Category Archives: Daily Lime

Solar Arch: Added Equipment Benefits

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Since we were putting a monstrosity on the back of our boat we decided to add a few more upgrades.  We added several new pieces of equipment and moved other equipment on to the arch rails.

  • Nemesis Gauge
  • (2) Security Cameras
  • Courtesy (Deck) Light
  • Navigation Stern Light
  • Starlink
  • IridiumGo Antennae
  • Fishing Rod Holders

Most of the items can easily be accessed by climbing the rails on the side of the arch.  

However, Matt had to use a scissor lift to reach the center of the arch.  The center is 8 meters off the ground.

The center of the arch is the entry point for the solar panels, 2 lights, and Nemesis wires.  Once the cables were wired we installed the equipment.

We had a friend come over to assist and learn how to wire the solar panels.  

Matt was on the scissor lift while Mick was in the engine room.

Nemesis Navigation Gauge

For years we have wanted a forward facing gauge in the cockpit.  However, it has always been one of those “nice to have” things.  

We often sit in the cockpit facing aft (behind the boat) when we are not at the helm.  It is shaded and comfortable.  However, from this position you cannot see any of the gauges.  You have to turn around and lean forward.  Not terrible, but not convenient.

Now that we have the new arch we have a place to mount a new gauge.  Matt selected the 9″ B&G Nemesis which can be mounted vertical or horizontal.

Matthew Duckett (Cleigh Ltd) purchased the Nemesis from Navico for about $1400 which is a huge savings!

Matt had pre-installed the Nemesis to the stainless frame as it required very, very small screws, washers, and bolts.  Unfortunately, we realized it was upside down after it was installed!  

We disconnected the panel, took the entire unit off, turned it right side up and reinstalled everything.  

Security Cameras

We purchased (2) Reolink outdoor surveillance cameras that have motion detection, night vision and two way talk mode.

Purchased from Amazon for $129 USD each.  

These cameras are in addition to the security camera we have in the cockpit.  We are well protected.

Aft Lights 

Courtesy Deck Light (NARVA LED Blue /White Deck Light – Black 72443B) was purchased at All Marine for $87. 

The cool feature about this courtesy light is that it can either be white or blue.

We also moved our stern navigation light to the back of the arch.

Existing Equipment

We moved several pieces of equipment that were located on the stern of the boat to the arch. 

Matt moved Starlink from the port dinghy davit to the port side of the arch. 

The IridiumGo antennae was located at the starboard helm and frankly in the way.

And just because we could, we added a few more fishing rod holders.

Our blog posts run 6-8 weeks behind actual live events.  

We installed the above equipment in January 2026.

Of course the main purpose of the arch is to hold our 4 new solar panels.  You can read about these new panels in “Power Up: New Solar Panels” blog post.

Waterfalls: Paranui falls to Whangarei Falls

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In between our boat projects we take a lovely walk between two beautiful waterfalls.  We start at the AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park where we encounter the Paranui Waterfall.

This is a relatively short walk (3 miles and 1hr20min return).  The path is very easy to follow and fairly easy.

A great website with lovely photos can be found here.

The best spot to see the Paranui Falls is from the lookout (across the gorge from the parking lot).  This 23 meter tall waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation.

You descend about 100 stairs to get to the main trail which is absolutely lovely. 

AH Reed Park has several well maintained bridges and paths ranging from dirt, stone and cement).

All of the paths run along the Waikoromiko River.

After about 40 minutes we reached the Otuihau Whangarei Waterfall.  These falls are 26.3 meters high and cascade over basalt cliffs.

This was a large, gushing waterfall leading to a big lagoon.  

This was such a beautiful waterfall that I took photos from every direction. 

We walked to the top of the falls (top right photo), bottom, left and right side of the falls. 

On the way back, we cross the famous Canopy Bridge which surrounds New Zealand’s majestic Kauri Trees. 

New Zealand honors and protects these massive trees which are up to 500 years old.

Even though it is a short walk it is absolutely one of my favorites!  

Our blog posts run 6-8 weeks behind actual live events.  We visited these two waterfalls in early December 2025.

Find Paranui Waterfalls on No Foreign Land and find the Whangarei Falls on No Foreign Land.

We haul out Sugar Shack at Norsand Boatyard in our last blog post.

Happy Hermosa Beach, CA

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I needed a boat break in the midst of all the boat work.  So, I headed to Hermosa Beach, California to visit my family during the Christmas break.  It was a very short trip but well worth the miles!

Both of my nephews were home for the holidays so we had lots of family time. We enjoyed many walks along the coast, strand, green belt, and beach.  

When the sun is out it is not just pretty but gorgeous!

We took another walk along the coast near the Point Vicente Lighthouse which is reported to be haunted by a lone female spirit.

We passed by an information center that told us about the gray whale migration and gave us stamps.  And a beautiful peacock was roaming the streets on our way home.

My sister’s dog Luke is part shepherd and husky and requires several walks a day. So, we visited lots of fun little parks.

Cameron’s 22nd Bday

Cameron turned 22 on 29 December!  We celebrated him all day and took him to play Top Golf in the evening.  Can’t say that I was any good at it, but it sure was fun!

My trip was super short so I was only able to see one friend…Deborah.  We went to a new restaurant called Tiki Kai which was so cute!  It had marvelous decor and atmosphere.  The food was excellent but ridiculously expensive for small portions of food.

Kimberly’s Bday

My sister’s birthday was on New Year’s Day!  We celebrated her all day long too. We started out by watching the Rose Parade which was rained upon (only 10th time in 150 years). 

Since it was raining, we decided to go see Song Sung Blue (movie) but it was such a sad movie.  It had great acting, a good story line, fabulous music, and overall aa great movie — but super sad.  Then off to dinner at Tin Roof Bistro. 

Featured Image: Cole, Kimberly, Troy, me, Cameron

I go through moments where I really miss land life and my family.  These moments are coming more frequently.  Unfortunately, we are sailing further and further away making these trips really difficult.  But I will keep flying back to stay grounded and fill my cup up! 

Our blog posts run 4-6 weeks behind actual live events. I was in Hermosa Beach the last week of December 2025.

Don’t miss all the quirky things to do in Whangarei – check out our last blog post.