Desert Sailor

Hibernation

2009-10-19T09:49:00.007+11:00

Hibernate ... to remain inactive or secluded. Sounds like the definition of paradise to me!

What Would He Know...

2009-10-04T12:20:00.007+11:00

   Heading South.
   5 knots of current.
   Can't hold on much longer.
   'Mother Ship' - fuel and water drop.
   Cape Leveque - in search of fuel.
   Broome Harbour.

Not long after we started the trip we received an email from a guy headed- 'Stroke Victim Sailed Around Aus.' I take the liberty of quoting from it:-

"... it was a great trip. But it is one of the worlds most difficult voyages. Sailors have always believed that Tassie and the Great Southern Ocean are the most treacherous areas to sail in, where, in fact, the Western Aust. coast, south of Exmouth is by far the most difficult. (Sailing south you have to have departed Exmouth by the 2nd week in September or it's close to impossible for the next 6 months)."

He knew alright, but when we received the email the West Coast seemed so far away.

No sooner had we started down the coast than our problems began. My memory is returning slowly.

It is now very clear we are trying to get down this coast at the wrong time of year. We intend to secure the boat in Broome until the time is right.

Darwin To Broome.

2009-10-03T12:39:00.008+10:00

King George River.

My memory of this part of the trip has been unconsciously suppressed; as soon as it returns I will jot it down.

I am however, having certain flashbacks:-

- Strong current and wind.

- Loss of our drinking water.

- Out of fuel.

- Medivac chopper.

- Fuel and water transfer at sea.

- Motor breakdowns.

- Dumped by breakers.

- Stranded onshore.

- 14 hrs through the night to cover less than 14 miles...

Maybe it's for the better that my memory doesn't come back!

Here We Go Again.

2009-09-13T13:47:00.006+10:00

The larder is full, and we have a new crew member. The next sector is Darwin to Broome; we are under promise of magnificent country. Dal has left the trip and we have been joined for this sector by Reese. We have a booking at the lock for 8am tomorrow.

It is 35 deg here today, the boat is much hotter!

Darwin.

2009-08-27T09:47:00.004+10:00

We came through the night encountering the dreamtime, swirling whirlpools and a warship ghosting by. The weather was kind.

At first light we saw a distant Darwin and celebrated with the last of our coffee; it was another 6 hours of frustration to get to anchor.

Before being allowed into a marina the boat needed be inspected by the 'Aquatic Pest Management monitors'. A diver 'introduced' into the boats water intakes some form of chemical;an undertaking was also required we would not disturb them for 18 hours. (Included the loo).

With Pest Certificate in hand, and owing to the tidal range, we entered Cullen Bay Marina through its lock system. This would have to be one of the few places in Aust. that has a Lockmaster! This is also the first time since we left Cooktown, over a month ago, that we can step off the boat onto 'dry land'.

With the boat secure Gerald and I are heading back to Melbourne for a week.

Cape Stewart... I won't be back.

2009-08-19T15:45:00.003+10:00

Gerry ranked last night as his worst night at anchor for the whole trip; I would certainly have it in my top 3. We pitched and rolled all night. (The boat might be more stable when we take on extra crew in Darwin??)

Our anchorage tonight, although picturesque, is suspect. If it turns sour we may take off in the middle of the night. Another sleepless night is not in order.

I'm Coming Too!

2009-08-17T15:35:00.003+10:00

Follow Us.

2009-08-17T15:19:00.004+10:00

We knew our timing was right when we arrived at the Hole In The Wall 10 minutes before the Young Endeavour; she made a grand sight coming through under sail.

Two days later we are anchored off Galiwin'ku Aboriginal settlement, but can't go in.

We are 9-10 days from Darwin; but whose counting?

Gove After Dark.

2009-08-14T13:47:00.004+10:00

Pictured is the bauxite ore loading plant at Gove.

Today was a short trip to Elizabeth Bay via Cape Wilberforce; there were tide considerations.

Tomorrow is even more dependent on the tide... The Gugari Rip aka, Hole In The Wall. The shortcut through the 'Hole' saves 35 n. miles on the trip to Darwin, but can be 'exhilarating.' It is the boating equivalent to threading the eye of a needle.

