Nordhavn Opal Lady - Our Adventures

Back Home!

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Life has been very busy and I am behind again, still!!!!

But there have been lots of photos and pages, and trip statistics that I have added and still more to come.

Last weekend we enjoyed the company of other Nordhavn Owners and Dreamers at the 2nd Nordhavn Rendezvous as well as a visit from Dan Streech, PAE Owner/President, which was an absolute pleasure. To see the photos and some of the reports from the weekend go to:-
http://www.opallady.com/aspx/m/1201336
But for now . . . . .

Under the shelter of Barrenjoey Head we picked up a mooring, in preparation for our 42nm trip back home to Lake Macquarie the next day.

We left the quiet bay at 4am, just because we woke up then!! and decided to head off. In calm conditions and a few rain drops, we averaged 7.2knts and arrived back in the Swansea Channel at 10am. The low tide was 11.33am, so we picked up one of the public moorings and waited until our booked 3pm bridge and the incoming tide. Ocean Child a visiting yacht from Hobart followed us through.

What a wonderful surprise we had at 20 to 3, when a phone call from our favourite Lets Go crew, Dannielle, alerted us to her presence on the Swansea Bridge. She was waving a big Welcome Home sign, shaking sparkling pom poms and taking photos of us!!! Absolutely fantastic Welcome home, Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou!!!!!!

Sadly about 3 minutes before we went through the bridge, Danny was trying to juggle sign, pom poms and camera and the the sign fluttered down into the flowing currents beneath the bridge :(((((((

Poor Danny, as the sign sank!!

We slowly made our way up the channel, with Ocean Child close on our stern and our radios both on Ch 77, so we could report the depths to them. Amazingly we breezed it in with .9 at the lowest point. The sea floor of the channel is constantly changing as the sand moves.

Abeam of the Pelican Coastal Patrol base and the Pelican Marina our private cheer squad reappeared, waving pom poms to the amusement of the locals!!! Thanks Danny so much, you really made our return to the lake very special. xxxxxx

We had only a mile from the drop over to Lake Macquarie Yacht Club with Ocean Child close behind, then our private cheer squad reappeared this time with backup. Mum and Danny were there to take our lines with hugs!!!!

So it has been 12,790nm and 2 years and 5 weeks since we were last in the lake as well as an enormous amount of memories and experiences that we will hold dear for the rest of our lives!!

Start your own blog now! Free!

Strahan and Gordon River

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

King Island was in our wake and the waypoint to Three Hummock Island was 65nm away. At 4.45pm that afternoon our path crossed with the one that we had made on the 28/2/2009 at 12 midday. We let out a cheer and congratulations to Us!!!! Yippee!! This was the unofficial/official point that we mark as our Complete Circumnavigation of Australia. From here on we will be crossing our tracks!!!!

Friends, Dannielle and Alyn, Lets Go, had left Lake Macquarie on Boxing Day to come and help us celebrate and cruise Tasmania with us. They were on shore when we rounded the point with the caretakers of Three Hummock Island, Beverley and John and we were given a Hip Hip Hooray!!!! Also another yacht in the bay Bass Voyager, Michael and Caitlan extended their congratulations. Happy Hour was on Opal Lady and all came to celebrate with us. Danny and Beverley gave a speech and we accepted a beautiful certificate from Lets Go! We made our start and finish point Hobart as there would be more opportunity to celebrate! How wrong!!

With winds expected to increase tomorrow we had to do a circumnavigation of Three Hummocks just to stay safe. As the westerly was due early in the morning we shifted around to the east coast and anchored in East Telegraph Bay until the predicted SE came in that afternoon, we shifted early to avoid the 30-40 knt winds. Anchored in Shark Bay, just east of the North West Cape. Lets Go were near us but they apparently had broken sleep all night as they were watching the anchor. We sheltered here for 2 nights before heading south.

We timed the tide beautifully to enter Hunter Passage and via Bird Island passed The Doughboys and Cape Grim close enough to see the wind farms high on the cliff. We used the notes from the RYCT Anchorage Guide 2007. Excellent source of information.

We anchored in Ann Bay for the night, whilst Lets Go continued through the night to Strahan, arriving at 12.30pm. We entered Hells Gates at 6pm and anchored in Strahan at 7.50pm.

Strahan has all the services needed for small provisioning. It’s a lovely small fishing port that is really the tourist gateway to the Gordon River. Seaplanes take off and land right in the harbour and the large tourist catamarans depart daily for the trip to Sarah Island (where you can hear the stories of the convicts who logged the Huon Pine for shipbuilding), Hells Gates and up the Gordon River to view the magnificent World Heritage Area wilderness.

Strahan was also the 1980's base for one of the most significant environmental campaigns in history – the successful battle to save the Franklin River.

We had a crayfish dinner with Danny and Al and spent a few days re-provisioning and preparing for our trip up the Gordon River. Quite a few stories can be told of our antics in Strahan. Ask the boys about Bananas ??? Or Danny and I about our weather briefing????

On the Sunday we arrived inshore by 8am to depart by bus for Queenstown. There we boarded the West Coast Wilderness Railway for the 35k journey that follows the route once travelled by trains carrying copper from rich Queenstown mines to the port at Strahan. Travelling aboard original steam locomotives and coaches, we crossed high trestle bridges over river gorges thick with rainforest and stopped at restored original stations along the line. Knowledgeable local guides revealed the railway’s rich heritage throughout our journey. The faithfully reconstructed line features a unique Abt rack-and-pinion section on the 1:16 inclines and steep grades and is a testimony to the skill of pioneers who hand carved this railway from the wilderness over 100 years ago.

We enjoyed delicious refreshments aboard the train and with tickets for the Premier Carriage, indulged in fine cool-climate wines, fresh local pastries and Tasmanian cheeses accompanied by excellent cabin service. With only 8 people in first class that day we were certainly treated well, this is the second time we have done this trip First Class and it is highly recommended. Mind you we did have a few stares as we rolled off the train at Strahan and walked back around the bay with our bags in hand picking fresh blackberries on the way!! Alan was looking forward to fresh Blackberry Pies for dessert!

We purchased our National Park Pass before leaving Strahan and it was a 5 hour trip across Macquarie Harbour and up the Gordon River 5nm to Heritage Landing, timed perfectly to arrive when the tourists boats had left. We knew we would need to depart tomorrow before 10am. We tied to the landing first and Lets Go treated us like a big fender and rafted up. We enjoyed the walk through the rainforest along the boardwalks.

Next day, a further 13nm upstream we tied to the old timbers of Warners Landing. We stayed here for 3 nights, took the tinny up as far as we could go, passing through several sets of rapids all with lines dragging in the water. The Gordon River is well known for it’s reflections and it did not disappoint. Danny and Al followed in their tender and we had a beautiful picnic lunch at the junction of the Gordon and Franklin Rivers.

The fishing payed off and we caught several trout as well as a 5lb and 3lb one, Alan also caught a 9lb Atlantic Salmon, he was very happy.

The weather window to head south was opening up for the next weekend, so we reluctantly headed back down the river and anchored at St Ledgers Point. Early next morning we ventured off in the tinny to explore the forgotten settlement of East Pillinger. Here we looked around the remains of the old town and its equipment, including the remains of riveted steam boilers and the skeleton of some brick kilns that supplied not only Pillinger but also Strahan and Queenstown.

On our way back we enjoyed catching small Australian Salmon off the point!

Back to Opal Lady housekeeping and maintenance, since leaving the power lead connection on the wharf at Currie Hbr we have experienced a low battery alarm in the pilothouse at somewhere around 4am each morning, very annoying. I turned the genset on and it stopped! By using our Battery Tester we figured out the Electronics battery was dead! Before we left Strahan Alan bought a new one from the service station and installed it. Problem sorted!

King Island (situated in Bass Strait)

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The sun rose over the glassy seas as we had the leads of the harbour insight. We had been seeing bright lights along the North West Coast all night and realised very quickly they were the lights of the cray boats that worked out of Currie Harbour. We followed the 3 sets of leads into the tiny harbour past the rocks and through the numerous moorings to the wharf that was empty, except for one lone trawler.

Note: The 3 sets of leads to guide us through the dangerous rocks in the small harbour, not a harbour to enter except in calm weather, and definitely not one to anchor in!

One of the locals met us and suggested we move to the other side of the wharf and tie well in as the trawlers would be back soon! This was the best advice!

Above: The wharf in Currie Harbour taken from the lighthouse
Before midday they started arriving and the dock was soon full of cray boats, utes on the wharf, and the refrigerated small truck ready and waiting to take the crays. A small number of the fishing trawlers dived for Abalone and set their pots for King Crab.

A short explanation on the unloading of the Cray Boats!

The boats came in, some had been out only a few hours some had been out a few days, it all depends on where/how far away, they have set their pots. When they arrive at the wharf the wholesaler/buyer has their packers board the boats.

The cray boats' crew unload the crays from the boats holding tanks into tubs that are passed up on the deck to the packers. The packers then swiftly tuck the flapping crayfish into their tubs and secure a lid on top with a few cable ties.

As they are packing they are also quality control, inspecting the crayfish for broken or missing legs or holes in their shells being the most common problem caused by the menacing Octopus. These are then discarded to one side for the fisherman to eat as they are not a sale-able item!!One of the fisherman retold the story of his recent loss of 200kg of crays to Octopus in the last 2 weeks.

The crates are then passed up on the dock to the waiting Wholesaler with the refrigerated truck, doors open with a set of scales at the door. The cray boat owner and the wholesaler view and record the weight of each crate as the workers pass the loaded crates into the truck. Each crate weighs approximately 38 - 45kg! Each boat brings in between 700kg - 900kg each time they return!!! Each craypot has a quota of 105kg per season! Most boats have 50-60 pots! The wholesaler was paying the fisherman $70 per Kg when we were there, and they were retailing for $95 per kg.

Above: Alan holding a 4+ kg Cray. . . .No!! he had to be given back, but whilst we were there we enjoyed several legless Crayfish!
Above: Celebrating everything King Island!!
From the dock they are driven the short distance to the shed on the end of the wharf, it contains large ponds of ocean water with the temperature lowered considerably to restrict their movement. Here the crayfish are unloaded and they stay until the next plane is arranged to take them direct to Melbourne. They are then reloaded into the tubs and transported to the airport, flown to Melbourne, unpacked into more ponds until the auction/sale. They are mostly sold to overseas buyers!

