Monday 27 September 2010
We were up early and prepared to cross the bar, it is one of the largest bars on the east coast and takes about an hour. The passage through the sand banks has a 90 degree turn half way across. There are leads for both legs; the first, on the mainland, are 2 triangular boards and are easy to follow right out to the turning point. The second set of leads are on 1 large white board on Frazer Island and it has 3 lights on it. You are supposed to be able to see a green if right of track, a red if left and a white if on track. In practice, during daylight, none of them can be seen and you have to use the GPS way points.
Today, luckily the bar was fairly benign, not like it was when I came in. This is my 7th crossing of it and it is the calmest that I have seen it. After crossing the bar we set course for Mooloolaba and had a pretty good run down with a 8 – 10 knot following wind. I was beginning to think that we would get there before dark but it was not to be. The sun set at 17:50 and we went into the river about half an hour later when it was quite dark. I haven’t been in after dark before, always preferring to anchor in the bay and wait for morning, but with the nor’easter there was quite a swell in the bay and it would have been too uncomfortable. The channel up river is well lit and we were able to find our way to the fuel wharf to tie up for the night. There are large signs all along the wharf saying no berthing at any time, trespassers will be prosecuted, etc, but we decided to chance it, there being nowhere else, that I knew of, that we could go.
The pub overlooks the fuel wharf so we went up and had a meal there, on the veranda overlooking the wharf where we could keep an eye on Paragon.
The next morning at 7 the wharf attendant arrived and we told him we had just arrived and were waiting for him to re-fuel. After re-fuelling he directed us to the passenger wharf where the whale watching boat had just left from. We spent a couple of hours there waiting for the marina to open and go in there. We got lots of black looks from the smaller tour operators as we were in the way. One of them even tried to hamper us by mooring a boat right across our bows, which I had to move before we could leave.
Yesterday was spent catching up on all the chores and, today, (Wednesday), we are catching a bus over to a big shopping centre and also visiting Whitworths, a large discount boat parts store.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sandy Strait 2
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Another easy trip today, only 13.5 miles down to Pelican Bay which is at the southern end of Sandy Strait and just near where the Wide Bay Bar is, which we shall be crossing tomorrow morning early to continue our trip south. Hopefully we shall get to Mooloolaba by tomorrow evening.
I went over to Frazer Island this morning and went for a walk along one of the trails. Chez stayed on the boat as her shoulder is still hurting and she didn’t want to risk further damage getting in and out of the dinghy.
Very pleasant on the island, and sunny for a change; took a picture of Paragon from the trail which I shall include in this post.
We started off towing the dinghy, but realised how much of a drag it was, so heaved to and got it up on to the deck. We were here by lunch time and I have spent the afternoon doing the navigation for tomorrow. It is a distance of 61 miles and will take approximately 12 hours. Also prepared the boat for crossing the bar. Everything has to be tied down or stowed.
Another easy trip today, only 13.5 miles down to Pelican Bay which is at the southern end of Sandy Strait and just near where the Wide Bay Bar is, which we shall be crossing tomorrow morning early to continue our trip south. Hopefully we shall get to Mooloolaba by tomorrow evening.
I went over to Frazer Island this morning and went for a walk along one of the trails. Chez stayed on the boat as her shoulder is still hurting and she didn’t want to risk further damage getting in and out of the dinghy.
Very pleasant on the island, and sunny for a change; took a picture of Paragon from the trail which I shall include in this post.
We started off towing the dinghy, but realised how much of a drag it was, so heaved to and got it up on to the deck. We were here by lunch time and I have spent the afternoon doing the navigation for tomorrow. It is a distance of 61 miles and will take approximately 12 hours. Also prepared the boat for crossing the bar. Everything has to be tied down or stowed.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The Great Sandy Strait
24 September 2010
We left Burnett Heads about 09:00, but once again the wind and the current were both against us and we didn’t get into the Sandy Strait until after dark. I found, what I thought was the first suitable place to anchor, between two islands, Wood Island and Picnic Island, but the current was pretty fierce and I ended up putting about 45 meters of rode out to prevent the anchor dragging. Apart from that it was a very peaceful night. A few light showers of rain, but no wind.
