Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Wednesday 31st October
One of the more navigationally challenging days. We came through the Narrows north of Gladstone which involves taking the boat over land that at low tide is 2.5 metres above sea level. It’s all a bit counter-intuitive really so I delegated the brain work to Pam which at least meant if we went aground and got stuck for three weeks I had someone to blame. She did a splendid job and despite dragging the keel though the odd cow pat and clipping a fence post or two we emerged at Gladstone.
We’d been warned about plagues of sandflies . However with most of Woolworths stock of mosquito coils and citronella candles ablaze we kept the insects at bay. A passing farmer mistook us for a catholic church and wanted to light a candle.
Not much happening on the fishing front. Seems easier to go to the fish co-op or Woolies.
Next stop Bundaberg
One of the more navigationally challenging days. We came through the Narrows north of Gladstone which involves taking the boat over land that at low tide is 2.5 metres above sea level. It’s all a bit counter-intuitive really so I delegated the brain work to Pam which at least meant if we went aground and got stuck for three weeks I had someone to blame. She did a splendid job and despite dragging the keel though the odd cow pat and clipping a fence post or two we emerged at Gladstone.
We’d been warned about plagues of sandflies . However with most of Woolworths stock of mosquito coils and citronella candles ablaze we kept the insects at bay. A passing farmer mistook us for a catholic church and wanted to light a candle.
Not much happening on the fishing front. Seems easier to go to the fish co-op or Woolies.
Next stop Bundaberg
Friday, October 26, 2007
Saturday 27th Oct
So after more engineering in Mackay we now have a ‘vented loop’ in the engine cooling water system. Yes, yes I know all you budding marine diesel engineers will be asking why we didn’t already have one. Well it had something to do with the old eutectic plumbing and was overlooked in the last engineering project, all right?. So stop being a bunch of smart arses. Remember no one likes a smart arse.
Left Mackay at 05.30 last Wednesday and of course no breeze and the current against us meant we spent twelve hours listening to every noise coming from the engine. Seawater in the cylinders can’t improve a diesel’s longevity.
Middle Percy is a top spot but of course that means it’s also like a parking lot for cruising boats. For the boating minded there was also a 6 metre tidal range which places certain demands on anchoring.
Rolled around all night and left along with 10 other boats for Island Head Creek looking forward to a more comfortable night.
Pleasant enough sail in the afternoon after a morning spent motoring into the standard 2.5 knots of counter current.
Needed a bit of care entering the creek between the rocks and a hard place but the hospitality shown by the locals was immense. Clouds of sandflies greeted us on arrival and stayed with us until we escaped at 5.30am the following morning. A swim would have been nice but there’s the box-jellyfish, Iragandji and of course crocodiles. A walk on the beach maybe? But you must consider stone fish, toe-cutter fish and the stinging Gympie tree. All right look it up. So we took our chances with the sandflies. They seem altogether less likely to be fatal.
Yesterday usual stuff, current against us all morning. Gave thanks to the weather god when finally some breeze came up around midday. He over shot a bit as it built to 20-25. Keppel Bay is shallow which makes for interesting seas. Notice how that word ‘interesting’ crops up again and again. Went round the back of North Keppel to get the main down. This was where we nearly ended our cruise. In the process of getting the main sorted we’d edged a bit closer to the rocks than we thought. So when we resumed our track the isolated rock off the S.W. corner was dead in our path. Fortunately it was low tide and there was just enough wash around it to announce its presence. The GPS suggests we were only a few metres from disaster. Would have been a bit embarrassing to scuttle the boat on a rock marked on all the charts.
Surfed into Rosslyn Bay on breaking waves and redeemed ourselves by sailing under bare poles neatly into the marina berth.
Today we get to change the oil yet again. To be sure to be sure. Pam goes up the mast to do a check of the top of the rig as we found a split pin had failed at the bottom of the forestay. If she’s well behaved I’ll let her come down again.
Next decision is where to from here. The Narrows through to Gladstone is famous for sandflies and mosquitoes and if it blows like a bastard from the N.E. Pancake Creek and 1770 aren’t terribly appealing so it might be straight through to Bundaberg.ober
So after more engineering in Mackay we now have a ‘vented loop’ in the engine cooling water system. Yes, yes I know all you budding marine diesel engineers will be asking why we didn’t already have one. Well it had something to do with the old eutectic plumbing and was overlooked in the last engineering project, all right?. So stop being a bunch of smart arses. Remember no one likes a smart arse.
