Tuesday 10 July 2012

Sailing from Tutukaka - The Poor Knights

Heading out the Marina
I know that I do spend a lot of time blogging about Oceans Resort Hotel in Tutukaka, that is where I live and play so it is hard to really not write about something that is so awesome.  Regardless of this we do occasionally tend to look out and go and explore.  Yesterday was no exception.  We met up with some friends, packed up the boat and went sailing.

I won't lie the weather was perfect, though the air was cold.  On the way out we had a pod of dolphins jump past our boat, flying through the water.  It really was a beautiful sight to see and one that I can not imagine one ever being tired of seeing or experiencing.  Dolphins just seem to have a carefree look about them, maybe the smile they have?

Looking back towards Oceans Resort Hotel
We motored out past the Marina and did the friendly wave to the many other people that were on the water and on the rocks fishing (The friendly wave is a must, you are sharing a secret).  I was thrilled that the sails filled so quickly and as the motor was killed we were surrounded by bliss.  The slap of water against the hull, the filling of the sails as they were hoisted high, and the thrill you get as the boat picks up speed and starts to fly across the water, THAT is sailing.



So we had our eyes set on getting to the Poor Knights and with the wind in our favour we were quickly making our way there.  YAY.  So after 4 hours we were there having stopped off at the southern point, Sugarloaf, first.  We sailed past the hole in rock and dropped our anchor in a perfect part of the world, protected from wind and the sun beaming down.  There is no way that I will EVER be able to explain or convey what was there, never would justice be given to explaining the Poor Knights, you must experience it and then like I search for a way to explain it to those less fortunate, like me you will come up shy of ever being close.   Let's just say that there is a part of your soul that is touched, the birds, the peace, the colour of the sea......something there will touch your soul and you are not left longing for something, you are left with a feeling of satisfaction. 

So Steve headed below decks and turned on the kettle and we sat on the deck, coffee and tea, sandwiches and biscuits and enjoyed the moment. 

Now what was and is impressive was the fish!!!  Being a Marine Reserve you can not help but be in awe of it and what is there.  It was too cold to go below the surface, (I am more of a spa and heated swimming pool kind of girl really, the sea will need to warm a little more for me to get in again)  But you can peer over the side of your boat, adjust your eyes to deapth and you will see flashes of silver, LARGE flashes of silver.  They come in around your boat and check you out as much as you are checking them out. 
After a while it was time to raise the anchor and head back to the Marina.  Again the wind served us well and with a final tack we were heading in through the Tutukaka heads, back to our Marina.  Pack down, locked up and sails stowed away again, we headed back to Oceans for dinner (SURPRISE!!!)

What wasn't so much a surprise was that Oceans was busy with other guests who had the same idea as us.  So we settled by fire, had a glass of wine, ordered our dinner (eye fillet for me) and warmed up, appreciating the day we had had and the days we are to have.  Bliss.  We know and many of you know, Oceans is just a building in paradise, what makes Oceans magic is its location and our team.  We love what we do and we love sharing it.  I can't think of anywhere I would rather be:)