Sunrise

Time to move on, off the Great Barrier Island today. I was going to be flying, but my brother in law was keen to take his 6m RIB (inflatable) out to the island to give us more boat options. We got up early, 3.30am, got picked up at 4, we then drove Leigh and launched at around 5.30am, hope to get out to the Barrier before the weather changed (big storm coming).

Things we're looking pretty good after 30 minutes and we were half way there, just about to Little Barrier Island and conditions were OK. But then Phil noticed an engine irregularity, we stopped and assessed. Options were to keep going for another 40 minutes and risk a full breakdown and a more challenging rescue, or head back. So we made the wise choice and headed back. Got back OK and reassessed, not something we could see a quick fix on, so back onto the trailer and back to Auckland. Bugger! Photo was taken at 6.10am as we turned around, just of Little Barrier.

Back to plan B. Flying. So we then packed an repacked, as weight is an issue on the small planes to Greta Barrier - max of 15KG. Somewhat challenging with clothes, food, camera/computers, and snorkelling gear. To cut a long story short, we made it out, but had to leave some luggage behind, that luckily came out later in the afternoon. Perfect.

Now out at the bay, lovely evening so Phil, I and the kids went fishing. Hannah caught the first - a snapper. Adam caught a kawhai and trevally on his new rod. Great to be out here!