Left Mackay at 05.30 last Wednesday and of course no breeze and the current against us meant we spent twelve hours listening to every noise coming from the engine. Seawater in the cylinders can’t improve a diesel’s longevity.
Middle Percy is a top spot but of course that means it’s also like a parking lot for cruising boats. For the boating minded there was also a 6 metre tidal range which places certain demands on anchoring.
Rolled around all night and left along with 10 other boats for Island Head Creek looking forward to a more comfortable night.
Pleasant enough sail in the afternoon after a morning spent motoring into the standard 2.5 knots of counter current.
Needed a bit of care entering the creek between the rocks and a hard place but the hospitality shown by the locals was immense. Clouds of sandflies greeted us on arrival and stayed with us until we escaped at 5.30am the following morning. A swim would have been nice but there’s the box-jellyfish, Iragandji and of course crocodiles. A walk on the beach maybe? But you must consider stone fish, toe-cutter fish and the stinging Gympie tree. All right look it up. So we took our chances with the sandflies. They seem altogether less likely to be fatal.
Yesterday usual stuff, current against us all morning. Gave thanks to the weather god when finally some breeze came up around midday. He over shot a bit as it built to 20-25. Keppel Bay is shallow which makes for interesting seas. Notice how that word ‘interesting’ crops up again and again. Went round the back of North Keppel to get the main down. This was where we nearly ended our cruise. In the process of getting the main sorted we’d edged a bit closer to the rocks than we thought. So when we resumed our track the isolated rock off the S.W. corner was dead in our path. Fortunately it was low tide and there was just enough wash around it to announce its presence. The GPS suggests we were only a few metres from disaster. Would have been a bit embarrassing to scuttle the boat on a rock marked on all the charts.
Surfed into Rosslyn Bay on breaking waves and redeemed ourselves by sailing under bare poles neatly into the marina berth.
Today we get to change the oil yet again. To be sure to be sure. Pam goes up the mast to do a check of the top of the rig as we found a split pin had failed at the bottom of the forestay. If she’s well behaved I’ll let her come down again.
Next decision is where to from here. The Narrows through to Gladstone is famous for sandflies and mosquitoes and if it blows like a bastard from the N.E. Pancake Creek and 1770 aren’t terribly appealing so it might be straight through to Bundaberg.ober
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Mackay 23rd Day before departure south
Checked everything possible during the 10 days we have been pinned to the marina in Mackay. Oh yes you have, oh no you haven’t. It’s like a bloody Punch and Judy show. Then checked the oil for the four hundredth time. Water in it again. Another schadenfreude moment, for those attuned to the concept. Sell the boat I say and enough. We fly home and leave it all to someone else to sort out. Enough is enough. That was this morning, at 10am, it is now 7.22pm and we have spent the day running back and forward to the mechanic to find out what is going on. Finally talked the mechanic into coming take a look and at least help us to solve the problem. He arrived and drew a diagram of how the engine worked and what happened. He then explained what to do and how to do it. Bought all the gear and we followed instructions.
We sail on the morning tide. Nervously
Give me a home where the buffalos roam……….
We stay friendly with the water police, coast guard and all other boating persons. Even if they play loud music.
Over and sodding out
Checked everything possible during the 10 days we have been pinned to the marina in Mackay. Oh yes you have, oh no you haven’t. It’s like a bloody Punch and Judy show. Then checked the oil for the four hundredth time. Water in it again. Another schadenfreude moment, for those attuned to the concept. Sell the boat I say and enough. We fly home and leave it all to someone else to sort out. Enough is enough. That was this morning, at 10am, it is now 7.22pm and we have spent the day running back and forward to the mechanic to find out what is going on. Finally talked the mechanic into coming take a look and at least help us to solve the problem. He arrived and drew a diagram of how the engine worked and what happened. He then explained what to do and how to do it. Bought all the gear and we followed instructions.
We sail on the morning tide. Nervously
Give me a home where the buffalos roam……….
We stay friendly with the water police, coast guard and all other boating persons. Even if they play loud music.
Over and sodding out
Monday, October 22, 2007
Monday 22nd October
I think this is our 11th day in Mackay stuck fast to the marina berth while the wind blows like a bastard from the direction in which we’d like to travel. Looks like one more day to go and then we’ll hoist all sail and go with the north easter. That anyway is the plan. The other really cunning plan, a plan so cunning that you could put a tail on it and call it a weasel, is that I plan to reverse out of the harbour. That way the angry weather god will be fooled into believing we are actually traveling north thus causing the wind to blow from that direction. Let you know how it goes.