25 September 2010-09-25
For once we had the current behind us, but no wind, but a very pleasant trip down the strait. Navigation is made quite easy with plenty of buoys, but you have to be on the ball looking out for each one as they twist and turn down the channel.
Tonight we are in Garry’s Anchorage, which is about two thirds down the strait. It is a small inlet between Stewart Island and Frazer Island. Very sheltered, good holding, but a bit shallow. Some light rain again today, we are wondering how Queensland came to be known as the “Sunshine State”
We left Burnett Heads about 09:00, but once again the wind and the current were both against us and we didn’t get into the Sandy Strait until after dark. I found, what I thought was the first suitable place to anchor, between two islands, Wood Island and Picnic Island, but the current was pretty fierce and I ended up putting about 45 meters of rode out to prevent the anchor dragging. Apart from that it was a very peaceful night. A few light showers of rain, but no wind.
25 September 2010-09-25
For once we had the current behind us, but no wind, but a very pleasant trip down the strait. Navigation is made quite easy with plenty of buoys, but you have to be on the ball looking out for each one as they twist and turn down the channel.
Tonight we are in Garry’s Anchorage, which is about two thirds down the strait. It is a small inlet between Stewart Island and Frazer Island. Very sheltered, good holding, but a bit shallow. Some light rain again today, we are wondering how Queensland came to be known as the “Sunshine State”
Thursday, September 23, 2010
23 September 2010
We have cooled our heals here in Burnett Heads since Sunday and are itching to be on our way. Hope to get away tomorrow morning as the winds have finally decided to drop and swing around to east and north, so looks good.
Have spent the time here doing some work on boat, oil and filters change and fixing a few things. Had to go into Bundy 3 days in a row, shopping, and then getting a few things we had forgotten, then yesterday to get oil filters which I thought I had.
Rain seems to have lessened somewhat, the rain on Monday was an absolute down pour, similar to monsoon rains I experienced in Singapore.
Nothing much else to report as static here. Hopefully there will be more interesting reports going through Sandy Straits and on south from there. If weather holds we should be back in Port in about 2 weeks.
We have cooled our heals here in Burnett Heads since Sunday and are itching to be on our way. Hope to get away tomorrow morning as the winds have finally decided to drop and swing around to east and north, so looks good.
Have spent the time here doing some work on boat, oil and filters change and fixing a few things. Had to go into Bundy 3 days in a row, shopping, and then getting a few things we had forgotten, then yesterday to get oil filters which I thought I had.
Rain seems to have lessened somewhat, the rain on Monday was an absolute down pour, similar to monsoon rains I experienced in Singapore.
Nothing much else to report as static here. Hopefully there will be more interesting reports going through Sandy Straits and on south from there. If weather holds we should be back in Port in about 2 weeks.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday, 20 September 2010
This marina runs a courtesy bus into Bundaberg, so after finishing the washing we caught it into Bundy to do our shopping. What a day to pick to go shopping! It is absolutely teeming down with rain. Talk about sunny Queensland! We came home soaked, we’re not even game to go over to the amenities for a shower, it’ll be our usual wash down in the boat tonight.
We are booked in here for a couple of nights and if the weather clears have made a decision to leave Wednesday. There is no way now that we can get to Brisbane by Friday for Chez to catch her flight, but anyway she might come all the way home to Port with me on the boat as I think I will have great difficulty in getting back on my own with no auto pilot. There are a couple of 10 – 12 hour trips to do.
This marina runs a courtesy bus into Bundaberg, so after finishing the washing we caught it into Bundy to do our shopping. What a day to pick to go shopping! It is absolutely teeming down with rain. Talk about sunny Queensland! We came home soaked, we’re not even game to go over to the amenities for a shower, it’ll be our usual wash down in the boat tonight.
We are booked in here for a couple of nights and if the weather clears have made a decision to leave Wednesday. There is no way now that we can get to Brisbane by Friday for Chez to catch her flight, but anyway she might come all the way home to Port with me on the boat as I think I will have great difficulty in getting back on my own with no auto pilot. There are a couple of 10 – 12 hour trips to do.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday 18th September 2010
Lance came over mid morning and said that bad weather was on the way and unless we got away fairly quickly we would be stuck there for several days. His intention was to leave mid afternoon, sail all night and reach Bundaberg early Sunday morning. He invited us to follow him if we wished and we decided that that would probably be the best thing to do.