Most of the land between here and Darwin is Aboriginal land. We don't have landing permits and therefore, theoretically, are not able to put a foot a shore. Steep fines apply.

The boat did not take on much water today; Gerry has installed an extra bilge pump. Doubt will have ongoing internet coverage, although if we are near an Aboriginal community, there may be.

Pan Pan, Pan Pan, Pan Pan.

2009-08-11T19:06:00.006+10:00

Pan Pan, repeated 3 times, is an international marine distress call second only to Mayday. On Sunday morning we felt it appropriate to issue a Pan Pan as it had become apparent, in the early

hours, the boat was taking water.

We were 100 nautical miles into the Gulf and received no immediate reply. A response was finally received from Coast Watch Adelaide, of all places. They notified Central Marine Rescue in Canberra of our circumstance, and monitored our progress.

Each of us packed a small bag containing personal effects in case we could not manage the water and needed to take to the life raft. (This now had a certain appeal).We had a drill.

I felt we had hit something earlier in the evening.

The leak did not worsen, as we initially feared; we anchored in Gove at 2 am Tuesday morning.

Thankfully the weather had been kind.

We will slip the boat in Darwin. (I don't think I will unpack my small bag yet!)

Unrelenting Trades.

2009-08-07T15:34:00.004+10:00

The south-easterly trade winds are unrelenting; blowing night and day. A strong wind warning

has been current for the last 2 weeks; winds exceeding 30 knots. "You should have been here last week," is a common welcome.

We have now rounded the most southern, eastern and northern points of mainland Aust. We are spending the day at Seisia on the western tip of Cape York to provision the boat for our crossing of the Gulf and onto Darwin. The boat is anchored offshore, so fueling and stocking is no easy task.

We have been anchored in windy bays and behind 'specks' of coral for the last 2 weeks.

The Gulf crossing is 340 nautical miles and should take 3 day and 2 nights. Our landfall on the other side is Gove on the northeast tip of Arnhem Land. From Gove to Darwin will hopefully be 12-14 'easy' day sails!

We had our first shower for 2 weeks yesterday arvo?

(Hi Chalwyn, I have no phone recep., hope you are both well).

Still Going.

2009-07-25T15:33:00.002+10:00

An uncomfortable day was followed by an uncomfortable night which was followed by a very uncomfortable morning!

Although it was only a short hop this morning from Cape Flatter to Lizard Island it was most unpleasant. The wind was gusting above 35 knots, the boat was extremely wet as was the crew.

Pictured- Last light Cooktown.

- Barge lifting sunken trawler, Flattery Bay.

- Lizard Island.

Fishermen-Three... Fish-One.

2009-07-23T18:05:00.003+10:00

Following a very uncomfortable night at Cape Tribulation, Gerry somehow managed to put hooks on a lure through a finger on each hand?? We cut one out with pliers, the other was removed at Cooktown Hospital.

Other than that, all is well. Not long to the top, then a 3-4 day sail across the Gulf awaits.

Low Islets.

2009-07-21T15:06:00.006+10:00

A change of plan today has us anchored off Low Islets. We were to early for the tide at Port Douglas and would have had a 3-4 hr wait. Low Islets are 7 nm notheast of Port Douglas,

comprised of a reef and a palm-studded cay, it is a delightful spot.

Tomorrow Cape Tribulation and then on to Cooktown. After Cooktown it is a 400nm trek to the top with no further opportunity to victual. I am not sure whether we will have internet access.

'Untitled Event'.

2009-07-18T09:30:00.003+10:00

Mourilyan Harbour.

2009-07-18T09:00:00.003+10:00

The harbour is formed at the mouth of the Moresby River which empties into the sea between two steep, heavily timbered hills.

From a distance the entrance is unseen. The entrance is narrow, the harbour is small and big ships come in to load bulk sugar.

As luck had it towards dusk a ship, assisted by two tugs, came in. It was an interesting experience to watch and listen to (on ships radio) the ship's entry, being turned 180 and docked.

From Mourilyan we headed for Cairns via Turtle Bay. It took a while at Cairns to get land legs back as we had been anchored off since Townsville.