The good thing about being stuck in Mackay is that there is a Surf Club, a Yacht Club, a tavern and a path connecting them.
We have varnished everything in sight, cleaned the bilge, changed the oil, lubricated the quadrant, tightened the stern gland, then loosened the stern gland because I’d tightened it too much. We’ve charged the batteries, fixed the loose connection in the water pump, cleaned out the lockers, swung the compass, checked the oil, water and raw water strainer 73 times. We’ve even polished the topsides and checked every cell in every battery with a hydrometer. I’ve done every cryptic crossword in every newspaper, read a library and composed three piano concertos. Alright Concerti.
The Beefburger at the Yacht club is called a Big Kahuna.
Apart from that I have nothing to say.
I think this is our 11th day in Mackay stuck fast to the marina berth while the wind blows like a bastard from the direction in which we’d like to travel. Looks like one more day to go and then we’ll hoist all sail and go with the north easter. That anyway is the plan. The other really cunning plan, a plan so cunning that you could put a tail on it and call it a weasel, is that I plan to reverse out of the harbour. That way the angry weather god will be fooled into believing we are actually traveling north thus causing the wind to blow from that direction. Let you know how it goes.
The good thing about being stuck in Mackay is that there is a Surf Club, a Yacht Club, a tavern and a path connecting them.
We have varnished everything in sight, cleaned the bilge, changed the oil, lubricated the quadrant, tightened the stern gland, then loosened the stern gland because I’d tightened it too much. We’ve charged the batteries, fixed the loose connection in the water pump, cleaned out the lockers, swung the compass, checked the oil, water and raw water strainer 73 times. We’ve even polished the topsides and checked every cell in every battery with a hydrometer. I’ve done every cryptic crossword in every newspaper, read a library and composed three piano concertos. Alright Concerti.
The Beefburger at the Yacht club is called a Big Kahuna.
Apart from that I have nothing to say.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Return trip. 7th to 16th Oct
Left Airlie on a perfect day and motor sailed to Daydream to stop and have a look around as we had heard they had a pool with sharks and stringrays. Of course I imagined large sharks but in fact they were two feet long and we saw bigger string rays in the ocean and a lot closer.
Half an hour and we had had our fill of resorts and headed south to Happy Bay for the evening. Spent a couple of hours bobbing around in the wash of the resort boats giving rubber tube rides to the locals before the sunset and everything calmed.
Next morning we were feeling a little happier about finding a bay with no rent a yachts or grockle boats as the kids called them. The southern anchorage of Shaw Island proved to be just the spot and when we arrived, there were only two boats in the bay and then they left about 11.30am and then it was just us and nature. And what a beautiful place, clear turquoise water with fish splashing about and some really large rays glided past as we floated around in this tranquil setting and not another boat or human in sight. Stayed two nights and did quite a bit of work around the boat in the mornings then swam in the afternoons.
On then to Thomas Island and thinking we would relive the lovely vibes we got on our last visit north only to round the headland and see the whole bay full of boats. As it is only a small bay you are right on top of each other. We thought we would stay a day anyway and managed to poke our way through to the beach and drop anchor and to our utter amazement a huge stinkboat came steaming through and dropped right in front of us and then the next morning proceeded to run his generator for the whole morning. So much for peace and quite.
We did meet a delightful family from a Bavaria 39 on our dingy ride to the beach and then met ashore for coconut boules and a lot of laughs. We had an invite back to their boat for dinner and more laughs teaching them The Moose and The Caribou game. Stayed with them for the next 3 days and had lots of laughs and fun and what a great exit from the Whitsundays.
Of course when you plan to go to certain Islands on your way to Mackay the weather decides to change those plans and blow strongly from the South East so all our anchorages we decided to visit were in the wrong place and so it was a days sail to Mackay instead of an Island hop.
We have to stay here now until at least the 19th as the Military have closed a certain part of the coast for firing exercises, till the 21st and unless you want a bullet up your bum or 3 months in Jail then you don’t go into these zones. The option is to sail over night outside the area but we want to go to Island head Creek which we missed on the way up. So until then we sit in Mackay with the winds howling overhead and the sun shining hotly. On the night of our arrival a huge and spectacular thunder and lightning storm welcomed us into Port, washed the boat and wet my bed, but what a show. Pam Clear
He says………
I can see why the majority of cruising boats have already moved south. Notices to Mariners tells us that Shoalwater Bay is closed for live firing exercises which takes out (for the geographically inclined) Island head Creek, Pearl Bay and Port Clinton. Penalty for entering these areas includes, but is not limited to, 3 months in the pokey. Then Canoe Pass and Strong Tide Pass plus the Cannibal Group are closed until 20 something November. Wild Duck, South Percy, St Bees, High Peak and Turn Islands are then all closed for live firing at things like rabbits and goats. So in addition to the usual vagaries of wind and tide one has to factor this lot in assuming you don’t fancy an exocet up your quarterberth.
