We left Whangaroa at about 10:30 and it was so rough going out the entrance both Rob and I had reservations about heading north. But once clear of the entrance, the sea was more settled and Zinkwazi lifted her skirts and romped along under full main and about 75% of our genoa in a 15 knot wind off our back quarter. We anchored off the main wharf in Mangonui at about 3:15.
We were going to go ashore, but wind is chilly so we had macaroni cheese (with bacon) and grilled tomatoes for tea. Had to make the cheese sauce with powedered milk because I had not defrosted any milk – but powdered milk works a treat. I tried out a pasta maker that I bought some time ago. It is a plastic cylinder that you put the pasta into and add boiling water. Worked well so it can stay onboard. I grilled the tomatoes with tabasco sauce. Rob gave tea the thumbs up – and he is a mac & cheese conniseur (Sp?).
Tomorrow we will go ashore and explore – it must be 5 years since Rob & I were last up this way. And we will have to have fish & chips. We are anchored just off the fish & chip shop so can keep an eye on Zinkwazi.
Tidal flows are pretty strong so for the first time since we have been away we have the anchor alarm set.
Rob is not at all keen to explore Rangaunu so we will probably go to Houhora instead. Little bit further north but they have a gamefishing club where, we are reliably informed, the food is good and the beer is cold.