We hired a car for 3 days to explore the island as there wasn’t any public transport. On our first day we dropped off the gas bottles to be filled at the local store, then proceeded south to Grassy where we enjoyed a beautiful lunch at the local club, visited the Kelp Craft store.

They drag the kelp that is washed up by the large seas and mold it into various novelties to sell to tourists. Another couple on the island use the kelp to make health potions/pills! We also visited the local Art Gallery where local artisans display their wares.

On our drive back to Currie we detoured to visit the Calcified Forest - These remains are up to 7000 years old and are all that remain of an ancient forest, revealed when the lime-laden sand, which had covered and preserved the stumps has been exposed over the years from the constant Roaring Forties storms from the Southern Ocean.

Above: Kelp on the western beaches.
Our 2nd day of touring kept us in the central lands of the Island, we had lunch at Berts Cafe at Naracoopa, a quant cafe. It is actually his home and runs the cafe on his front verandah. But the food was superb and the view looking East over the bay was awesome. Next stop I wanted to visit the Alpaca Farm and we were shown around the farm and offered tea before heading back to Currie for the tour of the lighthouse that overlooks Currie Harbour and Opal Lady berthed at the wharf. For dinner that evening we drove back to Naracoopa, and the enjoyed the view from the Nara Glen Restaurant. We made a short stop at a farm selling fresh garlic on the way. Dinner was 5*, view was priceless!

On our 3rd day we prepared ourselves with a picnic as we drove north to the King Island Dairy Co, sat and watched their DVD on history and production, and then had to drag Alan away from their tasting room, so many cheeses to taste. We filled our cooler/esky with a huge amount of cheese, cream and the most delicious yogurt.
Travelling further north we visited the Cape Wickam Light.

After reading the historic ration list, Alan was quite miffed that their Rum ration was more than his!!!

They had 1.2L each to consume a week! His current ration is a 700ml bottle when I provision!!

We weaved our way through the green pastures to Disappointment Bay (Above), boy they did it tough!! The supplies were unloaded here for the building of the Lighthouse and transported across the country side. The bay looks as if it lives up to it’s name!! They were disappointed when they realised how hard it was to make it across to the building site!
Our tummies began growling as we entered the National Park containing Penny’s Lagoon but as our luck would have, here the BBQ’s weren’t gas, every one that we had seen to date on the island had been a push button gas one. So, Plan B, enjoy some of the purchased King Island cheeses and the fresh bread that I had made that morning and our thermos of tea. We sat with our deck chairs on the banks of the beautiful Lagoon, Alan had his fly fishing rod and enjoyed having a flick around.

There comes a time in a cruisers life that you dread, a phone call from home to notify the passing of a loved one!!! Whilst we sat at the waters edge of the Penny's Lagoon, Mum rang, and seventeen days short of my Grandmothers 98th birthday she passed away, with my Mum by her side. She was truly blessed to have lived a full and healthy life without illness.

So with a lot a fast organising I flew out of King Island early the next day leaving Alan with Opal Lady at the wharf in Currie, King Island.

Above: If you look closely, you can just see Cape Wickham Lighthouse.

Above: More visions from the air, Photo of Port Phillip Heads, Victoria from the air!
I was away for a week during which time Wayne, one of the local cray fisherman and his wife, Marg, cooked meals for Alan and generally spoilt him with morning teas, lunches and dinners!! Thank you very much Wayne and Marg for looking after us!
On my return Wayne had lent Alan a car to pick me up from the airport, and, had invited us to their home that night for a final crayfish dinner as we planned on leaving early next morning.

The larder was full of local produce, Legless Crayfish, famous King Island Beef, Cheese, Cream, Yogurt, Honey and Garlic as we made our way out through what was probably the trickiest passage to date! One of the cray boats called on the VHF radio and told us to follow him through the myriad of rocks, no wonder this was so many shipwrecks on this part of the coast!

Above: The west coast shoreline, south of Currie!

The Twelve Apostles

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The harbour was dark and quiet as we motored out past the gas rig in Portland Bay and the 30nm toward Port Fairy.

It was indeed an ideal day for us to be traveling, nice and calm! As the day wore on, the seas became flatter and as we neared the entrance to Port Fairy we decided to continue, here we said farewell to Scarlett as they went into Port Fairy and from there, they were going to Melbourne at the northern end of Port Phillip Bay.

Port Campbell was the next anchorage but one that the locals all advised against! We could see why! When we arrived there, it was less than a mile to the shore through a narrow entrance with a swell running either side.

This was obviously a popular spot with the board riders!

The look on the faces of the surfers and fishos as we negotiated the entrance in, showed utter amazement to see a boat in there, we did a circle and went out!! This could only be attempted on such a calm day!
Decision made, we would continue along the shoreline where the magnificent natural rock formations of The Twelve Apostles were, then not wanting to waste a perfectly flat sea we continued overnight the 77nm to King Island.

The sun was low in the sky which made the photo opportunity too good to miss, we past only 300 m away from the formations for the 10nm stretch of coastline. The scenic flight planes were buzzing low over us, and we could see the tourists high up, at the lookouts. It was indeed a spectacular afternoon!!!

Some of the formations have fallen victim to the ferocious Southern Ocean, but their bases are still visible!
There are more photos of these magnificent limestone structures at
http://www.opallady.com/aspx/blob2/blobpage.aspx?msgid=1137126

We look forward to flying over The Twelve Apostles at some stage! It's on the list!!

Adelaide to Portland, Victoria

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Dear All,
Apologies for the delay in these posts, life has been very busy for a while!!!!
I am slowly catching up, so you can expect a few in the coming days. On the Home Page you will always find a few words that will give you an 'up to the minute' position for us.

Above: Troubridge Light
Our New Years Eve began extremely early at 4am as we pulled the anchor at Troubridge Island(on the western side of Gulf St Vincent) to make the 40nm passage ENE to Adelaide in absolutely perfect glassy conditions the entire way. What a way to end a magnificent year of cruising! 6639nm through some of the most awesome, remote regions of our country. We needed to be in Adelaide by midday as Alan’s son, Graham was flying in for a few days to visit and he had changed his flight and was arriving early.

We had booked a berth at the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia and found our berth and reversed into the berth, only wide enough for Opal Lady and a fender each side!! Snug and protected. Cousin Helen and daughter, Tamra arrived 1/2 an hour later and we enjoyed a quick lunch before heading off to the airport to pick Graham up.

Craig and Kerry invited us to go out and view the fireworks for the evening on board Scarlett with their newest crew member Anneliese, and Kerrys’ friends from QLD. See Scarletts’ blog at. http://web.me.com/craigandkerry/SCARLETT/Frankly_my_dear.../Entries/2011/12/28_Day_239_-_242_-_Hahndorf%2C_Adelaide_Beaches_and_NYE!.html. . . . . .

Beautiful display of fireworks, although by midnight our eyes were stinging from lack of sleep, and then it was another 3 & 1/2 hrs before we arrived back on Opal Lady to lay our heads on our pillows. I turned off all phones and we slept peacefully until 11am!

It took us several days to get over the lack of sleep, one of the few years that we have seen the New Year in!!

It was great to catch up with some of my family while we were here!

As with any visit to shore, Opal Lady had to have a complete washdown to get the layers of salt off.

Helen took me to visit the supermarket for supplies that would take us through to Hobart in March, whilst Alan had the maintenance and oil changes on the motors, genset and watermaker to complete, whilst keeping an eye on the Australian Cricket Team as they played and won the test match.

Our carpet was in desperate need of cleaning, I rang the local Electrodry franchise and Luke came and picked it up and returned it the following day. Excellent Service!! We normally have this done every 3-4months, when we reach the larger cities. It is a special rubber backed carpet with bound edges, so it can be removed easily.

I had been watching the weather closely as I do at all times, and the Low pressure system was moving east faster than first predicted. So our departure scheduled for Saturday had to be brought forward to Friday. So with an out going tide, variable winds, or lack of, all in our favour we motored out of our pen 1/2 hour after our carpet returned at 3pm. We had groceries to still pack away and the carpet was dumped into the saloon, but with calm seas we were able to do this after we were safely out of the harbour. It was a great run south, with the setting sun highlighting the hills behind the city. Darkness happens late in SA, between 9pm and 9.30pm which gave us longer daylight hours to travel in, and the sun also rises early at 5am. So after getting the latest weather at 6pm we decided to continue through the night to arrive at Cape Jaffa at approx 1700 hrs (5pm) Saturday. Adelaide to Cape Jaffa is 155nm.

Rounding Cape Jervis we encountered a 2 knt tidal current against us. This lasted for 10nm as we navigated through Backstairs Passage, between the mainland and Kangaroo Island. It wasn’t long before we entered Encounter Bay. The Murray River enters the sea here. We were able to resume our 7 knot pace which we maintained throughout the night. The lightening flashed in the sky to our west. Alan witnessed a huge pod of dolphins playing beside us, they lit up the sea like the New Years fireworks as they moved through the water with Phosphorescence, surrounding them.

We arrived at Cape Jaffa as predicted, with the rain coming down, and made our way through the channel to be met by Lindsay the Harbour controller, he assisted us tying up, as well as extending an invitation to join the town at a local vineyard for Sunday @ The Station. http://www.capejaffaanchorage.com.au/

Above: The scary path on the chartplotter screen!!

Around midnight we guided Scarlett into their berth beside us, informed them of tomorrows plans and quickly jumped into bed, it had now been 36hrs since we had been to bed!

As predicted the wind blew up during the night, 40+ knts, and continued to blow for 4 days. As promised, Lindsay arrived the next morning to take us all to Wangolina Station for a day of wine tasting, music and meeting new friends. Once there, the boys lent a hand to the station owner as the winds were causing havoc with the marque. They decided to hold it down by using a tractor and car as stakes to tie the ropes to.

Above: Kerry and Craig at Wangolina Station

The day progressed with wine, music food and more wine, as we weren't driving we could sample plenty!!!! Mellow and content from the wine and the cray baguettes we arrived back on Opal Lady with a few new friends to enjoy a cuppa and chat.