We departed about 15:00 and followed Lance most of the way to the Burnett River. It was a very long, tiring and cold trip with headwinds all of the way. We got in about 08:00 this morning. Up until midnight we did hourly turns at the wheel, but then the wind got up and the boat became very hard to handle and Chez’s bad shoulder didn’t allow her to be on the helm for very long. She was able to go on for short periods of time when I needed a break. I was getting very tired and falling asleep at the wheel, but still, somehow or other, managed to keep it approximately on course. While we could see Lance we followed his stern light. He was slightly faster and for the last few hours of dark I had to follow a compass bearing. I was pretty glad when, about 8 miles out, we picked up the Burnett River entrance light and was able to head straight for it.
We went into Burnett harbour and dropped anchor, but Chez was having difficulty getting in and out of dinghy with bad shoulder, so I found out the availability of a berth in marina just up river from harbour and we came up here and have booked in for 2 nights or until this bad weather passes.
Lazy day to day recuperating from last night and catching up on the washing.
Lance came over mid morning and said that bad weather was on the way and unless we got away fairly quickly we would be stuck there for several days. His intention was to leave mid afternoon, sail all night and reach Bundaberg early Sunday morning. He invited us to follow him if we wished and we decided that that would probably be the best thing to do.
We departed about 15:00 and followed Lance most of the way to the Burnett River. It was a very long, tiring and cold trip with headwinds all of the way. We got in about 08:00 this morning. Up until midnight we did hourly turns at the wheel, but then the wind got up and the boat became very hard to handle and Chez’s bad shoulder didn’t allow her to be on the helm for very long. She was able to go on for short periods of time when I needed a break. I was getting very tired and falling asleep at the wheel, but still, somehow or other, managed to keep it approximately on course. While we could see Lance we followed his stern light. He was slightly faster and for the last few hours of dark I had to follow a compass bearing. I was pretty glad when, about 8 miles out, we picked up the Burnett River entrance light and was able to head straight for it.
We went into Burnett harbour and dropped anchor, but Chez was having difficulty getting in and out of dinghy with bad shoulder, so I found out the availability of a berth in marina just up river from harbour and we came up here and have booked in for 2 nights or until this bad weather passes.
Lazy day to day recuperating from last night and catching up on the washing.
Friday, 17 September 2010
Lance came over in the morning to give me information about transiting through Moreton Bay, some very useful information as there are numerous channels through the islands and they twist every way imaginable. Also have to wait for tide to change direction when going through Jacob’s Wells.
Asked him a simple question about sailing and he then spent the next hour or so going through all my rigging, changing it where necessary and giving me huge amounts of tips on how to get the best out of a sailing boat, the correct way to reef and other handling tips.
We packed a lunch with the intention of walking up to the lighthouse from the beach, got about ¾ of the way, but turned back. Trail very overgrown and we were being eaten alive by mosquitoes and midges, so came back to the boat for a relaxing afternoon.
However, Chez pulled her shoulder badly when transferring from dinghy to boat.
Still hurting badly when we went to bed.
Lance came over in the morning to give me information about transiting through Moreton Bay, some very useful information as there are numerous channels through the islands and they twist every way imaginable. Also have to wait for tide to change direction when going through Jacob’s Wells.
Asked him a simple question about sailing and he then spent the next hour or so going through all my rigging, changing it where necessary and giving me huge amounts of tips on how to get the best out of a sailing boat, the correct way to reef and other handling tips.
We packed a lunch with the intention of walking up to the lighthouse from the beach, got about ¾ of the way, but turned back. Trail very overgrown and we were being eaten alive by mosquitoes and midges, so came back to the boat for a relaxing afternoon.
However, Chez pulled her shoulder badly when transferring from dinghy to boat.
