Napier, New Zealand

4th February Napier

6 Comments

I’m trying to play ‘catch-up’, with so much going on, even missing a day, or at least writing a draft of the post, leaves one too far behind for posting.  The challenge is that my days, even in port, are full of other responsibilities and finding the time to sit here and write is hard to come by.  Again, no venture ashore in Napier, apart for some photos from the quay and leaving it to my ‘roving photographer’ to provide some for your delectation. 

Karen and Hazel went off to ‘sip’ wine, (not that I’ve actually ever seen them ‘sip’ the nectar  😆 ) and they visited 3 vineyards; Black Barn, Craggy ranch and Mission.  New Zealand reminds me of my home country, green rolling hills and verdant pastures and, I’m told, it’s very similar to U.K. 30 years ago.  Apart from the wineries, Napier is full of logs!  Everywhere in the port was stacked high with lumber.

The approach to the port, our track and the swing before backing down to the berth


and a closer view


Ahead of us, a ship loads lumber and the stacks of it on the pier.


Whilst over on our port side, the bluff overlooking the harbour. A container ship working cargo.


Stacks of logs


A ‘trolley’ tour about to depart


….and the ‘engine’


An old MG car and the flamboyant driver

These are the sum total of my efforts and so I move on to my ‘roving’ photographer:-

Hang-gliders


and a fly-by!

We leave Port Chalmers, where we are now berthed, in 2 hours.  The arrival was a challenging one, strong winds of 35 knots, a narrow channel and a small harbour. more about that in the next post.  We are on our way after this to Fiordland (sic) National Park, this lies on the south-west corner of the South Island and is of particular scenic beauty.  It looks as if we will have to contend with a 4 metre swell (13 feet), the adverse weather continues in these southern latitudes.  Today, the temperature on docking was 50F/10C, I’m wearing a long-sleeve shirt and a warm jacket, the last time I needed them was in Alaska, for heaven’s sake!  😯 

6 thoughts on “4th February Napier”

  2. Captain,

    You have the distinction of having been our captain on our first cruise ever, on the Veendam, then 2 more as well afterwards.
    We are regular readers of your blog and enjoy them very much, having been to many of the places you sail to.

    Your comment about being very busy is reflected in the fact that you called this one “January” instead of February!

    “Stacks of logs” I guess can be a way of describing them, however the more common term would be “log decks” but being from the U.K. that might not have applied.

    Thank you so much for your detailed visits, we now look forward to the next one.

  3. It seems the weather, seas and ports are giving you some challenges. Good thing Ms Amsterdam is in very capable hands.
    Tell the girls I am with them in spirit. Miss you all.

  4. Dear Captain,
    You do a fantastique job on your posts and photos – Karen thanks for your great contributions! Randy & I visited some of the wineries as well. Even as a guest I did not find the time to write and provide photos as you do – and the cost of the shipboard internet – oh my. For those of us back home the time is simply relevant. I do find the nautical details you provide very interesting. Thanks! Best, Rosie

  5. Very familiar scenery.. I also visit the winery some years ago.
    Thanks for your expert comments and photos.

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