Well what a lovely final day, we had beautiful sailing down the Coast and the beauty of the northland Coast was at its best. Arrived at Marsden at sunset just lovely. Now all cleared and had the day at Marsden reacquainting myself with the joys of a washing machines. Thank you to Gulf Harbour Radio you are both awesome, also thanks to Mike at Yit a great service our parents love it. Finally thanks to Taupo Maritime Radio its great to call in each night.and kniw you there if we need you. Looking forward to another great sleep tonight.

What a beautiful 24 hours, Obsession has romped along.We lost the wind at about 3am and so motor is now running. We can now see land we assume it is NZ otherwise we are very lost. It looks very beautiful and it is always great when it appears where you expect it to.

Yesterday was a lovely day on the water apart from the wind direction, as we looked like we were going to go right passed NZ. But last night on my midnight watch I started with a heading of 176 degree and at 3am when I handed it back to the boss it was on 135 degrees. And the joy of wind steering is I did nothing but watch the numbers change on the compass. I love wind steering. We must be getting close to land as the VHF has sparked into life and we have been passed by two cargo ships. We might get to see it today.

Who sent this SE wind it was not in the plan. Had a lovely day sailing yesterday and the moon has joined us at night which is very cool. Wind died last night so the motor came on then at 5:30 a SE arrived. I have also been told to print a retraction. I made an error yesterday it is not a cutter sail but a stay sail I am told by those who know so sorry about that it is still very cool.

Well the wind and sea has begun to moderate and so we have put our cutter sail away. Wow what a great addition to Obsession, who would believe you can get such speed from such a tiny sail but she was fab. Thanks to Fizzal (sp) and Buddha for our addition ops and of course Lester as it was his idea. We might shake a reef out tomorrow maybe not. Had a lovely sunrise this morning for those that were up.

Weather looks to be calming so fingers crossed but it has been great to do so much sailing rather than motoring and not being chased by a front. Had some issues with misbehaving waves and disobedient squalls that filled my wey weather trousers with water along with other things.

P.S. Virginia and Hose do you realise that you can not cleaar small craft in at Auckland anymore you will need to clear at Opus or Marsden from what have been told. Forgot to tell you

I think the phrase Patricia uses is sporty, its a bit sporty at the moment. Obsession as had a few goes a being a submarine. But all is well on board and we are sailing closer to NZ all the time.

Had lovely motorsailing day yesterday. Now the wind and sea have stepped up so we have slowed down to make it comfortable but the motor is off. Flying fish came visiting yesterday not sure how it survived the experience but Lester shwoed it the exit.

Had a lovely sailing day yesterday and the stars were lovely last night. Lost the wind at Dawn today so now motorsailing. All is well on board

Here we are heading south due south at the moment. Although its very light I do still think I prefer down wind sailing but then we would not be going to NZ. Maybe we should move NZ. Slowly settling into life on heel all os well on board.

All signed out and heading for home. So nice to be able to sign out of Denerau. Had a wonderful time in Fiji. 

Well after a lovely time at Musket we said farewell to Blinder after a great two months of adventures together in Fiji, even if they beat us at cards. We headed into Denerau to clear and head home to NZ but weather is a changeable thing and so must be plans. So we shall wait patiently now for another opportunity. The positive is I get ice cream, rather than a night watch.

Had a lovely day at Musket yesterday. Boys played golf and then it was drinks, curry and cards on Blinder for the evening. We only got as far as drinks just before the curry was served Maggie the Manta came to play. She even let me get in the water with her and we tumbled together. It was awesome but the call for curry was made so out I got but she stayed and entertained us so no cards last night but great Curry, what a day.

Yesterday was all about the water it was a beautuful day and we went on a Blinder snorkeling tour which was very enjoyable, thanks Grant. During swim club in the morning I got to witness two very large Crayfish terrorising a stingray, it was very cool. Once they realised they were being watched they took off to safety allowing the stingray to make an escape.

We are back at Musket on a mooring and had a lovely BBQ ashore. Life is good.

Had lots of water time over the weekend lots to see in the way of fish etc including the very friendly Octopus and a number of Bat fish with attitude. Also enjoying the lovely pineapple as the season is now here.

Obsession crew have managed to step it's game up and managed to sneak a couple of wins at cards long may it continue. Oh well another Monday in Paradise.

Here we are at Likuliku. Had a great snorkel danced with Octopus saw very large if not pregnant puffer fish. Definitely on the west side though as while snorkeling three helicopters landed beside us the laundry barge arrive to transfer laundry on the other side of us, rush hour in Likuliku.

We moved out of town all filled up and with lots of new bits yeah thanks to Blinders guests. Now at Malolo with lots of other biats. Nice to be back in the water.

On a mooring in Denerau enjoying the treats of a port.