We were very grateful for a lend of a vehicle that would transport all 7 of us around the neighboring towns of Kingston and Robe.

The following day we all went for a mystery drive to Kingston. Alan played “Bus Driver”, we visited the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse that had been dismantled and repositioned at Kingston, although rumour has it that Cape Jaffa is now trying to claim it back!!!!

Following our walk up the stairs to the top of the lighthouse with our guides, some very informative ladies keeping the history alive, we went in search of the Big Crayfish, another one of Australia’s BIG icons. Unfortunately the cafe there was closed and so was any other cafe in town, so we visited the supermarket for a few supplies then returned to the boats.

The weather was still very heavy and didn’t look like easing so Scarlett’s newest crew member, Annelise, decided to leave as she had work commitments back home. We all went for a visit to Robe an hours drive south where we farewelled Annelise and then explored the township and enjoyed a great lunch.

Above: Robe Customs House

Above: Entry to Robe Harbour

Above: Obelisk at Robe

Eventually the forecast improved so we refuelled in the Cape Jaffa harbour and prepared to leave the following morning as the cray boats headed out. We followed in their wake well before dawn. It was a pleasant days travel, 90nm, we arrived at Port MacDonnell just as the sun was setting. Port MacDonnell has a large breakwall and behind has extensive moorings full of cray boats in not a lot of water. Struggling to find a space to anchor, we had a visit from some friendly locals who directed us to one of their moorings for the night. Much appreciated!!! When Scarlett appeared an hour or so later they were also given a mooring. The local boys were very happy with the few beers that we gave them. We had a peaceful nights sleep and left with the cray boats again in the wee small hours.

Above: Cape Jaffa Harbour/Marina

Scarletts passage out wasn’t quite as easy as they got tangled up in a cray pot and unfortunately had to cut the rope to free themselves, and No there wasn’t any crays in the pot!!! We just love our Spurs Line Cutter on our prop shaft!

The next day we continued to dodge cray pots until the border, it was here that they all stopped! It was a very pleasant trip around the headland past the large industry and into Portland. Friends, Richard with his children and Barry with his son, drove to the lookout and took photos, little did they know that they were tracking the same people!!!

Above: Anchored in Portland Harbour

We arrived into the safety of the harbour for the weekend. Portland is a commercial shipping port and one of the main ports for the oil and gas rig supply vessels. It was also the weekend for their main fishing competition, so the harbour was very busy. We had contacted the Harbour and Port control in regards berthing arrangements but were only directed to a few very large RED concrete mooring buoy!!! All too hard and large, we could see it causing more damage than it was worth, so we anchored within the harbour. Scarlett arrived shortly after and they also decided not to add red striping and bumps to their hulls.

Shortly after we anchored, Richard arrived with his tinny for us to use for the weekend. The weather had turned freezing cold, so while Alan and Barry reminisced the last 20+ years since they had worked together, over a few cold ones at Barry’s local watering hole, I set off in search of some warmer clothing at the nearby shops.

Later in the afternoon Richard and Rose bought their 4 children afternoon tea on board Opal Lady. We greatly appreciated the lend of their car to do our provisioning and also the great meal that Richard cooked for us Sunday night. Thankyou!!

Above: After hearing of Alan's run in with the local Water Police, Craig armed himself with all the safety equipment, so he wasn't their next target!!!

With such a busy weekend, we had not seen a lot of Scarlett but we did arrange our departure for early Monday morning.

Above: The Gas Well in the middle of Portland Harbour, that we past at 6am!

Coffin Bay to New Years Eve, Adelaide

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Because the seas were so flat and calm it allowed us a more restful sleep in a 2 hour watch pattern. As the sun rose we were nearing the mouth of the Coffin Bay, and Scarlett was close behind,

as they had been motoring all night! It was difficult to find the way into the bay as there were confusing navigation marks. I weaved our way back and forward across the mouth of the bay until I finally saw a charter fishing vessel coming out. I turned on the radar to identify his path as it overlays the chart. Then I headed in with Scarlett hot on our tail.

Once we were in and following the inner leads, it was easy to navigate the bay, zigzagging back and forth through the oyster leases with the oyster boats whizzing straight down the bay, knowing exactly where they were going! We finally made it to the Coffin Bay Public Jetty where another Seawind owner, Kerryn was eagerly waiting for us to arrive. After morning tea on Scarlett we headed to the anchorage suggested by a local fisherman and had a sleep.

After a quiet night, the wind and tide changed the next morning and with it came several problems, 1) we found ourselves running out of water underneath us and 2) the generator started to cough and splutter and the temperature rose, and the Genset shut itself down.

Just in the nick of time we pulled up the anchor and moved further south in the bay but the generator was still not happy. Alan went to investigate further and looked into the intake where he found the strainer to be full of tiny jellyfish and weed. Once cleared everything was back working but alas only for 15mins before it went off again. Same problem, and back to the stainer for another clean out. Again only 15mins later, same story, this went on for a few hours, before I answered an email from local, Les who had read the website address on our stern and said that he was watching us from he verandah, and asked how we liked their bay!! I relayed the events of the day and informed him that we were going to have to leave as the problem was not improving and Alan wasn’t happy sitting in the engine room all day!! Can’t see why not!!! Anyway Les told us he was the person in charge of the fuel wharf and advised us to come in and tie to the jetty where we could plug into power! Problem solved and this gave us a chance to meet with other locals.

During that all happening, I made the Christmas Puddings!

We enjoyed oysters for Happy Hour on board Scarlett and came back with 2 boys, Stephen and Lachlan and dog, Rhett, so they could have some play time on shore!!

Below: At Coffin Bay Wharf

Scarlett leaving Coffin Bay!

With Christmas fast approaching we all wanted to be ‘in town’ beforehand, so we pushed on and stopped at D’Anville Bay on the Eyre Peninsular.

This ocean anchorage had several cray boats anchored whilst they wait for the crays to get caught, but it also had a 3m swell coming in. This was another time that we were thankful for our flopper stoppers!! Scarlett arrived a few hours later and radioed asking for a lend of one!! In the rise and fall of the swell their cabin would disappear completely. There is another story there about 'something about me hooking the ocean floor' but I will leave that for Alan to tell over a beer!!! Too Funny!

D'Anville Bay at sunset. one of the Crayboats and the wind farm!

Early, early next morning we left after doing a complete circle of Scarlet to wake them and then rounded Cape Gurnot and Cape Catastrophe before entering Thorny Passage. From here we motored north to round Cape Colbert before tucking in and anchoring in Colbert Bay so we could get the tinny up before we arrived at the marina in Port Lincoln. It was a beautiful sunny day and the bay was protected, National Park boarded the bay and the waters were crystal clear. We enjoyed a few hours fishing, washing and enjoying the sunshine before we pulled anchor for the 5nm trip across the bay.

We berthed in an extremely tight spot alongside Scarlett and awaited their return from the shops. I joined Craig and Kerry for a taxi ride to town the following day, Christmas Eve to gather supplies.

Festive dinner, Christmas Lights, carols and a cruise on board Scarlett to wander up the festooned canals, trying to dodge a lot of smaller boats in a very narrow space in the dark filled in until it was time to go to bed and await Santas’ arrival!

Port Lincoln Marina

Craig and Kerrry cooked pancakes for Christmas Day breakfast before we all caught a taxi into town to enjoy Christmas Lunch at the Port Lincoln Hotel. Stuffed full and tired we had an early night.

On Boxing Day we untied the docklines for Scarlett as they were leaving to make a quick passage to Adelaide as they were expecting the arrival of another new crew member. We stayed behind as we had to wait for the O Ring for the Transmission cooler to arrive by courier. A $5 part with a $30 courier fee!! It was supposed to be overnight delivery, ordered on the 22nd Dec,arrived the 28th!! You can see how fast a week gets chewed up!! Thanks to a close network of Nordhavn owners, we had full instructions at hand and Alan replaced it quite easily. If this part completely failed the transmission oil would have gone into the coolant and this would have been a very major job! I think it was a stitch in time Job!! He was determined not to move again until it was replaced!

Whilst be waited we met nearby boat owners Breck and Robbie (also Nordhavn Dreamers) who were visiting from Adelaide. They invited us for Happy Hour and we joined them for dinner at the pub on the marina front, very enjoyable.

Next morning we followed the local fishing fleet out of the port in darkness and turned SE for Wedge Island, only 40nm. It was less than desirable seas so we were very happy to stop, have a fish and continue the next day!

With 70nm to go until a respectable anchorage at Troubridge Island, 36nm south west of Adelaide, we left early but this time had to wait until first light so we could take a short cut inside the off lying islands. We arrived at Troubridge Island and sought anchorage near the other yachts west of the island in calm water.

New Years Eve was here! Boy where has that year gone! We started reflecting how far we have come?? Where were we this time last year?? Scary!

The waters of the Gulf of St. Vincent were glassy the entire way across. We had now entered the Port Adelaide shipping area and kept a close eye on the shipping lanes as we crossed.

We followed the leads into Adelaide and found our berth at the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia where we were met by my cousin Helen and her daughter, Tamra.

South Australia- Ceduna to Coffin Bay

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Merry Belated Christmas and Happy New Year to all! Due to our very busy social schedule I have not had the time to update the blog BUT I will be getting there this week!! Check out the front page and it will have a shortened up to date report!

During the night at St Francis Island, the wind turned to the NE and made the bay very lumpy and sleep was not easy!

The 30nm to Cedunna was pleasant although the southerly wind had increased throughout the trip to 30knts, but no seas as we had protection from the numerous islands.! We tied alongside the Town Jetty with Scarlett rafted to us. It was to be a very quick garbage run and shop as the safety of the boats tied to the wharf was questionable. In Craig words “if it wasn’t for rust the jetty wouldn’t be there!!!” They have recently reinforced the raft up section with a few new timbers, but still. . .

Alan and Craig stayed with the boats as Kerri and I raced around the supermarket, then back to the jetty. We formed a human chain to get the groceries down from the high jetty and across the boats. Quickly we motored across the bay to beneath Thevenard Point and anchored in 3m of water, side by side to shelter from the strong winds.