Still hurting badly when we went to bed.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Had a terrible night, very rolly and lots of mosquitos. At about 4:00 we had had enough and decided to get an early start and try and get to Burnett Heads in one hop, about 75 miles and I estimated we would be there by 19:00. Unfortunately, we didn’t look like making that; what with dodging around cargo ships leaving their anchorage to go into Gladstone and virtually no wind it was seeming very likely that we wouldn’t get to Burnett Heads before about midnight and with no auto pilot that was just too long. We were opposite the entrance to Pancake Creek about midday and we decided to go in there, though I had been under the impression that it was difficult to get in. However it proved to be very easy once we found the right channel. It is a beautiful spot, very smooth waters and well sheltered. Lots of other boats in here as well.
After a bit of a rest tried out some fishing, but I have never been patient enough to be a fisherman. The next boat to us said he had caught several mackerel, but I never got a bite. However about 15:30, Lance, from the next boat brought us over a lovely mackerel and also invited us over to his boat for sundowner’s.
We spent a very pleasant couple of hours on Lance and Roz’s boat, they have lived on it for a few years and she is a beauty, even though she is made of ferro. Professionally built about 40 years ago, 40 feet long and very roomy. We both fell in love with her and she is also for sale at $49500; if we could raise the money we would consider it.
We had run out of fuel going over in the dinghy, so had to row back in the dark and slightly tipsy, couldn’t see paragon, Lance was yelling directions from the back of his boat until we were safely on board.
Had our green Thai curried prawns for tea that we were supposed to have had last night at Conner’s Bluff but too rolly to cook.
Had a terrible night, very rolly and lots of mosquitos. At about 4:00 we had had enough and decided to get an early start and try and get to Burnett Heads in one hop, about 75 miles and I estimated we would be there by 19:00. Unfortunately, we didn’t look like making that; what with dodging around cargo ships leaving their anchorage to go into Gladstone and virtually no wind it was seeming very likely that we wouldn’t get to Burnett Heads before about midnight and with no auto pilot that was just too long. We were opposite the entrance to Pancake Creek about midday and we decided to go in there, though I had been under the impression that it was difficult to get in. However it proved to be very easy once we found the right channel. It is a beautiful spot, very smooth waters and well sheltered. Lots of other boats in here as well.
After a bit of a rest tried out some fishing, but I have never been patient enough to be a fisherman. The next boat to us said he had caught several mackerel, but I never got a bite. However about 15:30, Lance, from the next boat brought us over a lovely mackerel and also invited us over to his boat for sundowner’s.
We spent a very pleasant couple of hours on Lance and Roz’s boat, they have lived on it for a few years and she is a beauty, even though she is made of ferro. Professionally built about 40 years ago, 40 feet long and very roomy. We both fell in love with her and she is also for sale at $49500; if we could raise the money we would consider it.
We had run out of fuel going over in the dinghy, so had to row back in the dark and slightly tipsy, couldn’t see paragon, Lance was yelling directions from the back of his boat until we were safely on board.
Had our green Thai curried prawns for tea that we were supposed to have had last night at Conner’s Bluff but too rolly to cook.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
We filled up with fuel before leaving Roslyn Bay. We both love it here and would even consider moving here, it is a delightful spot.
We had intended to anchor over night at the bay behind Cape Capricorn, but even though we saw other vessels anchored there, they were all shallow drafted and it was just too shallow for us, we would have been aground at low tide. A decision was made to continue south and we decided to anchor opposite Conner’s Bluff just north of the entrance into Gladstone. I anchored here on the way north and it isn’t too bad, but Chez says it is too rolly and you can rock and roll sitting at the dinette table.
We saw two large green turtles mating, they were quite oblivious to us and we were able to circle back and take some pornographic photos!
Also a few humpbacks breaching.
We filled up with fuel before leaving Roslyn Bay. We both love it here and would even consider moving here, it is a delightful spot.
We had intended to anchor over night at the bay behind Cape Capricorn, but even though we saw other vessels anchored there, they were all shallow drafted and it was just too shallow for us, we would have been aground at low tide. A decision was made to continue south and we decided to anchor opposite Conner’s Bluff just north of the entrance into Gladstone. I anchored here on the way north and it isn’t too bad, but Chez says it is too rolly and you can rock and roll sitting at the dinette table.