Had a lovely time in the north with Blinder playing taxi. Lots of water and beach time and lots of laughter although the girls struggled to beat the boys at Bouili. Now time to head south had a lovely sail across the Vati Ra Channel and the motor has been on ever since but stunning weather.

We have had a lovely couple of calm days here. Lots of good snorkeling, Dinner cooked on the beach and a couple of wins in cards and Dominos for the Obsession crew. Life is good. The wind has returned today.

What a lovely day to go sailing yesterday was, we had a beautiful trip between the islands, Obsession reaching 7.5 at times which for this lovely old lady is fast. Also caught a lovely Waloo on the way which will feed Blinder and us for s few nights. Another beautiful day has dawned and looking forward to exploring this area again. Back to anchorages with just two Blinder and Obsession.

Well operation Gland appears to have been a success so Blinder is all go so forward we go the plan was Cousteaus but we found ourselves just through Nasonisoni Passage after a nice motorsail. Plans are for changing. Then just to finish the day I won cards at last.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

wet wet wet - I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes, rain is all around us, its everywhere we go. Back in Savusavu resupplying and eating curries.

Had a great snorkel yesterday, fish fish and more fish of all different varieties and sizes. Then the Obsession crew got hammered by team Blinder at cards. Hopefully a change of fortunes tonight.

Had a fantastic sail from Paradise yesterday. Speed record for the day was held by the best mate which she will remind the skipper of frequently. Than had some lovely sushimi on Pizzaz, thank you Paul for sharing.

Had a nice trip down the side of Taveuni finishing off at Paradise. Nice to be back and catch up the Interlude crew and meet new friends.

Sleeping very well here in this flat calm anchorage of Naivivi Bay. We had coriander and the biggest lettuce I have seen in Fiji delivered to our boats yesterday by the local gardners and bokchoy the day before. It was very much appreciated by us all.

Had a lovely evening with Blinder and Damn Kiwi.

Had a lovely few days in Matagi, lovely clear water with good snorkelling. Swim club had visits from resident turtle and skitty white tip reef shark and special appearances by the squid family and bucket mouth makeral. Back at Naviviv for the weather change. All good on board

What a nice find Naivivi bay was very user friendly, but it was time to find clear water so here we are at Matagi Island. Great to be back and in the water. Were joined by squid, turtles and a shark yesterday so looking forward to more water time today. We are having to share this anchorage with more than just Blinder which is unusual for us recently.

Said farewell to the lovely Thomas and Cilla along with Namata bay and moved round the corner to Naivivi Bay. Off to the village today. Looking forward to exploring around here.

We met the lovely Thomas and his family here in Tamata Bay yesterday and made our entry in their log book joining many well known boats including Chameleon. It's a lovely bay if you can find a spot without coral. 

After two very comfortable nights in Naqaiqai Bay and a cool trip up the mangroves, we have moved to Qamea for the more traditional anchorage of golden beaches and clear waters. Looking forward to exploring today.

Took the Blinder crew with us yesterday to reprovision at Somosomo, what a great experience it was humming being a Saturday and great produce. It was all very easy. Then on the way back to Blinder we were saying how nice some fresh Mahimahi would be and wam bam and little bit of blood splatter and there we have Mahimahi for tea. What a day. Unfortunately wind had come into the south by the time we returned so anchor change was required but here we are having all slept well so all is good.

Looks like another lovely day in Viani Bay. Did some lovely snorkelling yesterday. All is good on board might manage a market tomorrow which is kind of exciting.

Back in Viani bay to sort a couple of things out. Had a lovely trip back down another stunner. Woken to a gorgeous calm maorning at Viani Bay maybe washing day.

Well here we still are in the lovely Albert Cove. Have had some lovely snorkelling including visits by Turtle and shark, very cool. The weather is spectacular and Obsession is begining to even up the score with the games evenings.

Had a fun trip into Nuka and met some lovly locals yesterday. Had drinks ashore with the other boats in the bay which now total 4.

Lovely to be back at Albert Cove with Blinder. No reception here so we maybe a little quite for a few days. The water is just gorgeous so swim club is all on and a turtle joined us for morning tea. Washing is drying in the lovely light breeze. Life is good.

Another beautiful calm day in Viani bay. It is just beautiful. Went diving with Dolphin dive and had a lovely day, the diving once again was impressive especially the cabbage patch. Then another beating at Domino's for the Obsession crew. I think we need a change of game. Swim club time I think.

Had a lovely couple of days with some great snorkeling and diving. Dolphins joined swim club yesterday. The crew of Obsession are being thrashed at Domino's so we need to do some work on that.