Townsville.

2009-07-18T08:44:00.002+10:00

Jodi and Aaron joined us for a couple of days at Townsville. We spent the time anchored off Magnetic Isl.

From Magnetic Isl. Gerald and I pushed on to Havannah Island, Zoe Bay on Hinchinbrook Island, Dunk Island and then to a very interesting little place called Mourilyan Harbour.

WARNING... Desert Sailor Hacked.

2009-07-11T09:31:00.003+10:00

Stupidly I gave my email details to what I thought was my provider. It was a scam and my email address has been taken over by 'persons unknown'. Please ignore any email received from desertsailor, and further please do not correspond with the address.

Can I Get A Ride? Please.

2009-07-09T13:40:00.003+10:00

A very tiring day yesterday was followed by a very awful night. Bowling Green Bay was wide, shallow and windy. The conditions combined with the forecast made for a sleepless night.

We were up at 4:30 and pulled the anchor at 5 to beat the weather. On arrival at Townsville they cancelled the strong wind warning. Don't you love this gig! The foods good though.

2000nm.

2009-07-08T14:57:00.002+10:00

On an uncomfortable, but short day, we logged up 2000 nautical miles on the trip. We have 35nm to Townsville tomorrow; a strong wind warning has been issued for the afternoon so it may be a very early start. We are anchored at Bowling Green Bay.

Say No More! Upstart Bay.

2009-07-07T15:33:00.004+10:00

Gloucester Passage... Bowen.

2009-07-06T15:54:00.004+10:00

A pleasant day to Bowen via the Gloucester Passage, which was a bit tricky. We are anchored at Stone Island off Bowen; very convivial. This is the third year in a row that I have been at Bowen: 07 on the run, 08 on the way to the bike ride and now on the boat.

Airlie Beach.

2009-07-03T13:47:00.005+10:00

Yesterday the sun was with us all day from Brampton to Airlie, but it was a long, slow slog into the wind and waves.

We are in Airlie for a couple of days and then onto Townsville via anchorages at Bowen, Cape Upstart and Bowling Green Bay.

Black With One.

2009-07-01T16:59:00.004+10:00

Left Mackay at 12:00 noon for a short run out to Brampton Island. Anchored at 3:20 (1520). Tomorrow we will leave at first light for Airlie Beach. Dal has gone home for a week or two.

A Very Special Place... Middle Percy Island.

2009-06-30T12:53:00.006+10:00

The Percy Isles are approx. 65 nautical miles off Mackay. Middle Percy Island is the largest of the Isles and what a special place. I hope the photos can go a short way to describe it.

Into The Unseen.

2009-06-26T11:12:00.003+10:00

Headed off this morning into thick fog. Spent last night moored at Rosslyn Bay (Yepporn). We are heading to Port Clinton to anchor tonight and then offshore to the Percy group of islands for a day or two. From there onto Mackay.

Great Keppel Island.

2009-06-24T12:04:00.004+10:00

The weather cleared yesterday morning so we decided on a late start and also to push through a mild starlit night. Although the moon was not prepared to shine.

A line of unconnected lights ran for miles in a dark night. Ships, off Gladstone, waiting their turn at port. Silent phantoms.

We anchored off Great Keppel Island before noon. The sand and light cloud are white, the water is turquoise, the sky is blue and the sun is hot!

That's What We Saw.

2009-06-22T15:44:00.004+10:00

A perfect Sunday on Hervey Bay, the hight of the whale watching season and we saw one small boat for the day.

Looks like we are weathered in, again. Pouring rain today. Went to town for shopping this morning; we will be anchored off for the next 2-3 days (when we do get away). The three day should see us anchored off Great Keppel Island.

'The Circle'... Waiting Out The Arvo.

2009-06-20T15:13:00.004+10:00

Yesterday the afternoon's clouds built sky castles and other things imagination allowed; turtles popped up heads quizzically. Birds dropped from the sky, folding back outstretched wings at the last flighted second and plunge. Splash; how they don't injure themselves? Belly full they almost seem to smile on their flyby.

