Pigeon Bay, Banks Peninsula

Date: 3/6/15 Position: Holmes Bay, Pigeon Bay, Banks Peninsula

This morning we weighed anchor at 0800 in a light drizzle and motored out of Akaroa Harbour in calm conditions. Low cloud hung over the headlands at the entrance to the harbour and sat like a fluffy, white beanie over the entire top of the peninsula as we made our way around to Pigeon Bay, 34nm away on the northern side of Banks Peninsula.

After leaving Akaroa Harbour we motored in calm winds with a disturbed jade green sea until we rounded East Head where we were able to unfurl the headsail and turn the engine off and sail with the fitful breeze coming from the south west. Behind us to the south, heavy dark grey clouds touched the horizon but in front of us to the north the sky was lighter and the sun tried its best to break through the cloud banks. The coastline of Banks Peninsula was very impressive with high, steep cliffs occasionally with arches and sea caves worn by the constant waves and wind. Quite a few pinnacles stood off the ends of the points and headlands. There were several small bays at almost regular intervals around the coastline. Many of these bays had a house nestled at the end of them. Surrounding these homes and rising above the rugged cliffs themselves were lush green rolling hills cleared for grazing which disappeared under the low cloud.

The scenery was stunning, but so too was the sea life. Several times we were joined by pods of Hector Dolphins which are endemic to this area. These dolphins are just a bit bigger than a metre in length and are black, white and grey. Their dorsal fin is like a semi circle and is very prominent. They are so small that we would spot them swimming towards Ambler but we couldn't see them in the bow waves from the cockpit. We had to go and stand in the bow and look down to know they were actually there. A few times they leapt completely out of the water. They were very entertaining. We also saw several giant petrels, many cape petrels, a couple of little blue penguins and countless cormorants.

We entered Pigeon Bay at 1545 and dropped anchor in Holmes Bay just as it began to drizzle. Holmes Bay is a pretty bay with deciduous trees along the shore and cows grazing on the hillside. There is a high hill in front of us to provide a lee from the gale force south westerly winds predicted for tonight and tomorrow. There is a slight northerly swell coming into the bay. When you look at the chart Pigeon Bay is almost directly opposite Akaroa Harbour on the northern side of the peninsula.

All is well and a bit rolly on board. Kathy and Wayne

----------
radio email processed by SailMail
for information see: http://www.sailmail.com