We saw two large green turtles mating, they were quite oblivious to us and we were able to circle back and take some pornographic photos!
Also a few humpbacks breaching.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Tonight we are anchored in a little bay on the north side of Digby Island, which is part of the Beverly group.
We left Mackay this morning at 04:25, hoping to get to Percy Middle Island before dark, but the wind and the currents were against us and the way things were going we would not have been there before about 20:30 this evening. We had noticed a couple of yachts anchored where we are now as we passed the island, but we continued on past them and then said “let’s go back there, its 16:00 and we could do with a drink of wine and relax”. So we did a 180 and came into this little bay which is quite calm.
Saw several whales on the way over, most heading north. One pair we had to alter course slightly to avoid, but generally speaking, when we have our engine running, they hear us and dive until we are well past. Unlike the time I nearly collided with a pair off of Point Danger when I was under sail. Also passed about 30 coal carriers at anchor off of Mackay, waiting to go into Port Mackay to load. They stretched for about 30 miles and we passed a few of them at about 30 meters. At that distance they look huge!
We shall leave here early in the morning and try to get to Pearl Bay in one hop. If not we shall stop off at Hexham Island about half way. There might even be a Hungry Jacks there!
10th September 2010
We departed Digby at 06:05, and there was absolutely no wind, so it was motoring all the way again.
We passed a naval vessel no long after departing; it was a landing vessel, L126. We quickly put up the Australian flag when we saw him so that he didn’t think we were an Indonesian fishing boat,
We approached Hexham Island about 15:00 and decided that the area between the reefs just wasn’t long enough to accommodate us as we would have to put out a fair amount of chain and there wouldn’t be enough swing room.
A quick decision was made and we decided to go on to Pearl Bay, even though our ETA wouldn’t be until about 22:00.
Just before reaching Hexham Island our auto pilot decided to stop working, this is the first trip I have done with it. It has been marvellous up until today. Must get it fixed as soon as possible. Going on to Pearl Bay was extremely difficult with out it, especially after dark.
Just after dark we heard a vessel reporting a man over board about 2 miles north of Scawfell Island. Many vessels responded to start searching, including the naval landing craft we had passed earlier. They were still searching when we ran out of radio contact approaching Pearl Bay. We still don’t know if he was found
The sun set about 18:00 and the nearly new moon set about half an hour later, so we were completely in the dark.
It was a case of watching the compass and GPS very closely. Luckily there is a light house on Clara Island, which was situated about 2 miles beyond our first turning point. When that came into range we were able to head straight for it. After the turn it was a 6 mile run down between the mainland and a string of islands into the bay. We just had to trust in the GPS as we couldn’t see a thing. Eventually we saw some anchor lights of vessels in the bay and we were able to head for them, but anchored well clear of them as it is difficult to judge distance at night.
Dropped anchor at 22:55 after departing Digby at 06:05, Chez’s longest day yet and we were both very tired; a couple of glasses of wine and we slept like babies.
Saturday, 11 September 2010
We weren’t up until almost 09:00 and after breakfast we moved closer into the bay nearer the other anchored vessels, more sheltered here. I had a look at the auto pilot, but couldn’t fix it; have to get someone to look at it in Roslyn Bay. There is quite a strong southerly blowing today after a southerly change went through early this morning, hope it calms down by tomorrow.
We spent the day recovering from yesterday and generally relaxing
Sunday 12th September.
Today proved to be another harrowing day. We were unable to get any radio coverage in Pearl Bay, so couldn’t get an up to date weather report. Two other yachts left about 7 heading south, so we decided to chance it. Another day of 15 - 20 knot south easterly wind. Also we had about one to one and a half knot northerly current. Even with the motor going all day we had to tack and use the wind as much as possible to make any headway. Once we got around cape Clinton and turned south west we had the wind 60 degrees off our bow, so were able to make good time. The seas were up especially on our starboard tack which took us quite a way to seawards each time. What should have been a 45 mile, 9 hour trip turned out to be a 65 mile 13 hour trip and we didn’t get to Roslyn Bay until 20:00. The darkness wasn’t so bad this time as it was a straight run down to the harbour entrance and we were able to pick up the port and starboard lights from about 5 miles. It was a bit confusing going in though as there is a dog leg in the entrance, followed by a sharp right turn down to the marina. We had arranged a berth and were allocated red 35, unfortunately at night we couldn’t see the different coloured tops on the poles. I just pulled onto the first pontoon end that I saw was empty. Luckily there were 2 chaps there who were able to help us tie up as not only was there still a strong wind blowing which was trying to take us off of the pontoon, but we were also quite knackered.