The fish drought is broken. Skipper caught a Mahimahi yesterday. So it was bubbles and fresh fish for tea with Blinder, a most enjoyable nightl was had. The trip round was nice although the wind very gusty so boat speed went from. 2.4 to 7.4 within 20mins and then back. Had a great time in Savusavu but lovely to be back on anchor.

On our way to Taviuni after a lovely time at Savusavu. All provisioned up and ready to go.

A stunningly sunny Saturday in Savusavu. Yeah Blinder has made Savusavu it is great to catch up with them again in Fiji. We are now planning our adventures while eating and drinking. Having a great social time catching up with lots of old friends and making lots of new ones. Life is good.

It is such a treat to have a water supply even if it involves jerry cans. Lester rigged up a hose yesterday and we washed all the volcanic ash off the boat with fresh water. And then there is the joy of washing. Then we can reward our hard work by having some yummy Indian treats. So all in all loving Savusavu.

What a great passage, well done Skipper. Arrived at Savusavu yesterday and had a very efficient clear in thanks to the Copra Shed and lovely officials. Then it was out for the Curry Lester had been waiting for. Great to be back in Savusavu. Can't get over the volcanic dust, got it over the boat on passage and very hazy here but made for some great sunsets and the moon was very cool.

Another great 24 hours still winged out, great pole thanks Ben and Elaine. I have ordered a passage like this for heading back to NZ, winds no stronger 17knots always behind us full moon no rain, skipper said we might be quite late getting back to NZ then. Tried fishing yesterday when we pulled the line in the trace and everthing was gone Fish 1 Obsession 0. Round two today.

Well I think I forgot to mention where we are going yesterday, I told you where we we nor going. So it is Nofoa to Tonga and Bula to Fiji, Savusavu here we come after a great couple of months in Tonga. What a lovely 24 hours we have had clear skies, small seas wing on wing until we turned into the pass this morning and a full moon. What more could a girl want. We even saw a big school of big Tuna who just laughed at my hook. Saw all is good on our a vessel this morning as we make our way through Labeka pass.

Well a decision was made for us. Tongan customs changed their mind and said no duty free fuel if you go to the Nuias and so sorry Nuiatoptapu but the $200 plus saving on fuel won out. A very easy clearance from Vavau and we were on our way. Lovely conditions great sunrise, full moon and flat seas but not a lot of wind. Kind of essential ingredient for sailing so that duty free fuel already in use. The wind should fill today fingers crossed. Otherwise it is lovely out here.

While finally we tore ourselves away from Hunga Lagoon. What a cool place and we met some lovely people and enjoyed the snorkeling and walking. Then had a lovely night in Port Morelle the water is so blue there. Back in Neiafu getting ready to head west or north we are slightly indecisive.

All is good on board and it is happy hour so Cheers.

Sorry for being quiet no reception here had to walk over the hill but what a cool walk. Having a great time in Hunga thank you Barry. Snorkeling with shark, squid and rays. Great whale display yesterday and a lovely campfire last night. Magic spot with snorkeling from the boat. We may never leave.

We'll here we are in town and have caught up with people and green things. Got our bits from Fendall and a big thank you to all involved in this process much appreciated.

Well the time came to head back to town for green things, skipper needs Carlsberg and his best mate needs veggies. Also catching up with Fendall who is arriving Monday yeah.Before we left I got to go hunting with Mantis Shrimp and found a pygmy lion fish very cool.Stopped off at Sisia for lunch lovely clear water but coral has taken a beating. Stopped at Mala will make town by Monday.

Took advantage of the light winds to do some sewing on our headsail. Took a little longer than expected and a few more needles but all is done niow. Had a great snorkel in thevplunge pools well reccomended Graham thank you. Another play day today.

Another lovely day here in Kenutu. We said goodbye to Lady Nada yesterday so now have this beautiful spot to ourselves except for the sea snakes and moray eels that introduced themselves yesterday.

Went to Church in Ofu with Lady Nada yesterday and had a rousing sermon on the importance of faith in Tongan with a brief summary in English, thank you to the minister. Also thanks to Ana from tge backpackers for looking out for us.Now it is Laundry day in Kenutu, just lovely here. Clear water sunny skies and golden beaches lots of life in the water.

Sheltering out of the wind at Ofu. Went for a walk through the village, what a lovely tidy spot. Resort not open until next week but backpackers all go.

Had a lovely day yesterday spotted a whale from the cliffs of Kenutu, spotted a Lionfish and squid when snorkeling. Had drinks on the beach with Lady Nada and Bobcat followed by Curry and Cake all in all a great day. Now in the old harbour to do a quick resupply trip to town. What a sheltered anchorage not been here before.

Not sure what happened to my earlier entry it gone somewhere. So we will try again. Great to be back here. Had drinks on the beach yesterday evening with Lady Nada.

