Position: 35 13.28 S 174 14.30 E
At anchor, Urupukapuka Bay, Urupukapuka Island
Wind: S, F3 gentle breeze
Sea state: rippled Swell: nil
Weather: mostly sunny, mild
Day’s run: 12.7 nm

Crowles Bay is a nice secure anchorage but the land is all privately owned so, unfortunately, apart from walking along the shore at low tide, there is little to do apart from watching the odd private helicopter landing and taking off or listen to the sound of large lawn mowers mowing the expansive grounds of some of the properties hidden in the hills. Thus, this morning, having exhausted the local attractions, at 1055 we weighed anchor and looked for somewhere new to visit. I chose Urupukapuka Bay as another secure anchorage but with the additional attractions of what looked like a nice beach and plenty of tracks open to the public.

It was a pleasant sail in mostly sunny conditions. Within Te Puna Inlet the winds were at times light and fluky, but once we back in open water the wind steadied fresh from the SSW and we made good six knots close reaching under all plain sail, covering the 12.7 miles between anchorages in three hours and twenty minutes. We dropped anchor again at 1315, exchanging the sound of helicopters and ride-on lawn mowers for bleating lambs.

I have enjoyed a quiet afternoon including a bit of a siesta. It seems I do not have the energy of yore and will leave exploring the island’s tracks until tomorrow.

All is well.