A couple of glasses of wine, spaghetti and fried egg on toast for tea and we were ready for bed.
Monday 13th September
We arranged the courtesy car for 12:30 to go into Yeppoon to do our shopping. This service is fantastic and is the only marina that I know of that does it. We went over to the Coast Guard and spent an hour there. They were extremely hospitable and were very interested to learn as much as possible about how MRNSW is working in NSW. Got the weather forecast and the winds are tuning north easterly tomorrow for a few days.
Had a beer in the very small yacht club, and later went and had a meal at the restaurant attached to the marina. Very nice but quite pricy. Came home a bit tight after 2 bottles of wine.
Tonight we are anchored in a little bay on the north side of Digby Island, which is part of the Beverly group.
We left Mackay this morning at 04:25, hoping to get to Percy Middle Island before dark, but the wind and the currents were against us and the way things were going we would not have been there before about 20:30 this evening. We had noticed a couple of yachts anchored where we are now as we passed the island, but we continued on past them and then said “let’s go back there, its 16:00 and we could do with a drink of wine and relax”. So we did a 180 and came into this little bay which is quite calm.
Saw several whales on the way over, most heading north. One pair we had to alter course slightly to avoid, but generally speaking, when we have our engine running, they hear us and dive until we are well past. Unlike the time I nearly collided with a pair off of Point Danger when I was under sail. Also passed about 30 coal carriers at anchor off of Mackay, waiting to go into Port Mackay to load. They stretched for about 30 miles and we passed a few of them at about 30 meters. At that distance they look huge!
We shall leave here early in the morning and try to get to Pearl Bay in one hop. If not we shall stop off at Hexham Island about half way. There might even be a Hungry Jacks there!
10th September 2010
We departed Digby at 06:05, and there was absolutely no wind, so it was motoring all the way again.
We passed a naval vessel no long after departing; it was a landing vessel, L126. We quickly put up the Australian flag when we saw him so that he didn’t think we were an Indonesian fishing boat,
We approached Hexham Island about 15:00 and decided that the area between the reefs just wasn’t long enough to accommodate us as we would have to put out a fair amount of chain and there wouldn’t be enough swing room.
A quick decision was made and we decided to go on to Pearl Bay, even though our ETA wouldn’t be until about 22:00.
Just before reaching Hexham Island our auto pilot decided to stop working, this is the first trip I have done with it. It has been marvellous up until today. Must get it fixed as soon as possible. Going on to Pearl Bay was extremely difficult with out it, especially after dark.
Just after dark we heard a vessel reporting a man over board about 2 miles north of Scawfell Island. Many vessels responded to start searching, including the naval landing craft we had passed earlier. They were still searching when we ran out of radio contact approaching Pearl Bay. We still don’t know if he was found
The sun set about 18:00 and the nearly new moon set about half an hour later, so we were completely in the dark.
It was a case of watching the compass and GPS very closely. Luckily there is a light house on Clara Island, which was situated about 2 miles beyond our first turning point. When that came into range we were able to head straight for it. After the turn it was a 6 mile run down between the mainland and a string of islands into the bay. We just had to trust in the GPS as we couldn’t see a thing. Eventually we saw some anchor lights of vessels in the bay and we were able to head for them, but anchored well clear of them as it is difficult to judge distance at night.
Dropped anchor at 22:55 after departing Digby at 06:05, Chez’s longest day yet and we were both very tired; a couple of glasses of wine and we slept like babies.
Saturday, 11 September 2010
We weren’t up until almost 09:00 and after breakfast we moved closer into the bay nearer the other anchored vessels, more sheltered here. I had a look at the auto pilot, but couldn’t fix it; have to get someone to look at it in Roslyn Bay. There is quite a strong southerly blowing today after a southerly change went through early this morning, hope it calms down by tomorrow.
