Havelock Cont...........
Jo and I got the brompton’s out (fold up cycles - see photo) and we rode up to the Main Street for a look around. Our bikes attracted a lot of attention too - not common down here. We made the day for one ‘old boy’ who was fascinated by them, even more so when I folded mine up to back pack size and back into a bike in about one minute. We were able to pick up a few items needed, manuka honey, crunchy peanut butter for Robin and wine for us all. All other perishables we will collect in the morning such as buns, and verges.
The old ‘Hairy Mussel Co’ renamed ‘Mills Bay Mussels’ came strongly recommended by our new neighbour two boats down from ours. We decided to check it out and I had garlic butter grilled mussels in half shells and Jo ordered the mussel fritters and salad. We split the dishes 50//50 and had the best mussels we have sampled for a long long time. After which we walked up to the Captains Daughters Pub - the only place open for coffee that was open but, it didn’t matter as their coffee was great. We took a look around the local museum which focused on early industry, blacksmithing, farming, forestry and mining near by which caused a big exodus from Havelock for the big money available in prospecting. The rush began in the 1860’s when Elizabeth Pope discovered yellow specs in the river bed while washing clothes! The wakamarina Valley became one of the richest gold fields in New Zealand.
Another story in the museum which caught our eye was the story about the local Doctor who purchased the first car in town. A 1905 ‘Alldays and Onions’, yes that is correct ‘Alldays and Onions’. The locals weren’t happy as the car would scare their horses so they called a meeting and demanded the Doctor refrain from using the car. They advised the doctor accordingly who responded by telling them that he refused to use his horse and cart so if they needed him they would have to come and collect him on their horse and cart, when needed for house calls. Guess what happened next!!! The locals called another meeting and decided the Doctor could use ‘his new ‘contraption’ after all. Learn something everyday - never heard of this car, manufactured in Birmingham and London apparently they lasted until 1925.
Back at the boat and on reflection, fuel and water have lasted so well, 1450 litres of diesel in 7 days, cruising from Nelson through the sounds to Havelock. Water has lasted really well - I’m pleased I never installed a costly water maker. We only used a third of our capacity in 7 days. I can attribute this to being able to switch our toilets to salt water operation and also that Robin and I installed a salt water rinsing tap to the galley sink, something we are now using heaps. We reconnected the salt wash to the anchor well due to the amount of mud we are bringing up on the chain and anchor. This will keep the chain locker clean and ensure the drains do not block up. Yesterday Robin noticed the pin holding the bowsprit to the anchor well had lost a bolt and had begun to work its way out. This was not good! Thankfully the bolt had fallen into the chain locker and I was able to retrieve it easily. The only part missing was a spring washer which we were carrying with our spares anyway. Robin managed to realign the bowsprit to re engage the pivot pin inserting the retaining bolt and retentioning. Robin checked out oil and cooling water, also inspecting for any leaks or issues around the engines and the generator unit. All were perfect. It certainly pays to check things regularly to avoid any ‘trip’ interrupting episodes! Sadly we cant manage to predict all failures, as we found out later today, but more about that tomorrow.