It's the circle. What else is hidden? Hidden in the mangroves and the unseen. There at sunset, east of west, pieces of silver and gold flashed and broke onshore. Waiting at dusk, grey against green, trees without life stood proud.

This morning we came through the second half of the Sandy Straits; we are now at anchor in Hervey Bay off Scarness. Tomorrow Bundaberg.

Garry's Anchorage.

2009-06-19T12:38:00.002+10:00

We left Tin Can at first light and anchored in Garry's Anchorage at 11:15am. We again need to wait for high tide in the morning (see photos).

Garry's Anchorage is a narrow channel formed between Fraser Isl. and Stewart Isl. It has a reputation for sandflies! Veggie curry for tea tonight.

Tourism Brochure.

2009-06-18T12:33:00.002+10:00

Came over the Wide Bay Bar yesterday, not something I would choose to do every day. The scenery is starting to look like a Qld. Tourism Brochure. Although is very solid rain today.

We are in Tin Can Bay Marina, and will leave at first light tomorrow as we need a high tide. Our passage through the Great Sandy Strait (between Fraser Isl. and mainland) will be influenced by tides. The 40 nautical mile passage will take a couple of days.

Once we are through the strait we will head to Bundaberg.

Tin Can Bay.

2009-06-16T17:55:00.006+10:00

An uneventful day under motor and a cloudless sky; tiller pilot at the helm.

We dropped anchor in the company of the setting sun. A purple/pink hue ran from the sun in both directions around the horizon until it was one.

We are anchored in Wide Bay, at the foot of Fraser Island, to wait for high tide tomorrow to cross the bar into Tin Can Bay.

The Karma Pot.

2009-06-13T15:27:00.003+10:00

Caught my eye at local Fish and Chip shop.

The First Blush.

2009-06-12T14:01:00.005+10:00

The first blush of the trip has come and gone. Yesterday marked two months away. I would dishonour the truth if I did not admit to being very homesick. However, within the same breath, I look forward to being further up north and around the top. Fewer people and more 'nothing'; a preferred formula for me.

We are in Mooloolaba for several days: Dal's mum lives locally and Gerry is having some work done on the boat.

It is difficult to adopt a routine as the weather rules the waves.

Our next stop is an anchorage in Wide Bay; not preferred but in most circumstances obligatory to await high tide to allow us entry into the shallows at Fraser Island.

Path To The True Light.

2009-06-11T14:09:00.003+10:00

Impatient For The Night... Lamb Island

2009-06-09T15:13:00.002+10:00

Came up from Lamb Island through Moreton Bay to anchor off Moreton Island. We have a backdrop of large sand dunes; they are best not looked at for me.

Tomorrow is a 40 or so nautical mile sail to Mooloolaba. The names are starting to sound Queenslandish.

Houston We Have A Problem.

2009-06-08T18:30:00.003+10:00

Left Southport to meander up to Moreton Bay through the inside passages. It turned into a very eventful day; charts, chart plotter and reality did not align.

We touched bottom once, twice and stuck! We needed a tow off; our helpful passerby also guided us through a safer passage.

Anchored off Lamb Island for the night.

Warning... Strange Encounter.

2009-06-06T13:01:00.002+10:00

Surfers Paradise. I went for a run this morning. The concrete path sided by a potted tropics forked after a couple of ks; to the right was an old sand track winding through coastal scrub. Highrisers blocked out.

At the start of the track was a prominently displayed warning; you may encounter dogs off the leash.

When sailing there is much empty time; the warning sign gave me the thinking to fill that space!

Paradise In The Clouds.

2009-06-04T14:48:00.003+10:00

After a tiring, dark, cold and wet 30hr trip we are in Qld., Surfers Paradise. It is raining!

We are moored at the Southport Marina, near Sea World.

I am not familiar with the Qld. coast so don't know where we are off to from here. In fact, I didn't know the N.S.W. coast either so I don't really know where I have been!

Have you ever asked yourself, 'Why seabirds don't sing?'

Still Here.

2009-06-02T11:56:00.002+10:00

We are still at Coffs but are hopeful of getting away in the morning. Our plan is to sail straight through to Southport (Gold Coast). At the moment it looks as if it will be a wet 30hour trip!

