Before we headed off to Hastings, Mark,Carol and Graeme went off on a mission to Dooley's Bakery, for Cherry Pie for this evening's meal and Graeme for his usual croissants for breakfast.Beautiful day again sunny and warm .I took a photo of the famous very large two dollar coin in the park beside our boat It has a polar bear featured in the center of the coin which was designed by a local wildlife artist from you guessed it Campbellford!
We watched the two boats in front of us leave early to get the first lock about 8.30 am They are real keen , in the end difference was 45 mins of arrival in Hastings.
We decided to leave a little later and got to Lock number 13 at 10.30 am.Unfortunately the big cruise vessel K Voyageur left at 11 am and was on our tail , all the way up to Hastings.
They have paid a special premium to get in the lock and would normally take priority , so we were aware of that.Due to understaffing again , we had to rely on the good nature of the lock staff and the lady at lock 15 came through for us .It pays to be friendly with this group as they carry the cards!
We went through a another double or flight lock as its called where we entered one lock and once up to correct water level , the doors opened and we moved right through to the second lock.
With the staff trying to assist us they recommended they bring a boat already in the upper lock beside us and then we moved into the upper lock.Both locks then got emptied at the same time.we made it to the last lock of the day by 3.10 pm just in time before that lock was due to close at 3.30 pm!!!
Phew!!! The last lock master called ahead to get our slip assignment at the Hastings Village Marina.
A nice gesture !
Nice little marina in a perfect spot.After docking we headed into the town.Hastings NZ is where Mark ,Carol and Erica were born. Fun little village with Victorian Homes and the main industry is tourism and fishing.We found a great Beer Store where Graeme and Mark found their favorite beers to purchase. They had everything.
Dinner on board was Marks favorite :Sausages, mashed potato and peas followed by Dooley's cherry pie and cherry icecream., which we ate outside in the cockpit.
Lovely way to end a good day.
Over and out,
Crew Lady Erica.
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