Our Kerikeri hosts, Cliff and Ruth, proposed a cruise on Agnes, their 33’ Logan launch, built recently from an early 20th Century design. We were pretty excited, never having been on a private boat of Agnes’ size.
Cliff + Ruth and their boat, Agnes.
Joe popped a Bonine pill to ward off seasickness and we stepped on board. We inspected all the little details.
The red New Zealand naval flag up signaled that it was time to start the engine, a 40 hp Italian-made machine. We took many photos as we cruised slowly out of the Whangaroa marina.
Soon we were further out, and Australasian gannets came into sight. Camera down, binoculars up, we watched them soar through the air and plunge – straight down — into the sea to fish.
We sat on cushioned seats, hot tea cups in hand, on a calm sunny afternoon, and just relaxed for the rest of the cruise. The perfect Sunday afternoon, thanks to Agnes.
March 2014
