Hi to everyone,
We set sail out of Yamba seaway on 13/4/08 bound for the Gold Coast & the Lightwave Regatta. Had a few days in Bums Bay then on to the Regatta which was a blinding success as usual( weather was very wet & windy) but we had a ball. Lightwave sure know how to host a Regatta and was great to catch up with other Lightwave mates.
Sunday (20/4/08) stayed at Dunwich & explored some of the island on Monday before heading over to Deception Bay and then next day on up to Mooloolaba where we had to replace our battery bank. Left M’laba on 23/4 for Tin Can Bay & had a magic sail all the way so naturally expected a good bar crossing. WRONG! An absolute washing machine! anchored at Elbow Point then on up to Gary’s anchorage for a couple of days with Lyn & Chris (Out of the Blue ll) . A very sad last day there as our shore BBQ died so we RIP’d it at Garys.
Finally left Garys, stayed o’nite at Kingfisher resort then on up to Bundaberg o’nite then Pancake creek. We were on our way out of Pancake when we got a weather report of a strong NE so about turn & stayed another day.
Stayed next night at Hummocky island (very swelly) then onto my beloved Keppels. SAD SAD sight! totally closed down coz the bloke who owns it has gone bankrupt and everything just boarded up, swimming pools full of mud & debris. What a tragic mess. So we just had a couple of days around at Svendsens beach & off up to Pearl bay. We have had the most perfect weather & sailing. S.E. 10-20 knots everyday.
Left Pearl Bay on 10/5 and once again had a magic sail to beautiful Hexham island, left there on 12/5 & overnighted at Hunter island where Kev managed to harvest 2 dozen huge oysters for our entree. HOWEVER as he was gathering oysters he disturbed a nest of 12 snakes!! You can imagine his surprise & he said ‘Golly Gosh’ or something like that!!
Left Hunter 14/5 and sailed to Curlew island. What a lovely lovely island. Just when we think it can’t get any better, it does.
Next day sailed to Mackay for a couple of days in Marina to provision & get a new shore BBQ, washing etc.
So left Mackay on 19/5 and ended up dropping anchor that afternoon at the Newry islands. WOW what an interesting place. First settled in 1890 & they built a resort there in the 1930’s which operated until the 1960’s. Now National Parks land but they have done a very good job of keeping the old buildings & heritage of the place in good order. A real find for us.
So next day sailed over to lovely Thomas island for the night then onto Whitehaven beach and now very happily anchored in Cid harbour (Whitsundays).
So far we have travelled 752 nautical miles (1500 kms) & had wonderful weather. My! how different to last year!
The boat is just amazing (thanks Roger & Nathan) & we are very fit & well. Simba is loving it & has really got his sea legs (all 4 of them). We hope this letter finds you all well & happy.
Lotsa love Paddy, Kev & Simba