The disappointment with regards to fishing continues. The crew has now lost most of her lures, traces, weights, swivels and hooks. She retains only her enthusiasm. I remind her that the definition of insanity is repeating the same action and expecting a different outcome. Also there’s a fish shop up the road.
For my part, given that we’re here for a week or so, I intend to swell the number of members at the Mackay Yacht Club by one. It’s hot here and dehydration is the enemy. One must be constantly vigilant.
This part of the coast is covered by the Thirsty Sound Coastguard.
It’s a sign.
Over and out.
Left Airlie on a perfect day and motor sailed to Daydream to stop and have a look around as we had heard they had a pool with sharks and stringrays. Of course I imagined large sharks but in fact they were two feet long and we saw bigger string rays in the ocean and a lot closer.
Half an hour and we had had our fill of resorts and headed south to Happy Bay for the evening. Spent a couple of hours bobbing around in the wash of the resort boats giving rubber tube rides to the locals before the sunset and everything calmed.
Next morning we were feeling a little happier about finding a bay with no rent a yachts or grockle boats as the kids called them. The southern anchorage of Shaw Island proved to be just the spot and when we arrived, there were only two boats in the bay and then they left about 11.30am and then it was just us and nature. And what a beautiful place, clear turquoise water with fish splashing about and some really large rays glided past as we floated around in this tranquil setting and not another boat or human in sight. Stayed two nights and did quite a bit of work around the boat in the mornings then swam in the afternoons.
On then to Thomas Island and thinking we would relive the lovely vibes we got on our last visit north only to round the headland and see the whole bay full of boats. As it is only a small bay you are right on top of each other. We thought we would stay a day anyway and managed to poke our way through to the beach and drop anchor and to our utter amazement a huge stinkboat came steaming through and dropped right in front of us and then the next morning proceeded to run his generator for the whole morning. So much for peace and quite.
We did meet a delightful family from a Bavaria 39 on our dingy ride to the beach and then met ashore for coconut boules and a lot of laughs. We had an invite back to their boat for dinner and more laughs teaching them The Moose and The Caribou game. Stayed with them for the next 3 days and had lots of laughs and fun and what a great exit from the Whitsundays.
Of course when you plan to go to certain Islands on your way to Mackay the weather decides to change those plans and blow strongly from the South East so all our anchorages we decided to visit were in the wrong place and so it was a days sail to Mackay instead of an Island hop.
We have to stay here now until at least the 19th as the Military have closed a certain part of the coast for firing exercises, till the 21st and unless you want a bullet up your bum or 3 months in Jail then you don’t go into these zones. The option is to sail over night outside the area but we want to go to Island head Creek which we missed on the way up. So until then we sit in Mackay with the winds howling overhead and the sun shining hotly. On the night of our arrival a huge and spectacular thunder and lightning storm welcomed us into Port, washed the boat and wet my bed, but what a show. Pam Clear
He says………
I can see why the majority of cruising boats have already moved south. Notices to Mariners tells us that Shoalwater Bay is closed for live firing exercises which takes out (for the geographically inclined) Island head Creek, Pearl Bay and Port Clinton. Penalty for entering these areas includes, but is not limited to, 3 months in the pokey. Then Canoe Pass and Strong Tide Pass plus the Cannibal Group are closed until 20 something November. Wild Duck, South Percy, St Bees, High Peak and Turn Islands are then all closed for live firing at things like rabbits and goats. So in addition to the usual vagaries of wind and tide one has to factor this lot in assuming you don’t fancy an exocet up your quarterberth.
The disappointment with regards to fishing continues. The crew has now lost most of her lures, traces, weights, swivels and hooks. She retains only her enthusiasm. I remind her that the definition of insanity is repeating the same action and expecting a different outcome. Also there’s a fish shop up the road.
For my part, given that we’re here for a week or so, I intend to swell the number of members at the Mackay Yacht Club by one. It’s hot here and dehydration is the enemy. One must be constantly vigilant.
This part of the coast is covered by the Thirsty Sound Coastguard.
It’s a sign.