Pictured is a North Cardinal Mark, it means there is safe water to its north. At night it has its own light sequence.

Getting There -- Slowly.

2009-05-29T14:10:00.003+10:00

They Weigh 10 Ton!

2009-05-28T18:17:00.013+10:00

Last week's waves picked up concrete blocks: placed a couple on the walkway and tossed more across the breakwater into the Coffs Harbour Marina. Boat were sunk and mooring damaged.

Today, sitting on a cliff top, gazing seaward across a flat blue plain it is hard to believe it's the same place.

Things Always Look Better In The Morning.

2009-05-27T09:59:00.002+10:00

The motor seems to have righted itself. The boat is steering itself. The chart plotter is telling me we are halfway to Coffs Harbour on a calm and pleasant morning. Time for tea and cake. (Shit I ate my cake last night). 10am.

In Opposition.

2009-05-27T09:33:00.003+10:00

Yesterday: We battled a strong opposing current all day. Although the boat maybe moving through the water at 5 knots, the body of water we were in was traveling in the opposite direction at 2 knots. Result, speed over ground 4 knots; the nav. equipment measures our speed over ground. Pictured: Dal up the mast trying to pick the current.

'It can only get... worse!' Late afternoon on a very slow, windless day the motor announced it was not happy! It was a fuel problem. Three more nervous hours got us into a very dark Trial Bay; motor gasping for fuel. It was a very unpleasant night at anchor.

Muddy Waters.

2009-05-25T15:25:00.002+10:00

Surfers off the breakwater look like jetsam on waves of mud; the sea appears as a vigorously shaken bottle of Coca-Cola.

It will be interesting to see how far the muddy water runs out to sea. Tomorrow we head to Trial Bay to anchor overnight and then on to Coffs Harbour.

'Supposed'.

2009-05-23T13:33:00.004+10:00

There are wind gales, rogue waves; and the rain continues to tumble down. The puddles are starting to join as one. But there is also the pelicans, always with a cautious eye, but ever ready for a chat.

The weather is supposed to improve over the weekend, at the moment that looks like a big 'suppose'. We will need to wait a couple of further days for floodwaters to run out and the sea to settle after being whipped into a frenzy.

The Great White Wall.

2009-05-21T13:11:00.005+10:00

The bar and entrance to the harbor is a wall of white water driven by gale force winds. The bar looks much worse than in the photo by a factor of 5. The worst is yet to come!

"Don't look back Gerry..."

2009-05-19T11:22:00.010+10:00

Unseasonal strong winds held us in Port Stephens for an extra day.

From Port Stephens we sailed to Foster/Tuncurry courtesy of a pleasant day. The boys had the self-steering gear working, which left a bit of extra time to read and eat.

The self-steering is great but does allow the concentration to wonder. Not good at the moment; migrating whale are passing. Toncurry to Port Macquarie was 'another day dressed in grey'. It was a quick trip however, setting an exciting finally.

Entry to Port Macquarie is across a bar (sandbar), a dangerous endeavour at anytime. On our final approach Dal suggested to Gerry that he - "just keep going and DON'T look back!" He couldn't resist and regretted it, a large ugly breaker was in pursuit across the bar.

The forecast for the rest of the week is about as bad as it has been to-date. We are stuck here for awhile. The bar has adequate time to play with our minds while it awaits our departure.

Anchorage Marina-Port Stephens.

2009-05-15T14:26:00.003+10:00

Tragic Waters.

2009-05-14T16:10:00.005+10:00

The run from Newcastle to Port Stephens, 26 nautical miles, is across the Stockton Bight. Scrub-capped dunes run its length. It has been a couple of tragic days in the Bight. The day before yesterday two old mates drowned while checking their cray pots, yesterday a prawn trawler exploded and burnt to the waterline with the loss of its crew.

"If you're going to fall overboard, don't do it today," accompanied a goodbye wave. Sensitive to the above tragedies I did not need to know that the Bight is a breeding ground for Great Whites.

A stiff breeze of 20-30 knots made for a good sailing day.(Is there such a thing?)

Apart from a bit of windburn, all is well on the Fair Dinkum. We are here until Saturday, weather pending.

