Mid-winter retreat days...

Heading off across the deetch tonight on the red-eye into Auckland for a few days of R & R... coincidentally the weather has shown a remarkable turn for the better with fine days predicted for the next week or so, albeit with strong and likely cold SW winds - no doubt the heater on board will get some use!

Taking the new oars with me which I have been carefully crafting over the past few weeks.  A 10kg 1100mm long bag and my backpack with a few other essentials should suffice.  Looking forward to some clear skies and cool, crisp days amongst the islands.

A pod of dolphins surfaced alongside us on Friday while Bob, Terry and I were on our regular 'sticks and tricks' paddle - a great send off and I reckon I'll have a chance to pass on their greetings to some kiwi cuzzies before too long!

Mid-winter swim in Ngunguru for the Winter solstice this weekend reminded me of the skinny dippers we happened upon at the lunchstop on our paddle - they didn't appear to get very far out into the bay...  

Ice on the windscreen this morning and 0.4 degC in the car on the way to church...

From time to time I check in with my fellow kayakers like Wolfgang Brink who writes about trying to keep short supply chains by using less technology and the use of hand tools where possible (Skinboat Journal: Why I stay away from High Tech)

Couldn't agree more - have loved the free shaping of the new spooned oars and helping BJ skin his new 'Cape Patterson Wanderer' yesterday - his own design with some intriguing lines.  Just hope that Bob and I will be able to fit ourselves into its sleek form!!!  Has some nice lines with plenty of depth and rocker.  Should be a beauty.