So, after a few weeks of being really busy and/or horrendous weather, I have finally managed to get out and do something exciting! One of the 'friends of the Coastguard' offered us his boat on Saturday and took us around the Hauraki Gulf. I took the train from my house at just after 8am and once in the city, walked straight down to the wharf. I met up with the other Coastguard members that had decided to come on the trip and we boarded the boat. I was extremely surprised to see how luxurious it was, I had expected a little fishing vessel, but as you can see from the pictures below it was VERY nice! I even took a photo of one of the toilets.... it's nicer than the one in my house!
After we had all had a safety briefing, we started the engine and began to make our way towards the sea. Before we could get out of the harbour though, we had to call bridge control and ask them to open the bridge for us. I believe the bridge is a 'Bascule bridge', one that opens in the middle. It was quite exciting really!
Our skipper for the day (Steve) was kept very busy for the first hour, as he was in charge of the 'testosterone magnet' i.e. the navigation tools. I couldn't resist collecting photographic evidence.
We travelled out towards Waiheke using the Motuihe Channel, and passed the islands of Rangitoto (first picture below), Motutapu and Motuihe. While going through the channel, we did a few quizzes on place names to help develop our local knowledge. Coastguard isn't all about tea and cake you know.... it's just MOSTLY about that!
After the quiz (which my team one!) we did a bit of sight-seeing around the back of Waiheke Island; naming the coves and areas of headland. When we left the harbour, the weather was pretty cloudy, and there wasn't a lot of sun. Fortunately, as the day wore on, the weather improved and suncream was required. The sun also makes the pictures look a lot more impressive!
We then went around the 'bottom end of Waiheke' and anchored in Man O'War Bay. I'm not sure why it is so named, definitely not after the jellyfish! Once anchored, we put the barbecue on and launched the smaller boat. We launched it using a winch, something I have never seen before. In my experience they are usually just thrown off the back of the bigger one! We barbecued some chicken and sausages, and also put together some different salads.
As with the navigation tools, the smaller boat proved to be a huge hit with the boys and they had the first go on it while the girls watched. We eventually managed to have a go a bit later though. We anchored in Man O'War Bay for about an hour while we ate lunch, and then moved on.
Once we had finished lunch, we moved on around Waiheke and past Rotoroa (I have been here - see previous blogs!), and Chamberlain Island. We also did a couple of map reading and distress call exercises. I also spent some time taking pictures of the beautiful scenery.
After passing the eastern side of Waiheke Island, we headed back towards Auckland. It was interesting that on the way, we saw Lion Foundation Rescue (one of the Coastguard vessels) towing a broken down boat. It was good to see that the Coastguard hadn't fallen to pieces without us!
One interesting structure that we saw on the way back is Bean Rock Lighthouse, one of the last manned lighthouses in New Zealand I think. Apparently loads of people try and climb on it, and the Harbour Master spends many hours pulling people from it!
We then sailed past the North Shore, which is connected to Auckland City by The Harbour Bridge. Just as we were passing, Westpac Rescue (the 'flying ambulance') took off from just outside Coastguard Operations, where it is based. It was pretty cool to get some pictures of it in flight. I also managed to get a couple of good ones of the dock.
We arrived back into Auckland at about 4pm and had to call Bridge Control again to get them to raise the bridge. I REALLY enjoyed it this time as there were LOADS of people waiting at either side of the bridge to get across. It makes you feel very important knowing that there are hundreds of people that can't carry on with their day because they are waiting for you. Oh, the power!
Once we were safely back in our berth we cracked open the beer and wine, and had a slice or two of cake. We then drove back to the Coastguard Centre, where I took a picture of Trillian Rescue Alpha, ASB Rescue, and Westpac Rescue. Just as I was about to leave, Lion Foundation Rescue came in from towing the broken down vessel, so I managed to capture it as it docked at Coastguard Operations.
It was a great day out, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next one. I was absolutely shattered, but had to stay awake for my nightshift with the Coastguard. It was pretty tough to stay awake from 7pm until 7am, but I had a little help from a few cans of Red Bull and a LOT of cake!