We spent the day recovering from yesterday and generally relaxing
Sunday 12th September.
Today proved to be another harrowing day. We were unable to get any radio coverage in Pearl Bay, so couldn’t get an up to date weather report. Two other yachts left about 7 heading south, so we decided to chance it. Another day of 15 - 20 knot south easterly wind. Also we had about one to one and a half knot northerly current. Even with the motor going all day we had to tack and use the wind as much as possible to make any headway. Once we got around cape Clinton and turned south west we had the wind 60 degrees off our bow, so were able to make good time. The seas were up especially on our starboard tack which took us quite a way to seawards each time. What should have been a 45 mile, 9 hour trip turned out to be a 65 mile 13 hour trip and we didn’t get to Roslyn Bay until 20:00. The darkness wasn’t so bad this time as it was a straight run down to the harbour entrance and we were able to pick up the port and starboard lights from about 5 miles. It was a bit confusing going in though as there is a dog leg in the entrance, followed by a sharp right turn down to the marina. We had arranged a berth and were allocated red 35, unfortunately at night we couldn’t see the different coloured tops on the poles. I just pulled onto the first pontoon end that I saw was empty. Luckily there were 2 chaps there who were able to help us tie up as not only was there still a strong wind blowing which was trying to take us off of the pontoon, but we were also quite knackered.
A couple of glasses of wine, spaghetti and fried egg on toast for tea and we were ready for bed.
Monday 13th September
We arranged the courtesy car for 12:30 to go into Yeppoon to do our shopping. This service is fantastic and is the only marina that I know of that does it. We went over to the Coast Guard and spent an hour there. They were extremely hospitable and were very interested to learn as much as possible about how MRNSW is working in NSW. Got the weather forecast and the winds are tuning north easterly tomorrow for a few days.
Had a beer in the very small yacht club, and later went and had a meal at the restaurant attached to the marina. Very nice but quite pricy. Came home a bit tight after 2 bottles of wine.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Heading towards Mackay
Saturday, 4 September 2010
Departed S Molle resort this morning and had a very pleasant run down to Genesta Bay. It’s a lovely bay with long sandy beaches and appears to be very sheltered, though if we get a strong southerly it would be a bit rolly. At the moment north-east winds are forecast, but today we hardly had anything and motored all the way.
We enjoyed our stay at S Molle, the staff are excellent, they are all young girls from UK, Ireland and Canada on work visas and they went out of their way to be helpful. Same couldn’t be said for the resort itself. Very tired and in need of a lot of money spent on it. Plumbing was atrocious and rooms a bit archaic. It caters mainly for young back-packers and they will pout up with anything.
Yesterday was spent doing all the chores both domestic and on the boat.
We want to get down to Mackay before this very strong southerly change comes through, forecast here for Wednesday. It is causing havoc in the southern states; we hope it is not so strong when it goes through here.
Chez made the decision yesterday to stay on an extra 2 weeks. She now flies from Brisbane to Port on Saturday 25th September.
No phone or internet coverage here, probably have to wait til Mackay to post this.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Father’s Day today and Chez has looked after me, lovely breakfast and good weather, though not enough wind to sail. The water was like a mill pond all day.
We saw 2 sea snakes in Genesta Bay, swimming on the surface, but when they saw us they quickly dived down. Pale greenish/yellow with bands and about a meter long. Also a pod of dolphins came over to us to check us out. Last evening an army helicopter came over and spent about an hour doing practice landings and manoeuvres on the beach near us.
Departed S Molle resort this morning and had a very pleasant run down to Genesta Bay. It’s a lovely bay with long sandy beaches and appears to be very sheltered, though if we get a strong southerly it would be a bit rolly. At the moment north-east winds are forecast, but today we hardly had anything and motored all the way.
We enjoyed our stay at S Molle, the staff are excellent, they are all young girls from UK, Ireland and Canada on work visas and they went out of their way to be helpful. Same couldn’t be said for the resort itself. Very tired and in need of a lot of money spent on it. Plumbing was atrocious and rooms a bit archaic. It caters mainly for young back-packers and they will pout up with anything.