Cedunna is known for it’s beautiful fresh oysters grown in crystal clear waters.There are also fish farms down this stretch of the coast, mostly oysters, but also Tuna, scallops and of course, loads of Cray fisherman!

Scarlett said farewell to their crew member Jo, and then made their way to the nearby Thevenard Wharf to fuel up. Here they met some locals that offered help with the shore based jobs of provisioning and getting their washing done. Whilst we were getting the tinny off the boat deck, Alan kicked his leg on the bracket and deeply punctured it. After applying pressure and placing a bandaid in position, I had him laying horizontal until the colour returned to his face. Meanwhile the phone was ringing, it was Craig to see where we had got to, as we were to meet him at the jetty. Story told and ‘She’ll be right, Alan’ got in the tinny for the mile trip to the jetty where Craig, asked all the relevant questions, as doctors do!! He then assessed that it would be fine without a stitch but he would dress it later in the day!
For the photos see http://web.me.com/craigandkerry/SCARLETT/Frankly_my_dear.../Entries/2011/12/14_Day_222_-_Thevenard_Wharf_at_Ceduna_and_Questions_Answered.html

Marty drove Craig and ourselves around the town, helping us fill our wish lists. We needed a piece of hose and some washers (to try and fix the troublesome water pump. . .still!!) at the Hardware store, which was a few k’s from the town centre, and we also wanted some of the renowned oysters of this area. Peter, from the Local VMR suggested that we also come around to Thevenard Wharf to stay overnight. Thanks Peter and Marty for your hospitality!

At 6am the next morning the guys on the tugs tooted their horn as they passed us to signal that they were heading out to bring a ship in and this meant we had to be gone! Alan and I were already on deck with the lines free and ready to depart, Scarlett were a little slower.

The trip through the sand banks and south to Streaky Bay was pleasant and perfectly calm for the 60nm, we put the anchor down in front of the town wharf at 5pm, with Scarlett dropping theirs an hour later.

The Streaky Bay Foreshore Park

It rained the next morning and we took advantage of the overcast morning and slept in. A trip to the shops again for a few last minute things, a gas bottle to fill and a look at the replica of the Great White Shark caught by rod and reel in 1990 weighing 1,500kg and 5m long, this massive shark was a world record catch and was caught on 24kg line! A replica is now mounted in the local Service Centre.

As well as a thriving fish industry, they also mine Monumental Granite from here, that has been used in Adelaide and Canberra Parliament houses'.

I visited the local butcher and bought a bag bigger than I could carry, but with old fashioned country service Wayne offered to carry it to my car, short explanation later and he said he was coming down to the Streaky Bay Hotel after work for a drink and would deliver it to the boat. Alan went and picked him up for the 1 stubby trip out. We followed him back to the pub for the raffles, a drink and dinner, I even won a monster chook!!

With an ideal weather window we left the following morning for Venus Bay- Port Kenny. The scenery on the way was magnificent with high deep orange cliffs of granite, there were storms to seaward of us that menaced Whyalla later that day with large hail damaging winds and rain. But other than a five minute burst of 30-40knts, we missed it all!

The entrance to the port is well marked with leads high on the cliffs ahead, turning to port once in the wharf is to starboard with the fishing fleet trawlers tied alongside. We anchored at 4.30 just north of the wharf. Scarlett followed a way back but they had caught a nice tuna on the way, so we went over at happy hour so Alan could give them a filleting lesson and the boys a crab pot setting lesson to use up the tuna bits and pieces. Sadly they only caught small sand crabs.

Next day we had a visit from Ross from the Caravan Park on the waterfront near us! He was only telling his mate the day before about Nordhavns, and then we moored in the bay the following day. He chatted for a while and we gave him a few DVDs to watch and invited him back for a cuppa, but he was unable to get someone to look after the park.

The monster chook was prepared with lots of roast veges for a pre trip dinner with Scarlett. Dinner was all over and by 6pm the anchors were up and in perfect conditions (for us!!) we went overnight to Coffin Bay.

The Great Australian Bight

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We left the beautiful Arid Bay, Scarlett was still sleeping. We plan our passages to leave in the early hours before the wind gets up! In most cases this happens.

Above: Anchored at Arid Bay

The many islands and bays of the archepeligo of the Recherche are well worth exploring!
After yesterdays’ large seas, we decided to stay well offshore and it has paid off! The swells are large 3-4m with the occasional one higher. The nose comes up and over the swells, but when the nose dips down the swell, the height of the swell in front is at least a metre above the height of the bow rail. It is definitely a ‘sit down’ day! Breakfast was ½ an apple and ½ a banana each.

Yesterday we stayed only a few miles offshore and the swells were short and sharp, but today they are further apart and more even. Winds are still NE 20-25knts with gusts to 33.

It is a 30nm trip today, to the last safe anchorage before we cross the bight, it will be 24/7 from there!

We put everything on the floor this morning as it was going to land there anyway! At 8am we had 17nm to go!

We found Daw Island, in the Eastern Group to be a very protected anchorage, with the 30-35knt E – NE winds blowing. In the neck of the bay there was a little beach, home to several seals and sea lions, all basking on the rocks and sand.

The winds and swell had eased throughout the following day and by 3pm they were 15-20 knts. I had spent the morning cooking a few meals for the trip, and had just started to cook some Gingerbread Cookies when Alan called ‘up anchor, let’s go!’

We left and the seas to the east of Daw Island were steep and short as they came up over the shallows. We continued on once clear they flatten out UNTIL the afternoon turned into night and the winds increased and the seas continued to rise. We took a few greenies over the bow and on one of my visits to the ladies, I noticed a wet floor in the forward stateroom and bathroom, on further inspection I found that the water was coming through both the forward hatches. These being well above my head, Alan had to try and adjust them to prevent more from coming in! Before leaving Mandurah we had fitted new canvas hatch covers and they were not fitting the same as the old ones and were coming between the seal allowing for water ingress. We have a policy of not going on deck in seas or darkness and we had both!! So I made the call at 8.18pm to return to Daw Island to solve the problem as there was an awful lot of night and nautical miles to go!

Getting back through the shallows to the east of Daw Island was hair raising to say the least. Similar to crossing the worst bar, that lasted for 10nm. We rode the waves using the throttle to stay on top of the waves. By midnight we were safely anchored in the same position we had left 9 hrs and 50nm before. Scarlett was now anchored in the bay, having arrived there at 6pm from Keyhole Bay, Middle Island.

Above: Scarlett anchored at Daw Island

7^th Wednesday

We slept past our scheduled phone call to Dad for our weather update, eventually I rang and he gave us the sad news that the high in the bight has remained stationary and the high winds were going to continue over Wednesday and Thursday. The first probable day of departure would be Friday. I crawled back into bed and we slept for a few hours more.

The rest of the day we cleaned up the aftermath from yesterday, washed carpet, towels and the rest of the washing, cleaned up where the salt had touched and enjoyed a well earned drink. I also had a baking day and finished off the Gingerbread that I had started, then baked some of Mary’s’ Lemon Cookies, Chocky Rock Biscuits and Double Chocolate biscuits, these would all be useful for the passage!

8^th Thursday

Another cleanup day, the rest of the windows had an application of Rainex, highly recommended. Next we embarked on another one of those 5min jobs that manage to last a few hours!! Alan decided to put the second anchor back in the anchor locker; we may as well clean the locker out before that! So the anchor locker was completely emptied, scrubbed, de seaweeded, mud and shell removed, and given a pressure wash before returning all chain, rope, 6 Jerry Cans, a reel of Occy Cord and 2 extension handles back into their positions. Alan can actually get in there with room to spare, it’s that large!

We finished our day with a Roast Lamb dinner and fruit salad. I served up four plates, which will enable us to just heat up our plates the following night!

9^th Friday

Dad reported that conditions were going to be much better for the crossing today.

SSE 10-15knts Seas 1 m Swell 1.5 -2.5m

Saturday SSE 10-15 Seas 1m Swell 2-3m

Sunday Variable winds 5-10knts tending SE/SW 8-13 knts in the pm.

Monday (SA) Partly Cloudy 15-25 klm SSE.

Our arranged departure time with Scarlett was 7am, normally we would have been gone at 4am but we had a leisurely morning, watched ‘Sunrise’ (via VAST Satellite) with our cup of tea in bed and then got up and had a breakfast of mushrooms and eggs. Quite civilized!

Above: Scarlett in between the swells

I set the waypoint in at St Francis Island 15nm west of Cedunna, 467nm.

2 hours east and the seas are much calmer and the swells had flattened out. 456nm to go! Scarlett 1.3nm west of us!

11am Scarlett 3.9nm west of us! Morning tea

1.30pm Scarlett were now 6nm behind us, I called them to see if all was good?? Sailing boats get a burst of wind and eccelerate but when the wind dies, they stop and have to turn the 'iron sail' on!!

Just after 7pm I called again on the radio and they reported to be 4nm west of us at 7.8knts.

Their AIS was not transmitting when they were greater than 4nm away from us.

The galley is ideal to prepare food whilst at sea, the curved timber stack provides a resting place to prop yourself against the movement of the boat, and still enable you to reach the bench, sink etc. A Toasted tomato and cheese sandwich Alan requested for dinner.

Tonight the moon was shining brightly, looking north out of the port pilothouse windows I could see the shearwaters still flying effortlessly across the top of the water in the moonlight, just managing to fly above the water with their wingtips so close to the water’s surface, yet not flapping their wings.

Above: The Southern Ocean at sunrise.

The 10^th and the 11^th went by with calm conditions continuing. Although great for us, Scarlett was struggling to maintain a constant speed. Slow and steady wins the race or the story of the Tortoise and the Hare comes to mind. Early hours of this morning we passed the 129* longitude and we are officially into SA, and with some pressure from Alan I succumbed and changed all the instruments to OTC + 10.30. I had a chat with Craig, as we had scheds at 7am and 7pm. Originally I said we wouldn’t change time until we had arrived, but he also had discussions with his crew and they changed also!

The stand out event for our entire crossing would be witnessing the lunar eclipse, http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-619-0-0-1-0.html It was still in progress when I got out of bed, several hours later. Alan had tried to take photos but the boat was moving a little too much! Awesome event!

The moonlight illuminated our way across the Bight and made the night passage much more enjoyable when it’s not sheer blackness!

