Wednesday 21 November 2012 Whangarei New Zealand

The EJ's Voyage
Mike Everton-Jones
Tue 20 Nov 2012 18:33
After a year at home we are back onboard! We thoroughly enjoyed our time at home and enjoyed seeing our friends. Shame that it was impossible to see all of you again. That's what happens I guess when everybody is spread around so much. Let's hope that it will happen next time we are back. It was a joy to see the family again in Brussels and Brighton and see our beautiful and fun grandsons and grand nieces. Fabulous news: there is a third grandson on the way in Brighton! Baby due early March. It was also good to spent some time with Mike's Mum in Dunfermline although we would have like to see her more often.   
 
Even though we left her in the water at Marsden Cove Marina, we found Falbala in great shape. The marina people looked after her very well, keeping the humidifier and heater on when needed. She was dry and warm inside and odour free. Decks are fairly clean. The engine started like a dream but we have a leak on the generator which will be fixed easily we hope! 
 
We are on our way to the boatyard today to be hauled out to do the well needed antifouling, check of the anodes, install of a new fridge system with underwater cooling plates, topsides polish and re-gelcoat of the stern. We will remain onboard during yard time, about 3 weeks. So we will be up and down a high ladder again to climb on deck and will have to do with no water (we can't have used water running on the yard ground!) and no toilets. We have done it before! The yard has good facitilies we are told!
 
The weather is still not very summery here. It has been raining on and off all day yesterday and nights are still cold.
 
The flights over here from London were long but uneventful with only one hour transit in Seoul. We flew Korean Air. Food was not great at all and overall we are not impressed with the airline but it got us here!
 
We look forward to spend Christmas in the South Island with Aimee (Mike's niece), Richard and little Nim. Then back to the boat for New Year and a bit of cruising in the Bay of Islands and along the East coast. If all goes well, we will sail to Fiji mid April. Scutch is threatening to fly over for the passage. That would be fantastic. We should be back home mid-May. But that's a long way away and we will keep you posted.
 
In the meantime, keep an eye on the blog and keep well! Photos to follow ,expect fashion show in boiler suits and paint splashed makeup, mixed with sweat and tears - The joy of boating!!
 
Love
Mike and Catherine