Lamond Hill

We packed up our tent in the rain, a different experience from UK as it was warm rain. We then put it into storage for a couple of nights on the site. After stocking up with a little fizz and beer we made our way to Abel point marina to join the cruise that we had booked in Queenstown.
The marina is the point of departure for cruises to the islands. As we arrived people were turning up for one of the Clipper (party boats.) There were about 40 youngsters piling up beer and spirits for their two night cruise, alcohol to clothing ratio about 10 to 1, all were already in high spirits. They left a little before us so were were able to quickly pick out our cruise mates for the four berth catamaran that we were booked onto. Norbert and Karin were travelling from Switzerland and Sylvie and Jean Jacques from France. the fourth berth was not taken. We quickly realised that we were in good company.
Our crew were Stuart and Ellie, Stuart is English and Ellie from Italy so an all European boat.
Jean Jacques was five years into recovering from a very major stroke and although quite impaired in movement had a go at everything.
We were welcomed aboard with some fizz and fruit which was very welcome.
Our first night was spent in Hook Passage just off South Molle Island. Ellie prepared and served an excellent meal which she continued to do throughout the trip. We arrived near night fall and as it got darker the skies cleared for us to get a great view of the stars and the milky way. There was a lot of activity in the sea immediately surrounding the boat and we watched Tarpan fish feed on the little fish that had been attracted to the blue led lights at water level on the boat.Read more