  Have had a very social couple of nights thanks to both Babe and Penelope. Trying a new anchorage for us which is very sheltered and close to town and the boatyard. Went and had a look round the boat yard yesterday what a great facility.

Enjoying the water here. Had a nice walk into the village with Graham and meeting a number of new boats which is fun while it blows around us. Had a loveky evening on Manessa.

Caught water the other night so laundry day yesterday and what a lovely spot to do it.

Had few Ops over that last couple of days sorry folks. Position on Tuesday was wrong had us on the way to Fiji, lazy fingers. Thank you Sue and Mac for letting us know. And then who knows where yesterdays entry went it left here but never made it there. So fingers crossed for this one. We headed out of town after the last of our provisioning to enjoy some of the favourite anchorages.

Came to town to do our internal clearance and extend visas what a pleasant experience and so efficiently done. Then had a lovely couple of hours reexploring Neiafu and finding such treats as passionfruit,pawpaw and the skippers highlight was meat and iced coffee.

We have moved upto Vavau over the weekend.  Into town today.

Forgot to mention the spinner dolphins put on a great show at our Sundowners on Viveka on Wednesday night, today is was drinks on the beach as it was such a beautiful afternoon . Temperature and humidity has stepped up a notch due to the front making sleeping a challenge. Had a great snorkel some lovely hard coral.

Anchored winch motor all clear of oil well done Skipper. And just for something different a little bit of snorkeling.

Moved round the corner ready for the wind changed. Collected coconuts for cocktails and curry yum. Another walk on another lovely beach.

Went into town yesterday to do internal clearance into Ha'apia. The beginning of a big festival to celebrate Kings birthday and church conference in town so all looking very smart. Found engine degreaser for anchor motor so a happy skipper. On the way home in the dingy saw our first Turtle for the season so crew happy as well. So overall a happy boat.

Swim club had new members Bas Barracuda and Sid the squid and his family. Bas did stop for a snack on the way but quickly caught us back up. Anchor winch dramas but mighty Mal to the rescue from Mahia.

Anchored in Uoleva nice to be back.

A lovely night for a sail apart from the motor being on. We watched the thunder and lightening pass behind us.Heading for Uoleva in the Ha'apai

Another lovely day yesterday in Tonga and the Australian navy arrived in town. They are now practising manouvers with their inflatables and landing craft all around us so we have prime seats.

What a stunner of a day yesterday and so it was washing day.

We refueled yesterday in preparation for heading north. Also had a lovely snorkel outside Big Mama's.

Looks like another lovely day here in Tonga. Had some time chilling out on the beach over the weekend.

We'll after a windy start it turned out to be a nice sunny day in Tonga and the wind slowly died, so we made our first journey into town. No pawpaw to be found so I had to settle for ice cream.

Anchored at big mamas. AWOB.

Its a bit like grand central station out here as we all converge on Tongatapu. A beautiful red sunrise and lovely conditions just not quite enough wind to sail and no fuel station in sight, so heading into Nuku'alofa.

This is a much more leisurely pace. We had some great on the wind motorsailing yesterday. Now it is more motoring while drying our sails.The rain just kept coming yesterday hopefully not today.

A beautiful evening was had here in North Minerva, flat calm and we were treated with locally sourced crayfish yum. Thank you Katie M2. Today we are going to head for Tonga so back into passage making routine. No wind here yet though so motoring to start.

yeah here we are in North Minerva at anchor. Sorry about no report yesterday small input error and staff have been talked to, they had a lame excuse of being tired. The rain has been amazing this trip the boat is very clean, we were woken up this morning with thunder and lightening. So now we will watch the weather for heading to Tonga.

Well we did not make Minerva before the weather turned ugly too although we tried so ended up hoving too south of south Minerva. Hopefully not for too long. Both getting some extra sleep.

Another lovely night at sea and North Minerva is getting closer. Thank you Ann for the Brisket it was very good and I ma enjoying the magazines thanks Jenny. All is good on board.

someone has stolen the wind and we would like it back please. Amazing how flat the sea can go though. All is well on board apart for the Kamakazee flying fish who are a bit under the weather.

Another lovely sailing day yesterday,had a number of visits from the mighty Albatrosses. Motor went on in the middle of the night not sure for how long it will stay on.

A lovely 24 hours sailing finished off with a beautiful full moon. Obsession is having a ball and her crew are slowly getting into the groove

We have both learnt to rock and roll again a favourite with Lester, but all is going well and Obsession is happily sailing along.

We are on our way, and all is good.

Chilling out in the beautiful Bay of Islands after a lovely sail and motorsail up the coast. Great to be back at anchor. Even managed a swim yesterday. Waiting patiently for weather to head north, maybe not always patiently.

Just doing a trial to make sure all is working. Sitting in Whangarei waiting to go north to the warmth.