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.