Sunday, 22 August 2010

Another cloudy day and a southerly blowing, about 15 knots. Sailed most of the way across to Goldsmith Island as the wind was on the beam. Bit of a swell and sea so poor Chez felt a bit queasy and ended up giving her breakfast to the fish!

Roylen Bay, Goldsmith is a beautiful little bay with a nice beach. Put the dinghy in the water with the intention of going over to the beach for a walk, but every time I put outboard into gear it stalled, don’t know what’s wrong with it. Didn’t fancy rowing against the strongish off shore breeze, so ended up having a beer instead.

We will be going to Hamilton Island tomorrow.

Monday, 23 August 2010

Goldsmith to Cid Harbour

Last night was a bit rolly. Chez, being un-used to it, found it quite uncomfortable.

Saw a large turtle while we were there, it hung around for a while.

Left about 8 this morning with the intention of going to Hamilton Island, but when I rang them up to book a berth I found that they were full up until the end of the month. The Hamilton Island races are on at the moment. Thought I had better ring up Airlie Beach marina now in case they are full, and the first question I was asked was “have you got fully comprehensive insurance” I only have third party and public liability, but this isn’t good enough so Airlie Beach is out unless we can find somewhere to anchor.

After being denied Hamilton Island we decided to go to Cid Harbour, not a harbour as such, but a very sheltered bay between Cid Island and Whitsunday Island. Very popular, there are about 30 vessels here at anchor this evening. It appears to be much more sheltered and comfortable than Goldsmith.

Saw a few whales on the way up here, one was playing and slapping the water.

No internet service here, so won’t be posting these last 2 blogs until we get closer to the mainland again on Wednesday

Walk to Whitsunday Peak

Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Lovely day today after a very calm night. We were both very tired and slept well. Chez did some hand washing and I tried out the outboard in the dinghy, as it had played up at Goldsmith. This time it was OK, probably played up before because another yacht was taking a great deal of interest in our futile attempts to keep it going, especially as I had cast off and we were being blown out to sea. Quite a hard row back to the boat.

We went over to the beach and walked up to Whitsunday Island Peak, about 470 meters high. It was quite a steep climb, but the path was fairly good, with rough stone steps on the very steep parts. The view at the top is absolutely magnificent there are views both to the west and the mainland, and to the south to Hamilton Island and beyond. It took us about 3 hours round trip with a 45 minute lunch and beer break at the top.

We had a swim at the beach when we returned. The tide had gone out and it was quite a carry of the dinghy back to the water’s edge.

Back home to Paragon for a few chores and to take it easy for a while.

We need to get a few stores, water and fuel so we are going over to Airlie tomorrow. A couple we met on the walk said we would be OK to anchor near the VMR building and use their pontoon to leave the dinghy while we went to the local shopping centre. Probably go around to Double Bay to overnight.