Newcastle.

2009-05-13T15:05:00.006+10:00

I have enjoyed our stay in Newcastle.

The waterfront is a gentle mix of the harsh reality of a working port and a latte ambience.

Two blocks back, however, the city seems to hunger for a breath of life. It looks a struggle.

We took the boat to Queen's Wharf yesterday for a bit of fundraising; it was a successful day.

The local Channel 9 news had run a story on Gerry and the boat the night before. Gerry and Dal had also earlier in the day done a radio interview on the ABC.

Tomorrow we are heading for Port Stephens.

Jellyfish.

2009-05-11T14:36:00.004+10:00

If I could talk, if I could listen; would someone then tell me why am I here?

We have been gone for a month now, I think it is starting to show.

Sunrise.

2009-05-10T18:02:00.007+10:00

I close my eyes tight shut and try to keep you out.

Night's rainbows are trapped within my head.

Push pushing they push to go.

Feet are on the deck, there are feet on the deck.

Await me you do with wind and waves.

Rainbows are trapped within my head.

The forecast for the day from Broken Bay to Newcastle was worth a second glance; it didn't look that good. The invited weather never arrived. The horizon for at least 30 nautical miles from Newcastle was full of ships hanging on anchor and awaiting their turn at port.

Our few days in Newcastle will be filled with plenty to see.

The Pittwater. Broken Bay.

2009-05-08T19:08:00.005+10:00

Tomorrow we are off to Newcastle.

Think Twice.

2009-05-08T09:58:00.002+10:00

Stingray with a sizable flathead stuck in it's throat. I suppose it is obvious what happened, or is it?

P.S. My flower photoed and blogged yesterday, lay on the ground this morning; a withered, brown remnant...

Trip Of Contrasts.

2009-05-07T14:35:00.007+10:00

Hard men on heavy boats, pulling a livelihood from the sea, contrast with the polished yachts and motor cruisers of the Saturday sailors.

Fishy smelling, working harbors, on the other side of ruled and regulated yacht clubs.

A flat blue sea, not bothered by wind, extends into a blue sky filled with sun. But in a close of your eyes, it is dark, big and awful to be with.

Moments in the here and now push aside the gnawing of homesickness.

Wet is dry. Cold is warm. Sick is well. Scared is ... scared.

These are the testings.

Too Much Coffee.

2009-05-06T14:15:00.005+10:00

We ran up to the Pittwater at Broken Bay in the company of some fairly big walls of water.

(What's new!). The number of boats here is staggering, there must be at least two boats for every wave.

Late afternoon the early, full phased moon challenged the setting sun for night's supremacy. The sky is clear, the sea calmed knowing it would wear a shimmering nightgown. Channel marker lights, green and red, flash and blink, appearing as a fallen over Christmas tree.

Too much coffee, I'm drinking too much coffee!

We are in the Pittwater for a couple of days, if not three or four.

What Can I Say.

2009-05-04T15:48:00.003+10:00

Glorious morning to Port Hacking and afternoon at anchor. Little fish fill the crystal clear water and seem at odds with the business of the air traffic dropping into Sydney, which provides our backdrop. Tomorrow we are bypassing Sydney Harbor, opting for the Pittwater at Broken Bay.

Help and Hospitality

2009-05-03T12:41:00.003+10:00

Help and hospitality is a recurring theme on the trip; no more so than at Wollongong. The crew at Volunteer Coast Guard NF 22, have been a great help. Marco, pictured right, even dropped in the morning papers. I always thought Wollongong was 'smelly and clothed in Industry'; but what a charming place it is. The harbor precinct has its own special magnetism. Tomorrow we head to Port Hacking and then onto the Pittwater.

The Sun Can Escape The Day But Never The Dawn.

2009-05-01T18:59:00.002+10:00

It's pretty corrugated out there!

2009-04-30T13:58:00.004+10:00

An elderly lady walking her dog asked, "You're not going out there are you? It's pretty corrugated."

Left Ulladulla at 7:40am for a short but uncomfortable morning to Jervis Bay. Picked up a mooring at 12:15pm in pouring rain but quiet water. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is my afternoon.

