We are flying towards the end of 2017 and I thought it would be a great chance to take a breath and look back on the year that has been. Over the last few days I have been talking to guests at the Yongala Lodge and what was suprising to me was how so many of them are happy to see the end of this year and that they noted it hadn’t been a good one at all for them (for many various reasons). Personally it has to have been without a shadow of a doubt the absolute BEST YEAR of my LIFE.
Yes I have had some wonderful times in the past however to have so many amazing experiences over the space of a year has definitely made 2017 a stand out in my life story.
Even now looking back it is difficult for me to fathom how far we have come and how much we have done. Friday the 16th of December was both Craig and my final day at work. On the Sunday (18th) we drove out off Christchurch and into the start of our grand adventure.
A few months house/farm sitting around the north island before flying into Tahiti to step foot on our newly purchased yacht.
Fast forward nine months and we have sailed through 7 countries, visited more than 20 different islands and met some absolutely awesome people.
I thought this would be a good time to reflect back and for Craig and myself to answer some questions.
What has been your most heart pounding moment so far?
Aron: The most scared I have been was when we went caving in Niue. Just the lack of safety equipment and the risk involved when I had to lean across a gap between two massive slippery rocks and grab hold of a rope and physically climb, pulling myself up had me absolutely sweating bullets.
Craig: During a night crossing in a storm. We were about 4 days out at sea and the swell was mountainous (height were halfway up the mast) The generator had failed meaning the auto pilot has stopped working. Our course took us directly across the waves. I was on the helm and could see that one out of every five waves was breaking so had to ensure that I steered us down them before going back onto course. A hellava experience (no photos taken of this)
Note from Aron: This wasn’t my worse experience because at the time I was completely unaware of it. I was curled up on a bed throwing up continuously and feeling very sorry for myself for being sea sick. It wasn’t until later that Craig told me how big the waves had been.
What has been your best day?
Aron: I remember a day we had when we were anchored off Fare in Huahine. It was an absolute magical day where we spent hours in the water just snorkeling then relaxing on the boat, reading and watching other boats sail past. Although we have had other similar days I just remember at the time thinking to myself “wow this is it, this is why we are doing this”. It was a stand out of a day for me.
Craig: The very first day/night that the boat was ours. We had signed the paperwork and took ownership. Sleeping on it that very first night was spectacular.
Out of all the countries visited which one would you most like to return to?
Aron: We will definitely be sailing back through the South Pacific again and I think one of the countries I look forward to most is Fiji. We skipped all the small islands and missed out on seeing so much there. Would definitely take it at a much slowly pace next time through.
Craig: French Polynesia for the atolls, free anchorages, clarity of water, snorkeling.
Where has been your best anchorage?
Aron: I absolutely loved Moorea with its gorgeous blue water, we were sheltered from the winds, we had a perfect island postcard view off the boat and above all it was free.
Craig: Raiatea where we kissed up against a sandbank, dropped anchor and drifted back.
Where has been your best snorkeling experience?
Aron: Our 2nd anchorage at Bora Bora, snorkeling in a pass, got to drift, big schools of fish.
Craig: The time we went snorkeling naked.
What one thing would you change about the boat?
Aron: I would love a working fridge.
Craig: Having all electrical systems working without problem, no need for generator.
What is your favourite photo taken with you in it?
Aron: So many to choose from but this one from Chesterfield Reef is definately up there.
Craig: Being superman in Vanuatu
What one thing has surprised you the most?
Aron: Before setting sail I hadnt realized what a community there is out on the water and how absolutely amazing and friendly everybody is. Also just how much trust I have in Craig, at times I have literally trusted him with my life.
Craig: That even in the worst of the weather I never felt scared, always felt safe on the boat.
Where do you think you will be one year in the future?
Aron: We will have left Australia and will be sailing somewhere in Indonesia.
Craig: On the boat near a tropical island.
Have enjoyed your blogs.
Happy Xmas And New Year
Regards Leigh xx