A SUMMER CRUISE

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11435, 3 February 1923, Page 13

A SUMMER CRUISE

AMONG THE SOUNDS BY WELLINGTON YACHT. THE LOG OF THE VIKING. (Specially written for “The Now Zealund Times.”) The following account of the voyage of the auxiliary yacht Viking to the Sounds has been specially written for the “Times.” The yacht left Wellington on December 23rd, the proceedings being noted in the log as follows: Saturday, December 23rd.—A busy afternoon spent loading and preparing the vessel for sea. At last the long looked for moment arrived, and overboard went 'the moorings at 6.15 p.m., and we glided away under engine power amid many farewells from friends ashore. At Seatoun we slowed down and lashed the dinghy on board and hoisted sails. Sighted a yacht about five miles ahead on the same course. A light east . breeze was picked up at 7 p.m.. At 8.80 we overtook and passed yacht which proved to he Galatea. The Ngaio passed us at 10.5 p.m. Picked up leading light and entered Tory Channel at 11.15 p.m. Dropped anchor in Deep Bay. All hands muster below for royal feast of cold roast lamb, bread, cheefee, biscuits and cake. All retired to “bunk” at 1 a.m. THE SOUNDS REACHED.

Sunday, 24th .—Awakened at 4.15 p.m.’ to find ship on lee shore avith a hard sou’-east blowing. Ship having dragged anchor, about half a mile. Shelly was sent out in the dinghy with the anchor, but in dropping same he overturned the dinghy and had to swim hack to ship. The engine refused ,to start owing to water getting on the plugs. In the meantime the engine was started when a wave oame overboard which took the port jib sheet with it, and it became entangled with the propeller. So anchors were again dropped and the cargo avas shifted forward and all hands cramped out on to jibboom, thereby raising stem and bringing propeller out of water, the rope was quickly unwound and everything once again shipshape, we at last were able to stand out of the hay. All bitterly cold, but little the worse for the trying experience. Clearing Deep Bay at 6.10 a.m., we steered for Cherry Grove, where we disembarked to have breakfast. At 12 o’clock the anchor was hoisted and we stood up the Sounds for Picton, where we berthed at the wharf, there being quite a crowd to view onr arrival. At 3 p.m. sails were hoisted and we left Picton astern on our way to Powerful Bay. Arrived at th* hav and much to our delieht found Mr Hampton and his followers from Wellington camped there. CHRISTMAS DAY. Monday, December; Christmaa.

Day—and what a beautiful day! We were awakened by the whistling of the native birds in the bush, and on arislng, what a glorious scene greeted our eyes!' The towering hills, the green foliage, the sparkling brook, the deep blue sea, like a gigantic mirror, with the .yacht upon its bosom. The day was spent by all in roaming about the hay, some fishing, shooting, savimming, 6Un-bathing, and various other kinds of pastimes. Tea, or, rather, Christmas dinner, avas cooked, and we sat doavn to a good hearty meal. Afterwards a large bonfire avas lit on the beach, and all indulged in a happy “sing-song.” „ . A DELIGHTFUL HOLIDAY. Tuesday, December 26th.—All up early savimming and breakfasting. At 11 a.m. ave left Powerful Bay, and headed for Picton. Provisions were obtained and we* decided to have a feav hours ashore. We left Picton again bound for tlie Bay of Many Coves, and found an anchor-, age in a nice little sheltered cove. Tea was prepared, and camp arranged. We roamed about ill tile moonlight, quite oontented avith our quiet life. Wednesday, December 27th.—Up early for fishing. Fried fish for breakfast, avhich avas delicious. Shortly after dinner it commenced to rain, and after making everything secure and putting out another anchor we all retired to the tent. An occasional song livened things up. AFTER THE STORY!. Thursday, December 28th. Tho morning was calm after the storm. After indulging in various exercises and eating a hearty breakfast, aae prepared to leave the bay. After dinner we lifted the anchors and left for Endurance Inlet. We proceeded to Inlet Head, where we found the yachts Windward and Raavene, and the launch Marie. We anchored later at Tawa Bay. In the evening ave sat round the camp fire playing cards. Friday, December 29th.—The morning was spent very quietly, lolling in the beautiful sunshine. In the afternoon a yacht liovo in, sight, but as there was no wind they had to tow. Upon arrival she proved to be the Kotiri 11., having just returned from Nelson. Tea over we avent out to the yacht.

Saturday, December 30th.—After breakfast, we collected our things together and left the Kcrtiri. Some of the crew avont ashore and returned later with milk and eggs and fruit. We set sail for Picton, where ave arrived at 4.45 p.m. All went ashore; provisions were obtained, and, needless to say, we did not leave port till 6.15 p.m. We arrived at our next destination, Toria Bay, at 7.30 p.m. Tea was at once prepared. Being a calm, moonlight night, we all wandered round, viewing the scenery. At last, when bedtime arrived, we decided to deep in the avharf shed, and, to our surprise, found it to be full of bales of wool, avhich made excellent beds. bo continued.^