Have a read of Scarlett’s blog from the trip!

http://web.me.com/craigandkerry/SCARLETT/Frankly_my_dear.../Entries/2011/12/9_Day_217_-215_-_Out_to_Daw_Island_-_Eastern_Group_2.html

Above: Mother and baby dolphins joined us for a play in the middle of the Bight!

We arrived at St Francis Island on the 12^th at 11am after 3days and 1hour at sea in perfect weather. Scarlett arrived 1.5 hrs later to tie alongside and enjoy celebratory drinks on board Opal Lady. Kerry baked some Sun dried Tomato and Olive scones, very yummy!

The party concluded at 5pm and then Alan and I hit the sack for some well earned sleep.

Above: Alan prepared to welcome Scarlett after the crossing, at St Francis Island.

Road Tripping! A different view. . .

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Whilst Opal Lady enjoyed our berth at the Hillarys Yacht Club, we offered to tour with friend and singer Graeme Connors and his fellow artist Melinda Schneider, on their Heartland Tour of the southern region of Western Australia.

Alan drove the mini bus. Also on board was Graeme's wife, Lyn and Gary, Chris and Dave as support. It was a 2500klm trip from Perth to Bunbury, Merredin, Kalgoorlie, Esperance, and Albany.

We thoroughly enjoyed the break and the concerts every night, the beautiful scenery, an array of wildflowers, the historic buildings in the outback towns.

Once back on water we left Hillarys early one morning to be in Fremantle to take Opal Lady out of the water for a quick bottom scrub, annode check and adjustment before going back in. It was a frantic few hours with no help from the weather gods as it rained the entire time. Wet and dirty, once back in the water we waited for Steve and Yvonne to join us for our 35nm trip to Mandurah over the weekend. It was only a short 9nm trip to anchor at Sulphur Bay, Garden Island. We enjoyed dinner and a few relaxing cold ones!!!

Next morning the wind picked up from the North and this made our intended anchorage open the the wind and swells, so we decided to head straight to Mandurah and the sheltered anchorage for the night. We were met at Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club by the officals all done up to the nines, we have arrived on their Open Day!!

We readied Opal Lady to spend a week or so alone at the marina as we again headed off for another road trip!! Mandurah is an hour by car from Perth and we caught a cab back to the airport for the red eye flight to Cairns, here we picked up Steve's small Isuzu truck that he needed back at his work in Perth.

We arrived in Cairns at 5am and were met by the vehicle storage people, then quickly made our way to Yorkeys Knob Marina and onto Steve and Yvonnes Beneteau 57 Yacht, Pure and straight into bed to catch up on some sleep!

We caught up with friends, Don and Carole and Guy(Louisiade Rally Organiser) for lunch at the club and then enjoyed some of Guys Louisiade Crayfish on board Dons' yacht for dinner. Alan spent the afternoon packing the truck tray with old chain and a few 44 gallon drums full of water to weigh the tray down and give us a better ride.

Early next morning we drove through the tropical rain out of Cairns and down the highway south. We stopped at Cardwell for a cuppa, this was the town devastated by cyclone Yasi ealier this year.

All my photos of this trip were taken at 100 kph, so please excuse the lack of clarity, there was no stopping Alan this trip, to take photos!!!

Our first night was spent at Proserpine, then onto Mackay the next day for lunch with Graeme and Lyn and then a long drive west through outback Queensland towns until we could find some accomodation. This area is full of mines which fill every available bed in the towns. Finally at 9pm we manged to find a bed in Emerald, after looking for the last few hours.

We saw a lot of wildlife along the roadside, goats, kangaroos, emus, cows, sheep, eagles, Plus hundreds of black crows that hung close to the road feeding on road kill.

TBC.... For more photos of the trips go to the Nov'11 Blog Page.

BUT for now we have been at Cape Arid waiting for a weather window to cross 470nm across the Great Australia Bight. Our days have been spent with 20-30 knt Easterlies blowing over the deck, whilst we were trouble shooting a house water problem!!! Many hours, a new pump, filter etc later but only minor joy!! So it will still be on the list when we reach Cedunna in 4 days time. We have had the company of Scarlett, Seawind 1160, with Craig, Kerry, Steven, Lachlan and Jo aboard. Last night we all went ashore for a fire and enjoyed sausages, potatoes and marshmallows(freshly made!!) roasted on hot coals.
This morning at 5am we have left Arid Bay for Daw Island , Easter Group. Tomorrow we hope to be taking off!!!!
Cheers Karen

Hillarys Yacht Club

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We have arrived at Hillarys Boat Harbour, just north of Perth and we are tied to the marina preparing to wash and polish the salt from the decks. Our last marina visit was May this year when we left Cairns! So it will be great to use marina water to wash instead of our home made water!
The couple of weeks at the Abrolhus Islands was beautiful, the wildlife throughout the Abrolhus Islands was magnificent.

Above: There are over 100 islands that contain the temporary homes for the Crayfisherman and their families in the cray season, they even have a school out there!!

On Morley Island, the middle group, we found this sea lion basking in the sun getting warm, as we got closer he was very disinterested in us!

She yawned. . .

She sat up and had a stretch . . . .

Then it was back to sunning herself .. . . But she still had one eye on me!!!

As I got closer, she just lifted her head! (Now only .5m away!)

We also found some of the largest Cuttlefish we have ever seen. . .here it's next to Alans' size 11 foot!

There were only these bright purple shells on the beach, Morley is one of the uninhabited islands.

Baby birds that were unhappy with our arrival on the beach!

Many birds were out catching their dinner in the clear waters surrounding the islands.

Above: the weight was nearly on his shoulder!!

We moved to the most southern group and on our final day of fishing, we ventured out to a reef 3.5nm east.

On the way we were boarded by Fisheries in 2+m swells!!!! They wanted us to stop and they would just jump from their bow to ours!!! I don't think so!! When we stop the stabilizers STOP working!! So that meant that they would be rolling and so would we have been!! Alan went to pick them up in the tinny, even though they just wanted to jump still! We were all good, except they informed me that after the 15th Oct until the end of December we were not allowed to have any fin fish on board! So we will have to eat it all!!
We enjoyed 3 different anchorages before leaving for the 200nm trip into Hillarys. Some of the trip was dead calm and some of it we had 6m swells, makes the passage an interesting one! We arrived into the boat harbour 33hrs later.

Hillarys Light on the entrance to the harbour at Sunset.

Enjoying the Reef!

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We are still at Wann Islet, Abrolhus Is enjoying a well earned break after travelling pretty full on since we left King George River, 1717 nautical miles ago on the 13th August.

The whales have provided some entertainment early one morning, on the outside of the reef near us. Alan went upstairs early to make a cuppa and then came running back with the camera in hand. He thought he would get a bettter photo out of the porthole above our bed.

Note the reef between the whale and us!

Amazing creatures!

The Abrolhus Islands are well known amongst fisherman for being fishing mecca!!

Our second day of fishing was more productive than the first. A WA Dhufish 64cm 5kg, 3 more Bald Chin Groper, a Coral Trout, Treveley and a Mack Tuna. Not all were kept as there is a daily bag limit to adhere to. We also lost twice as many. But it was all fun in only a few hours.

Alan's first W.A Dhufish

My Bald Chin Groper!

Above: The weigh in, with the international measuring stick!!!

We have been fishing when the weather has allowed us to and the weather out here has been from one end of the spectrum to another.

Above: Looking East, Below: Looking South. . . . .Not nice in any direction!

1/2 hr later the Rainbow appeared!

Since yesterday it has been blowing SW 30-40knts, 2' wind waves but still no swell inside our protected reef, with showers pelting down at times. There is very little tidal difference here, so the reef height remains the same! I have noticed the drop in air temperature since we arrived here. Now it is only 15-20 degrees and I have found the need to pull out some warmer clothing and Socks!!! We haven't experienced these temperatures for 18 months!

I'm sure the 95m of chain that we have out is well and truly laid out straight by now! The up side of the wind, the elephant sized birds have stopped visiting and depositing equally sized deposits all over the deck!!!!

Once the seas abate we will move south to the Easter Group 15nm south.

Coral Bay to the Abrolhus Islands

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Yardie Creek to Mauds Landing - After a good days travel (50nm) we arrived into Coral Bay behind the enormous reef and searched for a spot to anchor out of the swell in the southern end of the bay, finally we put the anchor down, flopper stoppers out and then settled down, had a drink and waited for the most recent forecast(via internet) and as our luck would have it, it was going to blow Thursday so we made the call to up anchor and go through the night 120nm to Carnarvon, and a peaceful nights sleep.

In the early hours of the morning we passed close to Point Cuvier to look at the huge salt loading facility, we could see their lights from 10nm back. The salt is brought by train from the nearby saltpan and loaded via a huge wharf onto ships for export.

Another 16nm south the Blow Holes in front of the lighthouse at Beagle Hill made a spectacular sight. This was also our turning point to head SE into Carnarvon. The seas had flattened out and were very glassy calm!! Highly unusual!!

The channel markers into Carnarvon Boat Harbour started a few miles out. As we passed through the channel and into the Fishing Boat Harbour we passed a large fleet of fishing and prawn trawlers from Nor West Seafoods and proceeded to the Baileys Fuel Wharf.

We tied to the wharf and quickly became the centre of attention with cars pulling up, several asking questions. One local couple were intrigued and we starting getting the info on the local shopping when they offered to take me there, to which I quickly accepted. Once at Woolies I provisioned up again for the next 4 weeks while we make the passage down through the Abrolhus Islands and then onto Fremantle. Both our lovely locals and the Taxi Driver that delivered me back, thought it would be good to take me around the water so I could enjoy a water view!! As if we need to see more water!!

Alan washed and cleaned the numerous tons of salt and red dust off the boat, as well as answering the curious locals’ questions.

We fueled up with 2100.61 L of Diesel, a very easy self serve process.

DO NOT think about going there for any longer than 5 minutes or they will slug you with a bill that is larger than the most luxurious marina in the country would charge!!! AND do not supply any services!!!! No power, facilities, not even somewhere that you could stay uninterrupted!! We had to move through the night for others wanting fuel!!!

In the wee small hours we left Carnarvon for Herald Bight, north of Monkey Mia.

