were invited for BBQ dinner here in Nelson by a family that Marcus met in Minerva Reef 3 years ago. What lovely fun people, typical Kiwi nice and relaxed and big family, double 3 generations (grandparents= boat owners, 2 daughters with their kids - both just moved back from Australia) in all ages plus brother (in law) (=uncle = great uncle) living in the house and around it in campers and buses. Fun. And because they are so lovely and we were invited we went home with fruits to go: grapefruits and lemons from the garden. Oh man, you can't beat this culture.

Adele Island

Safely anchored at Adele Island, beautiful South Island of New Zealand.
Another rough motoring/ sailing day with partly high and very unpleasant cross seas. But now we're at a very calm anchorage, enjoying the peace and waiting for that lamb raost in the oven to be done...

We're at the South Island

After 20hrs of rough seas sailing with a speed of mostly 8-9 knots we safely arrived at d'Urville Island (49 miles north of Nelson)last night around 8pm. Boy we were tired. We slept like in coma until 10.30am this morning. Unfortunately we do not have internet here and did not even succeed to get a sailmail message through last night. We hope this one finds its way.
As soon as we have internet again I will write more. I just wanted to let you know we're safe and the engine is running just fine.

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