After ten weeks out of the water it seems unbelievable that we still had more work to do on the boat. The list of jobs is never ending but we are determined that we are going to enjoy some boat life while doing the work.

We managed to get ourselves to our favourite spot at the old whaling station in Whangamumu and spend a few nights.

For the first time, we followed the track out all the way to Rawhiti. We had been told that it was closed but passable – this was from a group with young children so we figured if they could get through then so could we!

The walk was a fabulous treck through regenerating bush but there was plenty of evidence of storm damage. The bridge in the last picture below was supposed to be about 10 metres upstream from where the photo was taken.

Often, we simply head to our local beach in Smugglers Cove. On one occasion when the wind direction meant Smugglers was too uncomfortable we even anchored within sight of Daniel’s house and spent three nights there.

Sue decided that she would be the designated servicer of winches. The winches are supposed to be serviced every year and we had never done ours so the job was well overdue.

Armed with a selection of YouTube videos, various tools, a collection of replacement springs and pawls and some suitable grease and oil, she managed to service all six winches while we were anchored in a beautifully calm spot next to our local fishing wharf.

We now have beautifully smooth sounding winches and have promised ourselves that there will be an annual maintenance schedule in future.