we've arrived!

Good old Pegasus has brought us safely to New Zealand. Hard to believe we're actually here. As expected the last 24 hrs were quite difficult. The barometer was falling every time we looked, the skies were black, and the wind was rising - the only plus was that we were going like a train. By midnight it was pitch black, raining, and gusting over 30 knots. However we knew that once we were in the bay it would at least be calmer, and at the rate we were going with only a pocket handkerchief of sail out, it wouldn't take long.

So by 2am we were getting into the protection of the Bay of Islands. We called the authorities and asked if we could anchor until dawn as by then it was gusting 40 knots. The thought of trying to tie up at an unknown dock with no one to take our lines was not attractive. Found a very sheltered little bay, and by 3am were anchored in calm waters.

This morning we motored to Opua at the head of the bay, and joined about six other boats on the large Customs dock (evidently yesterday they checked in 15 boats arriving from Tonga and Fiji). Formalities were efficient and thorough - all fruit, veg, dairy products and seeds had to go. So here we are, at a dock in the large marina. Lovely hot shower this evening. Lots of people we know here of course, including a couple we met in San Blas and then Panama three years ago before they went through the Canal. Declined to join the partying for Obama's success this evening, no sleep last night so early to bed tonight. Temp 14 C as I write, jeans, socks, fleeces all day.