I lay in bed a short while knowing that I would need the tide to come in a way before I could depart. The wind was still from the same direction, but had abated along somewhat with the seas. I was concerned that if I left it too long the wind may again pick up along with the seas. I wished to simply round the next point that would mean a new bearing and turn that breeze into a following one.
Following a breakfast of tangelos, there enough water just after 8:00am. There was still some chop but nothing like yesterday and I’d rounded the first point shortly thereafter.
I rounded the first point.
This was far more relaxing than what I’d had to cope with yesterday afternoon and I was thankful for it. I was hugging this part of the coastline closely, providing some good scenery whilst I also observed some dolphins off in the distance launching themselves into the air. 
Some scenery for me to appreciate.
There were reefs guarding the shore and I was able to look closely at the amazing seaweed I’d been impressed by on earlier legs. The long, leathery strands resemble Medusa’s hair as they writhe in the ebb and flow of the sea’s swells. I have observed snake-like strands that must be nearly 10 metres long!
The impressive seaweed.
At 11:00am I chose an opportunity to beach, paddling through the reef only to be caught by surprise as a breaking wave carried my kayak forward before the inevitable broaching and subsequent capsize. The dunking was not unappreciated, as warm as I was, and it was no difficult task to walk the kayak onto the beach. I will however have to see if there is a way to master the beach approach in breaking surf. I still have theories and ideas up my sleeve to test.
A good spot to stretch... and dry out after my dunking!
After another tangelo, some nuts and a protein bar the paddle was resumed. A shortcut between an island and the mainland - they must almost certainly be landlocked at low tide - was successfully negotiated and I knew that I was now on the final if long leg towards my goal of Mahia Beach.
I had at one stage entertained the thought of heading straight across Hawke Bay to Napier from this point, however yesterday’s early conclusion and the fact that my Spanish incentive to tackle such a leg, had disappeared.
The waters here, the beginning (or end) of Hawke Bay, were very calm and blue and I began to find a rhythm again that had been missing for a few days. I noted also that the water was appreciably warmer by a degree or two. Of interest to me was the fact that the bay is known as Hawke Bay, whilst the province is the better known Hawke’s Bay.
It was not soon after, with the day’s conclusion now firmly in my sights, that a boat pulled up beside me with three couples aboard. I noted that it was 1:30pm. As we exchanged pleasantries a peeled mandarin was passed to me along with an invitation to stay and have some dinner at a home in Taylor’s Bay. “The first bay with a sandy beach and houses.” I was informed. I gratefully accepted of course and watched as the boat sped off into the distance on the route I was to follow.
Just before 4:00pm I came upon Taylor’s Bay immediately before Mahia Beach, my initially planned destination for the day when I‘d set out. I soon saw a gentleman on the beach waving and guiding me onto the beach. Beaching, I introduced myself to Gerry and we quickly commandeered a large quad bike and equally large trailer from four or five youths, lifted the kayak on top, and drove off the beach and a short distance up a hill to a home with a supreme position overlooking the bay and the small community beneath it.
I came upon Taylo's Bay.
Once there I met Gerry’s wife, Heather and was shown to my own room along with a bathroom and shower facilities. I washed and shaved and an hour or two later was sampling one of Gerry’s own Gisborne Gold beers. My understanding was that he’s a part-owner of the company. Beer on tap…literally!
Later that evening I was privileged to sample their freshly caught crayfish and the quite superb hapuka (groper) followed by a fruit salad and custard tartlet. They invited a complete stranger into their home, fed him, and provided a bed. I was, and am, extremely thankful. By 10:00pm, I was shot and had to excuse myself saying goodnight to my kind hosts and their friends.
I’d done almost exactly 50km for the second day running, but this had taken almost eight hours and nearly three hours longer than the previous day when I‘d covered a very similar distance. I wonder if the tide’s current had been working against me. I certainly recall feeling that my progress had been sluggish along the eastern coast of the peninsula.
