Preparing for the Bay of Islands

Well, here we are, provisioned, watered and fueled, and otherwise good to set sail up north to the Bay of Islands. We are thinking about a quick "detour" via airplane to Stewart Island, at the bottom of the country. The weather seems to be getting more chilly on us each day, today we even bought a wool blanket for our bunk to keep us warmer at night. The best toy onboard is our stand up paddle board, and with the calm waters around Marsden Cove, we each get our daily dose of fun on the water. We are surprised at the expense of New Zealand, compared to the US, but when you're cruising, you take what you can get. Another glass of wine, please!