April 2 and 3, 2016
Every few days a particular weather pattern affects the Sounds (at least at this time of year). It starts with a day of strong northerly winds, followed by a day of strong southerly winds. The northerly winds aren’t very cold, but they may bring some rain. The southerly winds are drier, but they’re also quite cold. This windy period is generally followed by a few days of beautiful weather: warm, sunny, and calm. These are the days where one can enjoy cruising the sounds without worry about the wind.
We’d been out for a few days now, and the next round of winds was due to arrive. One complicating factor in this weather pattern: the switch from northerly to southerly winds often happens during the night. The best thing to do in this case is find an “all weather anchorage.” There was one in the Endeavour Inlet across from Punga Cove called Tawa Bay.
We planned to head there after our first night in Punga Cove, but one of the resort’s workers had advised us to take one of their moorings that was tucked behind a headland. We already had southerly protection here, but at this particular mooring we’d have northerly protection, too.
Once we’d settled in on our new mooring, we realized we could be very comfortable here during the windy weather. The disadvantage was, without having dinner at the restaurant, it would be $25NZD per night. The advantage was Rich managed to get pretty good internet access here.
In the end, internet access, afternoon pizzas at their Boatshed Cafe and Bar, a walk on the Queen Charlotte trail to nearby Camp Cove, and the convenience of not having to pick up and move won out. We stayed put in Punga Cove. (Below, photos of our rainy day. Click to enlarge and scroll through any gallery.)
We ended up having a very nice time. The rain passed, and while we could see whitecaps in the middle of the bay, our area behind the headland was calm. The seas were a bit sloppy by the dinghy dock, and we were concerned about our dinghy getting banged against it. No problem; we just hauled it up and let it sit on the dock. We could now enjoy pizza and a walk to neighboring Camp Cove on the Queen Charlotte Track with no worries about our boat or dinghy. (Below, photos from Camp Cove.)
We ended up staying here three nights in all. After the rainy period we enjoyed some nice sunsets . . .
But the most impressive night was the indigo blue night we had after our first dinner. It’s not often I’ve seen a night this blue. –Cyndi