Over and out.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Wednesday 3rd October
Back on air again at South Molle, so time to let you know we are still in the land of the living and just about to spend out last night in here before heading to Airlie to reprovision and embark on our arduous journey south. After the girls flew out we went around to Cid Harbour and met up with Irish friends from Melbourne and had a very funny and long day, night, starting at 2pm for drinks and ending about 11pm. Most precarious trying to scramble in and out of dingys in the dark after a few too many sherberts. One could do a Natalie Wood and slip away very quietly….no fuss
Have had a great time the last week and sailed and motored to Blue Pearl Bay in convoy with Destiny 3. Donned all the snorkeling gear and jumped in.While swimming around enjoying the coral and different varieties of fish, I nearly choked when this huge shape loomed up to me I thought it was a shark, and then Nick tapped me on the shoulder and I rose up and walked across water. The shape was a Maori Wrass and after overcoming my initial shock was quite happy to follow it around for a while.
Same day we heard that Jen was doing a diving course in Thailand and diving to 35 meters….perish the thought, but we were on tenterhooks until we realized that the last day had come and gone and no dire phone call. AND just when you think its safe to come out she rings us and says she’s booked in for an advanced 3 day course. End of second day they lost one of the girls in one of the other groups and so Jen didn’t do the last day as they still hadn’t found her and she was presumed drowned…shades of the Lonigans!!
She is now safely home so one can relax a little now.
Dumbell Island was by far the best fish and coral we saw and enjoyed going back for a second snorkel. We stopped at lots of little beaches with coral fringing reefs and spent evenings sitting on beaches with a chardonnay as the sun set.
Fishing Notes. Lost two more lures to monstesr, so have to go to Airlie to reprovision lines. Dingy caught three garfish the other night so at least something is winning against the fish. Still waiting for the taste of Barbecued Mackerel. Believe there is a great fish and chip shop at Airlie just behind the yacht club ……so that’s where we’re heading tonight
…………..and from me not much to add except I worked out a rough schedule for the return journey and it has us back in Sydney in the first half of December. All weather dependent and influenced by such vagaries as discovering the Shoalwater Bay area is off limits from 11-21 October due to military exercises. Don’t fancy ending our trip with a torpedo up our transom so will stay well clear.
No return of water in the engine oil. So that’s a plus.
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Back on air again at South Molle, so time to let you know we are still in the land of the living and just about to spend out last night in here before heading to Airlie to reprovision and embark on our arduous journey south. After the girls flew out we went around to Cid Harbour and met up with Irish friends from Melbourne and had a very funny and long day, night, starting at 2pm for drinks and ending about 11pm. Most precarious trying to scramble in and out of dingys in the dark after a few too many sherberts. One could do a Natalie Wood and slip away very quietly….no fuss
Have had a great time the last week and sailed and motored to Blue Pearl Bay in convoy with Destiny 3. Donned all the snorkeling gear and jumped in.While swimming around enjoying the coral and different varieties of fish, I nearly choked when this huge shape loomed up to me I thought it was a shark, and then Nick tapped me on the shoulder and I rose up and walked across water. The shape was a Maori Wrass and after overcoming my initial shock was quite happy to follow it around for a while.
Same day we heard that Jen was doing a diving course in Thailand and diving to 35 meters….perish the thought, but we were on tenterhooks until we realized that the last day had come and gone and no dire phone call. AND just when you think its safe to come out she rings us and says she’s booked in for an advanced 3 day course. End of second day they lost one of the girls in one of the other groups and so Jen didn’t do the last day as they still hadn’t found her and she was presumed drowned…shades of the Lonigans!!
She is now safely home so one can relax a little now.
Dumbell Island was by far the best fish and coral we saw and enjoyed going back for a second snorkel. We stopped at lots of little beaches with coral fringing reefs and spent evenings sitting on beaches with a chardonnay as the sun set.
Fishing Notes. Lost two more lures to monstesr, so have to go to Airlie to reprovision lines. Dingy caught three garfish the other night so at least something is winning against the fish. Still waiting for the taste of Barbecued Mackerel. Believe there is a great fish and chip shop at Airlie just behind the yacht club ……so that’s where we’re heading tonight
…………..and from me not much to add except I worked out a rough schedule for the return journey and it has us back in Sydney in the first half of December. All weather dependent and influenced by such vagaries as discovering the Shoalwater Bay area is off limits from 11-21 October due to military exercises. Don’t fancy ending our trip with a torpedo up our transom so will stay well clear.
No return of water in the engine oil. So that’s a plus.
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