Yesterday was spent doing all the chores both domestic and on the boat.
We want to get down to Mackay before this very strong southerly change comes through, forecast here for Wednesday. It is causing havoc in the southern states; we hope it is not so strong when it goes through here.
Chez made the decision yesterday to stay on an extra 2 weeks. She now flies from Brisbane to Port on Saturday 25th September.
No phone or internet coverage here, probably have to wait til Mackay to post this.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Father’s Day today and Chez has looked after me, lovely breakfast and good weather, though not enough wind to sail. The water was like a mill pond all day.
We saw 2 sea snakes in Genesta Bay, swimming on the surface, but when they saw us they quickly dived down. Pale greenish/yellow with bands and about a meter long. Also a pod of dolphins came over to us to check us out. Last evening an army helicopter came over and spent about an hour doing practice landings and manoeuvres on the beach near us.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Another rewlaxing day
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Another relaxing day today, not quite as warm. We went for an 8 km walk to Sandy Beach and return. It wasn’t that sandy, mostly coral pieces along the beach.
Not really much to report, except that its very relaxing here and a good way to spend a holiday. Tomorrow is going to be our work day, last day here so have to get the washing done and go out and give the boat a clean and get it ready for sailing away on Saturday.
Another relaxing day today, not quite as warm. We went for an 8 km walk to Sandy Beach and return. It wasn’t that sandy, mostly coral pieces along the beach.
Not really much to report, except that its very relaxing here and a good way to spend a holiday. Tomorrow is going to be our work day, last day here so have to get the washing done and go out and give the boat a clean and get it ready for sailing away on Saturday.
Another rewlaxing day
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Another relaxing day today, not quite as warm. We went for an 8 km walk to Sandy Beach and return. It wasn’t that sandy, mostly coral pieces along the beach.
Not really much to report, except that its very relaxing here and a good way to spend a holiday. Tomorrow is going to be our work day, last day here so have to get the washing done and go out and give the boat a clean and get it ready for sailing away on Saturday.
Another relaxing day today, not quite as warm. We went for an 8 km walk to Sandy Beach and return. It wasn’t that sandy, mostly coral pieces along the beach.
Not really much to report, except that its very relaxing here and a good way to spend a holiday. Tomorrow is going to be our work day, last day here so have to get the washing done and go out and give the boat a clean and get it ready for sailing away on Saturday.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Woke up to blue skies and a light breeze, makes a change from the past week or so.
Had a lovely day. I went out to Paragon this morning and did an oil and filter change, then we went for a hike up to the top of Mount Jeffries, some wonderful views and I will put on a couple of photos I took. Had lunch and a beer up there before coming back to lounge around the pool and work on our Whitsunday tans.
Last night was a bit of a disappointment, because it is so quiet here the restaurant is closed and meals are served in the bar, but the food is very down market. They cater here, mostly, for backpackers, so the food is aimed at them – fast food style, but, at least, it is reasonably priced. Chez says she will take me to a proper restaurant when we reach Mackay.
The good news is that as we are enjoying it so much up here and sailing in general, Chez has almost agreed to staying on with me for an extra 2 weeks. That means she will sail back with me to Brisbane and fly home from there.
Woke up to blue skies and a light breeze, makes a change from the past week or so.
Had a lovely day. I went out to Paragon this morning and did an oil and filter change, then we went for a hike up to the top of Mount Jeffries, some wonderful views and I will put on a couple of photos I took. Had lunch and a beer up there before coming back to lounge around the pool and work on our Whitsunday tans.
Last night was a bit of a disappointment, because it is so quiet here the restaurant is closed and meals are served in the bar, but the food is very down market. They cater here, mostly, for backpackers, so the food is aimed at them – fast food style, but, at least, it is reasonably priced. Chez says she will take me to a proper restaurant when we reach Mackay.
The good news is that as we are enjoying it so much up here and sailing in general, Chez has almost agreed to staying on with me for an extra 2 weeks. That means she will sail back with me to Brisbane and fly home from there.
The photos are paragon at mooring in front of resort; Chez and I going out for dinner and a couple taken on Mt Jeffrries.
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