The whales put on more displays, the bay was very choppy with a SW & SE swell and easterly wind wave. The bay was calm as!! The SW wind came in at 4.30pm. 25-30knts.

We left Herald Bight early for the passage that took us close to North Peron Point to avoid the sand shoals as the SE’ er was blowing the waves were rolling up our stern until we turned the corner. Then in flat calm water we had a beautiful days travel, nice calm seas. We lost the whales company today, and met a ship departing the Denham Channel and then we headed down the South Passage where we anchored in Shelter Bay in 6.5m water and put out one flopper stopper. Later that evening it blew up 30-35knts from the SE. We pulled up 20m of chain, repositioned and put back down another 20 giving a total of 90m of chain out.

The wind didn’t give up, so we made the call to stay here another day and leave tomorrow. It was washing and baking day, 5 loads, a double batch of Marys’ Biscuits and 2 dozen little cup cakes with various toppings. For dinner a cooked a roast lamb dinner for 4, this gives us a spare for the next few days. By mid afternoon we had a few other boats anchored near us, all waiting to leave tomorrow.

Sunday had a more favorable weather report and we left the bay along with the other boats and encountered very confused seas, quite a shake up,until we got further off the coast where the seas dropped and flattened out somewhat.
On this part of the coast there isn't any day hop anchorages and it was 150nm (26hrs) before we arrived in the Abrolhus Islands. We went into Turtle Bay on the northern point of East Wallabi Island but the bay is very prone to swell, so we moved 3.5nm south to Wann Islet.
Here we are STILL!! Enjoying some rest, fishing and generally smelling the roses. . . or coral!!

We caught 2 Bald Chin Groper, one 4kg, one 3kg and a large squid. Enough for a few dinners!

Get a load of his teeth!!

Loads of coral!

NINGALOO REEF

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Our night at North West Cape was less than pleasant, actually one of our worst as the wind changed to an Easterly and blew 30-35knts. Thank goodness that we have a Nordhavn, and Thankyou Gary for our Flopper Stoppers. The anchor held well, we had 85m chain out, and once daylight and the outgoing tide came we set off. We were able to hug the Cape and once around we were protected from the wind and the seas abated as we made our way 45nm south.
The whales continued to join us on the journey, sometimes coming quite close. We stayed a few hundred metres off Ningaloo Reef all day, this allowed us to stay out of the current heading north, thus increasing our speed by a knot! All important!!
The sun was getting lower on the horizon when we were trying to decide whether to take advantage of this beautiful calm sea and travel through the night or stop here at Yardie Creek. Yardie Creek is accessed through one of the many gaps in the reef. Before we could make that decision, we had a wind change, 33knts from the SW, swell and waves grew rapidly so we both agreed to call it a day. Although you still have the wind behind the reef, there wasn't any swell.

Photo: The sunsetting with the huge swells breaking on Ningaloo Reef.

The wind continued to blow until 2am when the tide changed,
and wind went to the SE. We woke at 5am and started the process all over again, flopper stoppers in and anchor up and back to sea.
The swells have been much bigger today, 4 metres high, but are slowly getting smaller. Yardie Creek to Mauds Landing is 55nm, at midday we had only 13nm to go!

Photo: Bugger, wrong lense on!!

Photo: Mother and Baby Whale, right beside the boat. You never know where they are going to come up!!

This one was taken very early in the morning!

There are more whale shots at the end of the Kimberley 2011 page that have been taken in the past few weeks!

NOTE 1 : For the technical people that would like to know our fuel data and facts, my Chief Engineer has given me the low down to put on the website under 'Our Location'
http://www.opallady.com/aspx/m/490255

NOTE 2: Go to www.nordhavn.com and the photo that they have on their front page is the one I took at Castle Lagoon, Hawkesbury River March 2010. This was when we had our first Nordhavn get together.
From L to R - Opal Lady, Barquita N43, Elfrida Beetle N47, Suprr N46
I climbed the mast of a friends' Seawind 1160 to take this one. Thrilled that they are using it!

The Montebellos

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We arrived at the southern channel into the Montebello group of islands at 4pm and as we entered the reef between Dot and Daisy Islands we had a whale come right across our bow only just missed her!!

It was then only a few mile north to Main Bay where we anchored for the night on the low tide. Because of the Nuclear Bombing back in the 50’s, we were unable to go ashore so the following day we moved south, very slowly to the Stephenson Channel, during the high tide.

There isn’t a lot of deep water at the Montebellos nor is there a lot of the area surveyed, so caution was necessary. The channel was narrow and 6 mtr deep at high tide, max tidal range is 4.5m here. A majority of the Montes is a Sanctuary Zone(No fishing!!) but Stephenson Channel had fishing allowed and I cast a line a couple of times from the back deck and managed to catch a cod and a beautiful Spangled Emperor (both released).

As the weather dictates how long we stay places, unfortunately after 3 days here we only had a 2 day weather window before bad weather was expected, so we made the call to leave on the high tide the following day.

Picking our way through the bommies and reefs whilst enjoying the wonderful frolicking of the local wildlife. We watched a couple of outgoing turtles happy to be mating whilst we past by, dolphins swam under the bow, a dugong ducked under as we approached, in the distance we saw the large blows from the whales and then had a White Bellied Sea Eagle tried to land on the pullpit. We left the Montes behind us and exited through the western channel, currently we are 5nm from Boodie Island, south of Barrow Is.
We anchored in 7m at low tide and enjoyed the evening before retiring for an early night. All was well until 1.30am when the tide and wind changed which caused the anchor chain to cuddle a rock???, we think!! The noise woke us and then we decided to get under way. But the anchor chain stayed around ???, a few times of letting more chain out and driving out around where we thought it was caught eventually after 1/2 hr we were free.

55nm and 10hrs later we found ourselves at the Mackerel Islands in a magnificent bay on Serrurier Is, watching a dozen or more turtles making their way up the sand beach to lay their eggs. Others had us in stitches watching their mating antics whilst we were trying to anchor. Obviously monogamist relationships don't apply, as there were others waiting their turn!!

This one is obviously shagged Out!!

Still at it!! Only 20m from us!

Another lot. . .with another waiting!!

Thats a happy look!

We have just anchored at North West Cape and like the Bark Endeavour, we are enjoying the display from the numerous whales frolicking.

The Kimberley

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After several months of cruising the beautiful, amazing, stunning etc, etc Kimberley we are back in limited service. Head to the Kimberley 2011 page and I am slowly getting the story and photos posted.

The 401nm passage from Beagle Bay(43nm south of Cape Leveque) to Dampier took us 63 hours non stop! We anchored at midnight in still conditions in Marney Bay, Malus Island in the Dampier Archipelago and quickly made a rush for the bed. We slept soundly for a few hours until the expected Easterly blew up! 35knts, once the day dawned we were underway for the 10nm journey into Hampton Harbour, Dampier.

Dampier is a huge shipping port, servicing the many Iron Ore ships also ships that service the Gas Wells off the coast. Gotta love these cute tugs! George and Mildred, about the same length as Opal Lady!

We found anchorage just off the Hampton Harbour Sailing Club in 5m of water and settled in for another sleep.

We have taken on 800Ltrs of fuel @ $1.85 pl and provisioned. Thanks to Rory & Tracey for the loan of their car to drive into the main shopping centre in Karratha a 20klm drive away! Otherwise it would have been super expensive in Dampier. I did purchase at the local IGA here in Dampier a few things for dinner the first night, 1/2 Cauliflower, 150gms Snow Peas and 12 Brussell Sprouts totalling $20.50, deciding that a big shop here was going cost a fortune!!! Real Estate and wages here are huge. A 3 bed, 1 bath house costs $ 1.1m and the rent on this sort of house is $1,800pw! Surprisingly once in Karratha the supermarket prices were very cheap, so I stocked up! Restaurant prices are also expensive.

Photo above: The Hampton Hbr Sailing Club in the background, we reversed the car down their ramp and then juggled the groceries across the pontoon and into the dinghy.

We were waiting for the 30+ knt Easterlies to abate , before we left for the Montebello Islands.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montebello_Islands

Above: The sunrise over the loading ships as we left Dampier at 6am this morning!

ETA Montebello Islands 5pm tonight, just in time for Happy Hour!

Apologies for the double up in mail outs but we are dropping in and out of service!

Cape York, the Wessel Islands and Darwin

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We left Horn Island stop at Booby Island we headed off across the Gulf of Carpentaria to make

Cairns to Cape York

Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Friday 13th May and t’was the day we left Yorkeys Knob for an appointment in Cairns with the fuel dock, it was also my birthday.

3720 litres @$1.43 cpl it took to fill our tanks for the trip over the top! The young guy at the fuel dock allowed us to stay there for a few hours before we went out into Trinity Inlet to anchor. The rest of the day we spent at Rusty’s fresh food market doing our last minute green grocer trip. Stocked up I spent the afternoon putting it away in ‘green produce bags’. Dressed up and ready to party we had a dinner reservation at Waterbar and Grill. Don from Half Moon Bay Chandlery met us there to deliver a spare anchor windlass foot switch that we had ordered and it had turned up the morning we left. Don has been fantastic helping us source all the bits we needed before leaving. We have replaced all the globes with LEDs, now it takes 2 amps to run the whole boat where previously it took 30+ amps. His help was much appreciated. He also took us for a sail the night before we left Yorkeys on his yacht. We still love sailing but for what we are doing Nordhavn is best by far!!

We laid in bed this morning until we felt the current in Trinity Inlet running out, this would give us another 2knts of speed. Then it was all hands on deck and underway. Whilst heading out between the channel markers we had several charter boats overtake us and a few boats were returning to port. One of them was the Australian Warship - Childers.

We spent the morning whilst underway, packing away stores and tidying the boat, the seas were calm and the sun shining. The 37nm trip to Low Isles passed quickly and we rounded the visible reef and entered the bay that was full of charter boats with day tourists aboard. As it is only 8nm from Port Douglas, it makes a popular day trip destination. Also in the bay was Lady Kay of Falmouth (cat) and a few charter yachts.

