Sunrise from Stafford Bay
We might have gone further, but a fresh NW breeze turned into the best part of a gale. So we parked up in Stafford Bay in company with two small sailboats rafted up on the other buoy. Stafford offers excellent shelter in NW winds. Fishing was slow and our one good specimen was a cod, so he had to go back; the season opens on December 20th. Two reported maritime incidents, both a result of the strong winds and rough seas, endorsed our decision. However, holiday Monday especially was a beautiful day. On the way in, for old time sake, we dropped in to Putanui west to wait for the tide. We berthed at Havelock in the late afternoon having steamed just 32 miles. The trip had a nice feel to it; relaxed and satisfying.
