25th Saturday
Looks like we will be here till next Tuesday as the weather is not improving and with the Indonesian boat being washed up on Rainbow beach in the Storm a few days ago, who wants to go out in that when you can sit on the lawn and enjoy a very nice BBQ and meet all the other stranded yachties. Three American couples we met have lived on their boats for 10, 12, and 21 yrs. Another couple we met from Bne who are very nice and of course we ended up spending the afternoon of their boat chatting and drinking…….What else can one do under these storm conditions.
Listened to the plight of another boat which was in trouble off the north of Fraser Island with a couple and two cats on board. They had no food and hadn’t eaten for weeks. Left New Zealand for Bundaberg 6 weeks ago. Was dismasted 4 days out from NZ and then found out that their diesel was contaminated so had no engine. For 6 weeks they have been drifting along being becalmed then ran into all these storms which we have been experiencing safely tied up in the marina. By the time the boat was rescued two days ago they had portholes smashed out and lots of damage. Think I would give up and go home, but at least they are safe now.



Monday20th – Friday 24th Bundaberg
I suppose there are worse places to be stuck. The Bundaberg Port marina is a reasonably pleasant place and a courtesy bus runs us into town when the mood takes us and The Blue Water Boat Club at Burnett Heads provides an insight into local society. Meanwhile a low pressure system ensures that we stay put. A yacht heading to Bundaberg was dismasted yesterday and another one seems to have sailed into Rainbow beach. Handy reminders to exercise patience. We’re provisioning today in the hope that we can get going again on Sunday in which case we should be at Great Keppel on Monday or Tuesday. Thence, for any interested navigators, to Pearl Bay, Percy Islands, Scawfell and the Whitsundays.



Monday 20th North White Cliffs to Bundaberg

Had the wet weather gear, complete with ski socks and seaboots, out this morning. Given our proximity to the tropic of Capricorn is this yet more evidence for climate change? Now in the Burnett River dangerously close to the rum factory. It’s blowing like a bastard and gale warnings are rampant. Best day’s sail yet though. Would definitely have got the double in the GFS twilight. Ray struggles with anything over 20knots so had to share the steering. Between us I got the top speed but Ray got the best hour’s run. It’s hard work steering for hour after hour but as someone once said, “I feel no pain dear Mother now, but O what a terrible thirst”

Pam’s fishing notes: no trolling- no fish……..But a short walk to the Bundaberg fish co-op…….fresh prawns and other yummy things on the menu for tomorrow. Thought I may buy a crab net and see what wonders I can catch!!!


Pam’s fishing notes: Crab net purchased then found we had one on board so two now….look out crabs

This is one of the nicest Marina’s with good facilities and little seafood cafe. Very friendly people in boats around us waiting to take off north, so it will be a flotilla that leaves here when the weather permits. We’re just mooching and taking time out to do jobs around the boat and generally clean up. Today the Marina is putting on a free lunch time BBQ so when we get back from town will saunter up and join in.