Wow! It’s been about a week since we last posted a report. Problem was, we have been more than 60 nm offshore and hence, no mobile, and therefore no internet or VHF reception (which is quite liberating!)
OK kids, no reason to call in Marine Rescue (called Coast Guard in Queensland), we are still alive and kicking and enjoying every moment of this journey.
So, to catch up: After cleaning out Woollie’s and Dan Murphy’s in Yeppoon, and forgetting to do our early vote for the federal election, we set forth towards the Great Barrier Reef. First stop was just South of the Defence Force artillery area, where we ran out of reception. We anchored in Pearl Bay after a 50 nm run and popped a bottle of Spanish sparkling wine to celebrate tenants in all our investment properties and a bonus payment from Coldbuster for increased sales of 31% compared to the same quarter a year ago.
It was a bit of a windy and rocky night, so we sailed to Hunter island in the Duke group the next day, where we anchored in the lee for a quiet night. The next day was a doddle, with the current taking us out to sea at 10.5 knots to South Percy Island where we anchored on the North shore to seek shelter from the predicted 30 knot Southerly, in the lee of the island.
We had a good anchorage just outside the fringing reef in sand, in about 10m of water. Saturday was very relaxed whilst we sat out this buster, in sunshine and in the nuddy as we were the only boat in sight. “Tight lines” Schady managed to catch 2 coral trout and a potato cod for dinner. They looked decidedly undersized after their heads and the tails were removed by the fish woman.
On Sunday we lifted anchor and had a wonderful sail to Digby island where we arrived at 3pm. We had an appalling night with currents on the beam, rocking the boat. We were glad to lift anchor today and had a good sail in an Easterly to Mackay harbour where we are in the marina tonight. Beware of the Hay Point coal loader – we sailed through an ocean parking area of 28 huge cargo vessels waiting in line to be loaded!
Glad to be back in reception – tomorrow, we are taking the bus into town to do some shopping before we sail North to the Whitsundays. Cheers!
Hi Annie and Dirk, we just getting together with Vic and Gale tonight for some fush and chups to chat about our Whitsundays experience!!! Woohoo can’t wait not long to go ;) stay safe Frank. I’m impressed with the fish Annie ……they’re more tender when they’re small!
Sounds amazing..!
We enjoy the blog and are pleased you are both safe. Not far to the Whitsundays!