New Zealand has one of the highest boat owning per capita ratios in the world. I know that because I read it on Pauline's boat-bottoms post a couple of days ago and even my memory stretches that far back. When we were doing our latest Northland safari Pauline decide that we would go and explore a bay on the other side of the hill from Russell about 5 minutes away by car. It turned out to be fi=ull of surprises... and boats:
The traditional gaff-rigged schooner R Tucker Thompson operated by a trust of the same name which has as its mission: Learning for Life through the Sea
I had photographed this vessel in Paihia back in 2010 and it was only when I got the photos home that I realised that it was following a pod of dolphins.
Not everyone is in it for the speed
Although I do wonder how people manage this and travel very long distances in rough seas doing it.
This took me completely by surprise
and when I used the long focus lens have to say that it didn't appeal to me at all.
This little craft on the other hand spends its life up and down the Northland coast checking moorings.
Whilst this one is out for the sheer exhilleration of the speed (I'm sure that on the News tonight it said that some of these jet boats can travel in calm water up to 80kph!)
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The schooner is a real beauty. The cruise ships want banning. Horrible to look at and dirty polluting things.
ReplyDeleteShe really is Adrian. I had the advantage that Pauline knew her whole interesting history.
DeleteMonths ago, I read an article in my weekly paper about a couple who do postal service along some part of NZ's coast (sorry, I've forgotten where exactly) on a boat, they deliver mail to remote places where people wouldn't get mail any other way.
ReplyDeleteA cruise on such a huge ship does not appeal to me at all, either. I much prefer a more individual approach to how I spend my holidays (which, most of the time, is in Yorkshire with the family anyway).
Meike, could it have been about the Pelorus Mail Boat which is quite well known for delivering mail in the Marlborough Sound? It's a trip I would like to make. I would hate to do a cruise I'm sure but even the most unlikely people I know who have been on one all seem to enjoy it. I remain to be convinced but as I'm unlikely ever to do one I shall probably never truly know.
DeleteIndeed it was, Graham! I have just checked my paper's website and found the online version of the old article: http://www.zeit.de/2012/08/Neuseeland-Marlborough-Sounds
DeleteJa ondanks alle vooruitgang vind ik de schoener nog steeds een schoonheid.
ReplyDeleteZe is sereen, Bas, maar natuurlijk heeft ze een motor ook, Bas
DeleteFew people do not have the love of water. You've shown many ways of enjoying the sea.
ReplyDeleteRed the idea of living a long way from the sea just horrifies me.
DeleteHey, I'm a prairie boy! I have little experience with the sea.
DeleteI read that same thing on Pauline's blog too! It makes me long to visit New Zealand, for some strange reason, I have a strong attraction to boats. Those huge cruise ships are just way too big now. It just made me think...the SS Norway was the largest ship that I was ever on (saw it in port in Miami as part of a travel agent tour) and I just looked it up. It was sold as scrap in 2008, that is very sad to me. It was gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI've tried, on the whole, Kay, not to duplicate Pauline's photos but sometimes it's been unavoidable. I don't like cruise ships but they certainly have presence wherever they appear and their sheer size is awesome.
DeleteI meant no criticism. What I meant by seeing it on Pauline's blog was the fact she gave us about New Zealand being the highest boat owning nation in the world. Goodness me, I would be so startled to see one of those huge cruise ships coming around the rocks I would certainly take a photo of it and put it on my blog!
DeleteI wasn't taking it as a criticism Kay. Don't worry. I'm a man. If I thought it was a criticism I'd have either a) accepted it like a man (whatever that implies) b) sulked (not my style) c) replied aggressively (not my style either) d) replied in a logical, reasoned manner refuting your criticism (yea that's the way I see me) or e) re-read Women are from Venus, Men are from Mars.
DeleteI much prefer standing ont he shore looking out on the sea, rather than being out there on the water, no matter in what kind of boat. - I've never seen anyone standing on a board like that with a paddle before. Is that common?!
ReplyDeleteMonica paddle boarding is certainly common in Australia and New Zealand. I'm not sure about the UK but I'd be surprised if it wasn't. I like the sea but am quite happy just watching it so long as I'm near it. I would feel very isolated if I lived away from it.
DeleteFab photo of the R Tucker Thompson, GB. I should do a post about her and her history, it really is a great story. If I do, can I left your photos, please. I think the first one is the best I've seen of her. Almost as good as seeing her in real life.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pauline. I'd be delighted if you did a post with the history. I think I can remember most but I'm sure there would be bits I don't and it would be good to have a record. Please feel free to use any photos. I think that's probably the clearest of the ones I took.
DeleteI love sailing, and I think I would take a trip on all of the boats pictured.
ReplyDeleteThe paddle boarding looks like fun, but since I'm not a swimmer, I'm a bit wary to try it out.
I'm sure that you'd love it Virginia. I think people like us who live on Islands or near the sea have it in our blood. Paddle boarding is for swimmers. No swim = no paddle board!
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