There we picked up one of the 3 National Park moorings and started preparing Toasted Cheese and Tomato sandwiches for lunch. It wasn’t long before Alan saw some big fish swimming around under the swim platform. It took a lot of effort to identify them, they were Pacific Spadefish/Batfish. Thanks to the internet!
We began feeding them a piece of bread and they were very friendly, coming right up and taking it from our fingers. After checking out the teeth I wasn’t that frightened of them and they were sucking on my fingers, not quite the manicure I wanted! Also circling under them were several large Black Tipped Reef Sharks, another good reason not to go swimming here.

As the tide began to flood we headed off in the tinny to explore the island. It has a lighthouse that was built in 1878, a, Lighthouse Keepers’ cottage, the Assistant Lighthouse Keepers cottage(now a Research Station operated by the University of QLD) and another unmarked cottage. As we walked along the paths to the Lighthouse we saw a disused large winch with a eroded rock carriageway leading to the water that was used to pull up the boats laden with fuel for the Lighthouse.

The high tide was only a few hours away and the swell began to come around the corner and make us roll, so our 2 trusty flopper stoppers were deployed. This dampened the roll somewhat and I imagine it made others in the bay jealous!

Throughout the night the low tide gave some relief but again as the tide came in, the rolling conditions worsened again. The other boats in the bay rocked and rolled all night. By 2am one had given up and left and the next left at 5am. We were underway by 6am. As we pulled the flopper stoppers clear of the water our friendly Batfish came to visit.

The high unpopulated mountains lined the coastline and at 9am we were off Cape Tribulation. In this part of the Great Barrier Reef the numerous reefs are close to the mainland and at low tide we can see the waves breaking over them. It has blown 25-30 knts all day, the waves and swell have increased although we only notice their size when we walk down into the saloon and galley.

The low tide was at 1.37pm and as it was only 3pm when we approached Cooktown we slowed down a little more to allow more time for the Endeavour River to flood. We turned and headed west, passed the headland and followed the markers to the channel. Although the entrance was very wide, there is very little navigable water. The cruising bible, Cruising the Coral Coast by Alan Lucas doesn’t paint a pretty picture The fishing trawlers were tied to the wharf on the port side and to starboard was a line of anchored vessels, and that was it!!! So all we could do was anchor right in the middle of the entrance, metres away from the wharfs and dock restaurant and wait for the tide to get higher so we were able to get further away from the town and some space to anchor.
At the top of the tide we moved 1/2 nm further upstream and anchored near the southernmost lead marker. The bullets were still blowing over the mountain causing us to screw around on the anchor and heel over. Max gust we saw was 38 knts.
Next morning on the high tide, Alan took the tinny for a run another mile upstream and found the depths to be acceptable for us to navigate further upstream and away from the bullets that we buffeting us here near the town.
We moored in the deep hole around the first corner, just near the mangroves and were very protected from the wind. A little further up the river Aqua Safari (Catamaran) Paul and Barbara Banks were anchored they had arrived the previous day.

I made Rock Cakes and we went for a visit the next day. We planned a dinghy trip with Barbara and Paul to the upper reaches of the Escape River for the following day. With both dinghies loaded with cameras, lunch, rain coats, umbrellas and fishing gear with started up the river keeping a watchful eye on the banks and in the water for Crocodiles. Only 3 nm upstream Paul’s outboard stopped working and after trying every conceivable tip given to him by the 3 of us ‘home mechanics’, we abandoned their tinny and tied it to a tree and continued on in our tinny. We saw some beautiful flora and Cottonwood trees in full bloom and the kingfishers playing in the branches near the waters edge.

We tied to a rock on the edge of a high bank to enjoy lunch while Alan flicked a lure around. It was an all day adventure very beautiful and on the return picked up Aqua Safari's tinny and towed it back. The no name motor was only 3 months old and after lots of phone calls to and fro plus a delivery of all possible spares it still never gave another flicker, so it was sent back to Brisbane for a full refund and they have purchased another Brand name one in Cooktown.
We took them into Cooktown the following day for a shopping, laundry, mail and lunch trip in our tinny.
22/5- 2.45am left Cooktown, Alan stayed awake watching the footy and cleaning up, preparing the boat for sea whilst I got some sleep. At 2am I woke and we decided to go, once at sea Alan was able to go to bed. The whole day was amazingly calm once we cleared Cape Bedford.
23/5 - Overnight Cape Melville

24/5 - Anchored at Blackwood Island finally we are in clear waters to make water and today I did several loads of washing to catch up.
We went in search of a wreck to fish first thing in the morning, but to no avail, even thou we had GPS coordinates we were unable to find it! So back to the boat and underway. The trolling lines were out and we meandered through the Owen Channel. The 15knt Easterly had just about died and I thought we could go to Atkinson Reef another the 2.5nm further north. It was picture perfect and flat calm seas! We anchored in 10m water, although we had a roll up, we decided against flopper stoppers as we were getting straight in the tinny to go and fish the reef. 20m off the bow and before I had finished putting my line out, a monster fish came and stole my rig, leader and lure! I re rigged and it wasn’t long before both of us continued to hook more spanish mackerel.
By 3pm we were stuffed and enjoyed lunch and cuppa before heading back in the channel to anchor for the night. The wind was coming from the west, which made our original plan of Stanley anchorage a no go!

We spent the night in the Owen Channel between Stanley and Flinders Island.
25/5
At 4am we woke as the wind and current were playing with us, then decided to leave Owen Channel and the Flinders Group. Heading SW around the southern tip of Stanley Island then NW to Eden Reef. It was a magic day, light winds and sunshine. We planned to stop at Magpie Reef for a fish. On approach to Magpie Reef I was getting some fruit and yogurt ready for a feed before fishing when I heard Alan outside winding in the rods, when he yelled to cut the motor back as he had a fish. he passed the rod to me and it took me 15mins to wind him the 1.6m Barracuda weighing in at 20kg. After a few happy snaps we returned him to the sea!

We anchored in 10m of water at the western end of Magpie Reef in the shelter of the sand cay. As we were setting the anchor fish were breaking the surface all around us, we were both excited and took to the tinny with rods and lures. Before we were 100m from the boat we both hooked up.

28/5 6.30am and the anchor came up with the 75m chain that we had put down, wing and main engines running we headed out into the channel and headed north. It had been months since we had given the wing engine a run, it started and ran for 1/2hr before turning it off.The currents running through the islands were a bit strong for it to keep us underway comfortably.
After 76 nautical miles and 11.5 hours before we dropped anchor a few miles up the Escape River. The seas were bigger today and the majority of the trip was through a Green Zone so we were unable to fish!

The day was very warm and overcast, and at 8.40 the log had ticked over 10,000nm since we launched her! AMAZING! So many wonderful people, places and things we have done since Jan 2009!

29/5
Escape River - It was a beautiful calm night, full of stars. Our body clocks had us awake early and we had jobs to do. First one was to put out the new crab pots, and they were terrific. We ordered 5 new PUP (Pop Up Pots) from www.CrabNGear.com.au . These pots would be legal in NT as they have only 2 openings, and would you believe the bureaucracy, we also had to order another model Lift Dilly to allow us to catch crabs in WA!!!! As I love crabs I am always eager to get them out, but the old conventional pots were always a pain in the arse to assemble. Yesterday it was so easy, they have put a smile on Alan’s face. We still put 3 of the old pots out, just to see the difference but I fear they won’t have very more swims! At the end of the day it was the new pot that caught 2 large Mud Crabs, 1.7kg & 1.3kg! In between checking the pots we fished and caught and released a mixed bag. Couple of Queenfish, Cod, Mackerel, GT and a few other species of Trevelly, as well as several queer cod with huge bulging eyes (will wait until we get internet to identify).

Next job on our list was to rid the boat of several layers of salt, built up over the last few weeks. This ended up taking all day with crab and fish stops, lunch and breadmaking.
By 4pm with a cold drink in our hands we headed off in the direction of the boats that had just arrived in the river. Liso, Decoy and Starfire all travelling indendently but all heading to Darwin and then Asia. After saying Hi to them we went and collected all our pots as the sun was setting, and we arrived home just on dark!

30/5
Waking at 7am, before we had our morning cuppa we decided to head off and catch the high tide going through Albany Pass. Flood tide heads north through the pass.
By 11am we were anchored at Cape York Peninsular and we took the tinny in with a cold drink and celebrated once more our arrival at the most northern tip of Australia.

Cape Upstart to Cairns

Sun, 22 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After dropping the boys 5 nm from our anchorage we continued on and anchored, deployed the flopper stopper, only one was needed as the weather was calm and only necessary as we know from experience that the swell develops later in the evening. The boys arrived back for some fresh bait and a few beers before heading out again. We directed them to a reef a mile behind us that is well known by local fisherman.

The boys returned at sunset with a small shark and a mackerel which fed us all for dinner. Next morning the boys had disappeared again before we got out of bed but returned for lunch and Alan then took Nathan out and they caught a 9kg & 12kg Tuna and lost 3 others. Out again until well after dark but sadly only caught little stuff. After an early night, again they surfaced and took off fishing early, this time they had a ball catching 9 Northern Blue Fin Tuna Tuna and loosing a few more. Exhausted by 10 o’clock they were back on board and we decided to move on which gave them time to recover on the 68nm trip past Cape Bowling Green in perfect weather and we anchored in Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island at 8.30pm.
Next morning Nathan and I went for a fish and caught a couple of mackerel that were filleted and in the freezer real quick before taking Brendon ashore with me to pick up a few extra supplies at the small corner store at Horseshoe Beach. I took him to the pub, sad for him it was shut:(((!!
From here we motored the 40nm to Orpheus Island where we picked up a National Park mooring and continued with our jobs before relaxing on the bow with sundowners and awaited their return.
Early next morning we left for the 22nm trip out to Bramble Reef. Today was Justin’s 28th Birthday and he was allowed to pull the first fish of the day not long after leaving the bay. It was an 8kg Mack Tuna, what a start to the day for him.