R & R

2009-04-29T10:51:00.003+10:00

Follow the Sun - Ulladulla.

2009-04-28T17:28:00.004+10:00

We weighed anchor under a strong wind warning, but into a magic morn.

The wind seemed to be sulking elsewhere; we had to motor sail to get our miles. The sun's rays reflected off the calm waters were hallucinogenic. Very cold became cold and then warm. A band of dark blue grey cloud, that appeared to be raining rainbow, was in pursuit. It caught us with 3 miles to go and gave a real reminder where we were.

Again the forecast is bleak.

Broulee Island

2009-04-27T16:45:00.004+10:00

Left Bermagui on a beautiful morning. Very strong breeze overnight, which may have contributed to my nightmares. Good day's sail, we let the anchor go behind Broulee Island at 3:30pm. The chart blotter shows our anchorage and depth, hopefully they will both still be the same in the morning. Strong wind warning for morning!!

Where are you Dad?

2009-04-25T15:53:00.002+10:00

Leading light.

2009-04-24T14:45:00.003+10:00

Pictured are the Bermagui leads. Leads are used to enter and leave a port or harbour. The idea is that when the the leads are in line you are on the correct course to enter or exit. A prayer can also be used in conjunction with the leads!

April 24th - 2:15pm, I can hear the forecast before I can see or feel it. A quiet afternoon reading down below, is interrupted by an increasing humming through the boats rigging. Our invitation to stay has arrived. Local knowledge has us staying until at least Monday.

SOMEONE HAS TO DO IT!

2009-04-23T14:08:00.003+10:00

Scones jam and cream.

2009-04-23T13:34:00.003+10:00

22nd April- Left Eden 7:30am to little wind and a very uncomfortable swell. The wind did build a little but was on the nose, the swell also built to 3plus mts but was on the beam(side). We held on and wallowed for near on 10hrs.

The best however, was yet to come; the entrance to Bermagui

harbour is narrow and with reputation, just as we lined up on our final entry an angry green wave broke over the back of the boat, half filling the cockpit.

My entry to Bermagui was a green blur, the scones jam and cream however, had made it.

Second Thoughts

2009-04-21T07:56:00.000+10:00

Would you go to sea with this man?

Or this one?

At least the food is good.

The 11th April.

2009-04-20T15:22:00.000+10:00

The 11th April was always a long way away and now it's along time ago. After passing through the Heads via Rye on the 12th, it was a long and tiring day and night. We ran a 4hrs on and 2hrs off watch. The Prom arrived at the same time as dawn, the daylight was a blessing, I was a little confused as to our position.

The granite boulders at the Prom are amazing. Most can't see the graffiti on them, for those few who can read it, I am told it says God.

A glorious day belied the weather to come, the forecast demanded a two day stay at Refuge Cove.

The weather came and did not disappoint. The boat is dragging the anchor and needs to be moved. It all happened at once, the sequence is unclear. The anchor is on the way down, a squall hits, the motor stalled, the rain is heavy, the dinghy rope is wrapped around the prop, and the dinghy is wedged under the stern.

The scenario is far from perfect. Dal puts his hand up to go over the side to cut away the dinghy and clear the prop.

Why would anyone want to do this?

17th- Off to Eden. A blurred day led into a star covered night, the stars are so rich and thick they remind me of a butterscotch sauce being drizzled over a Sunday pudding.

I have blanked the next two days from my memory. The trip across the paddock does not need to be revisited.

19th- Arrived Eden 3pm. Why would anyone want to do this?

The Journey Continues.

2009-03-25T19:06:00.001+11:00

On the 11th April Gerry, Dallas and myself leave Melbourne to circumnavigate Australia on Gerry's boat, Fair Dinkum. (See link).

Pictured is the view of Melbourne, leaving down the Yarra. I wonder how I will feel the next time I see it on the 11th April.

Our plan is simple, or more correctly, we don't have one. It will take the best part of the day to sail from Docklands to the southern end of the Bay. Slack water at the Heads is at 7:40am on the 12th; that is the time for us to go. We will anchor in Refuge Cove at the Prom for a day or so and then make our way to Eden. From there, we wait and see.