It was a perfectly calm day to be at the reef and we anchored on the edge in 20m water. The boys took off in the tinny again and fished the day only returning for food, things haven’t changed over the years!!
On the foredeck with a cold Bundy Rum we were enjoying the near perfect sea conditions when the VHF radio sprung to life with a Pan Pan call!! My ears picked up and we waited to see if they gave further information, but No the radio waves were silent! I answered the call and found that the vessel was a 6m runabout on Bramble Reef! Seeing we were the only other vessel out there it was simple to figure out! Their motor had failed to start and seeing they intended to stay the night out their I sent the boys over in the tinny to tow them closer to us for the night as we weren’t returning to Lucinda until tomorrow and this was where their trailer was. They came over to use our phone to call their wives and then returned for the evening.
For Justin’s Birthday feast I cooked up some of our cray supplies from the freezer and then for dessert I had baked a Chocolate Hazelnut Meringue Torte.

After dinner Justin was hell bent on catching a mother of a fish, so with live bait on, he relaxed back in the tinny with pillows and a beer and waited. The scream not long after told us he was hooked, the fight went on for 20mins before we pulled in a 1.3m 10kg Reef Shark.

Next morning Nathan and Brendon picked Robert up to take him spear fishing with them.

They had an amazing time catching a painted cray and several other reef fish. After lunch with their tinny in tow we left and went back to Lucinda. Turns out that Robert is a Nordhavn dreamer and we reckoned that he made the motor inoperable just to get the ride back!!!
Alan towed them back across the shallows and into the creek at Lucinda while the boys and I motored up the Hinchinbrook Channel

We stayed in Gayundah Creek for a few days and the boys came back with Mud Crabs

and after finding a lure stuck on a rope in one of the side creeks they caught an amazing 12 Barramundi, all on the found lure.

They always had 3 other lures out but it was the 'found' one (Classic F18 -shallow diver) that caught the fish!!! So after Brendon caught 3 we suggested he pass the lure around.
The devastation in the area was widespread and looked as if a bulldozer had gone through the area in parts. The rest of the area was whipped apart with a huge amount of leaves missing off trees.

Travelling north past Cardwell and Dunk Island the sight was no better, as they were the worst hit by Cyclone Yasi. You can see the tree across the hut on the shore at Dunk Is, so sad!

We made our way to Mourilyan Harbour where we had a peaceful night, the boys went up the river fishing and missed another big!! Barra, so the story goes and then did a garbage run to the boat ramp over near the loading dock.
Next morning we left and went to Fitzroy Island where the fishing adventure continued with them catching some large Spanish Mackerel by going to the northern side of the island.

It is only 15nm from Cairns and after some more early morning fishing we went into Cairns where the boys and Alan flew into gear with washing 2 weeks of salt off Opal Lady. It was Good Friday and seeing we have lived off the sea for the past 2 weeks we booked into the Waterbar and Grill for a thick juicy steak. Having not been near a pub they were eager to check out the local ones along the water front, but as it was a public holiday they weren’t allowed to serve alcohol to anyone that didn’t have a dinner reservation and they then made their way to Waterbar and awaited our arrival.

Sad to say that the following morning after wrapping their Barramundi in loads of newspaper and packing the bags we farewelled them in a taxi for the airport. A fabulous 2 weeks for them and us!!!

To see all the photos go to " Photo album" page.

The Wetsundays!

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The past 3 weeks have been nothing but rain and strong winds, SE 20-35 knts and higher at times. We stayed in Cid Harbour before moving to Gulnare Inlet, Whitsunday Island. Gulnare is opposite and north of Hamilton Island, only a short few mile. It needs to be entered on a rising tide and once inside provided great shelter in all winds, very secure as well as picturesque, even though it was raining all the time. We ventured out the following day as Danny and Al our friends from Lets Go were visiting Hamilton Island and Danny managed to sweet talk the marina Manager into letting us stay overnight.

It was great to catch up enjoy a few drinks at the local tavern. In the rain and wind we took them back to the airport the following day, head to toe wet weather gear and a tinny ride, they made an amusing spectacle!! Back across the Whitsunday Passage we went to Abel Point Marina ready for the installing of our replacement Intellian i9 that has been playing up now for 18months. After a days work by Sean from TMQ, although better it is still not 100% fixed.
The strong wind warning was still current as we made our way across the Whitsunday Passage and as the tide was flooding( tides in the Whitsunday region flood south and ebb north) we had a waves that steeped up, and white water sprayed across us. Much to my horror we were covered in salt!
The rain was falling as Alan went in with the tinny to the Airport Wharf to pick up Justin, Nathan and Brendon, whilst I circled around waiting for them. There is a No Anchoring Zone in the whole of the Dent Passage now.
With the wind at our back we headed past Cid Harbour and in very calm waters as the tide had turned, we headed north along the western side of Whitsunday and Hook Islands until we came to Stonehaven Anchorage. Here we searched for the correct national Park mooring buoy that would accommodate our 35,000 ton weight for the night. The buoys are all colour coded.
It wasn't long before the boys had their fishing gear in the tinny for a spot of Whitsunday fishing. The bullets were blowing off the high steep mountains at 40+ knts, buffeting us around which made sleeping cool.
The next morning as I surfaced Justin greeted me with "Oh no, someones stolen the tinny and Nathan!" He was sick of waiting for them to wake, so he left to find fish on his own! Trying to play the tides right we waited til midday before heading west to Gloucester Island. We reached the Gloucester Passage at 4pm and went through and anchored outside Gloucester Eco Resort. The boys spent the evening getting ready for their Pirtek Fishing Comp the next day in aide of Prostrate Cancer. They were filling the tackle boxes with new lures, the esky was filled with ice and cold water and food was stowed in the bow then it was off to bed for an early night.
All day they fished but did not manage to get the target fish- Queenfish, Whiting or Yellow Tail Bream but all was not lost we had enough Mackerel for a feed at the end of the day.
We startled everyone this morning at 6am, the motor started and the anchor pulled as it was a perfectly calm , flat seas and 5knt Sou'easterly breeze for the 50nm trip to Cape Upstart. First we went the 10nm to Bowen to fill all the jerry cans with outboard fuel before continuing on.
It's now 2.35pm we have 4 nm to go and we have turfed the boys in the tinny on the end of Cape Upstart and they will be able to fish their way back to us!
We still have a beautiful SUNNY day, haven't had one for weeks!!

A Little Further North

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The dock lines are free and we are back in the Wetsundays again. After 3 1/2 months, 2 cyclones and 2 trips away from Opal Lady we left the marina last Thursday with friend, Graeme aboard. Very fitting that the man who wrote the song A Little Further North, came with us as we started our next adventure north!!
www.greameconnors.com
It was a calm morning as we left Mackay Outer Harbour, weather forecasters had predicted 3 days of 10-15knt Norwesters!! In the Whitsunday region the tides flood south, and ebb north. The first part of the trip the waves although little, were choppy. But once the tide turned it was a very smooth ride. Clear of the harbour I set the next waypoint at The Anchor Islands consisting of Ladysmith Islet, Bellow Islet, Hammer Island, Blacksmith Island, Anvil Island and Anchorsmith Island. Ladysmith and Blacksmith all but join running NW/SE with Hammer Island running parallel on the western side approx. 700m apart. We cruised up through this passage as the scenery was magnificent, but they do not provide any suitable anchorages in any weather.
Continuing NNW to Shaw Island we passed Silversmith and Thomas Islands before anchoring opposite the northern beach of Shaw Island at the popular tourist spot of Lindeman Island. Plantation Bay is north east of the main resort and secluded. We very quickly found some refreshments and settled on the bow to enjoy Graeme playing his guitar and singing whilst watching the sunset and the storm clouds scoot down the coast on the mainland. Later we heard of the deluge that fell on Mackay that evening. It had been an early start for all of us and it wasn't long before we had dinner and retired for the evening.
I think we jinxed ourselves as we had explained to Graeme the possibility of us moving through the night if the SE came in early and sure enough we were woken at 4.15am as it blew through.
Alan and I got up to check everything and decided to prepare to leave at dawn. We stowed the gear and had a cuppa before starting the engine and pulling the anchor to head 6nm to Hamilton Island where we picked up a Public Mooring ahead of Sea Voyager, a Nordhavn 57. Kim, the skipper was waiting to pick up owners Richard and Louise, due to arrive in a few hours from Melbourne. He enjoyed fresh Rock Cakes and a cuppa with us before he picked them up!
From here we followed the Hamilton Island shore past the spectacular structure of the new yacht club and around the point into Fitzalan Passage where we had a 4knt current take us into Catseye Bay. The VHF came to life with a call from the Lets Go crew who were up in their 17th floor room and saw us in the bay. Graeme broke into song with one of his recent songs - Somebody's Watching and they were! Danny, Al, Greg and Wal flew to Hamilton Island as volunteers for the 505 Dinghy Class World Regatta. Sorry to say they have experienced the worst weather.
From here we made our way ENE through Solway Passage to Whitehaven Beach to anchor for lunch and take the tinny from the boat deck. Halfway taking the tinny down we received another call from Lets Go crew to advise us of a boarding party coming our way. Within 5 minutes they were on board, beers and rum all round! After a late lunch we headed along Whitehaven Beach past Hill Inlet and around into Hook Passage heading for Cid Harbour but the weather was closing in and we detoured into Nara Inlet on the southern end of Hook Island. This inlet heads north approx 2.5nm and is quite narrow, in the head of the inlet there is a large waterfall that runs after rain. After breakfast the following morning we all hopped in the tinny for the ride up to the waterfall, because of the high rainfall overnight there were many more waterfalls cascading down the rocks for us to see. On the way back to Opal Lady we spotted a family of goats warming themselves on the rocks.

From here we headed back to Abel Point Marina to shelter from impending stronger winds expected to blow through that evening. Graeme provided the entertainment on the bow again in the short time before the rain.
After farewell Graeme and Lyn we headed back out to Cid Harbour where we have stayed anchored all week, sheltering from the wind and the bucketing rain, thank heavens we are floating! We have had approx 200mm rain every day, visibility is only 500m most of the time. We have spent the time planning our trip across the Top End.

Above: Kim, Sea Voyager came to borrow some crab pots. Note the weather today!

Digressing a little, the week before we left Mackay we spent in Tweed Heads, at Tweed Waters Motel (excellent Motel) this is on the border between NSW and Qld and left us confused to say the least, as NSW has Daylight Savings and QLD doesn't!! Don't know how the locals do it!! We visited there for our friend, Royces' birthday party. A pirate party! T'was a party week not day!!

Oh What a night!!!