Double Bubble

Tue Dec 27 19:43 2022 NZDT
GPS: 19 15.179S 146 49.455E
Weather: Overcast - 27 deg, 5kn SE 1002 baro

Well Merry Christmas to all & hope you had as much fun as we did. We were fortunate enough to be invited up to Frenchs Beach (near Ingham - 1&1/2hrs north & spend the day & night there so no driving. Lots of great food, with great company (the usual suspects) & fun games of croquet & quoits, and out there disco dancing, hysterical! So the saga of the anchor winch continues, as the new motor was a dud & so now waiting for FedEx to return to work & deliver part motor to replace the dud section which has been in Sydney for 9 days now, so needless to say we have not been able to take boat out. I got a present sent from Denmark- Europe in less time & still waiting for a present from Victoria, all order on the same day, very poor. I'm not sure what will happen with this "yit" website if it will continue to work as there is no 2023 across the top, I'm hoping if you click on "All" (after 2022) it will allow you to view it, if you view on a mobile turn phone sideways. This site closed down 2 years ago & I've been allowed to continue to use it, if it no longer works I will have to find another way perhaps a facebook page, so maybe google Double Bubble for entry after New Years day, if nothing appears on Yit.nz, stay safe have a great New Year, cheers Kath


Happy skipper!
Rod, Tyler, Lanise, Lisa, Stuart & Phil.
Game on, playing for sheep stations it was not, great fun!
Lisa did the seafood, oysters kilpatrick, prawns, bugs & the pavlova!
Stuart kicking back blowing bubbles!
Lanise in her new dress I made & reindeer ears!
Wed Dec 14 12:42 2022 NZDT
GPS: 19 15.179S 146 49.455E
Run: 684.6nm (1239.1km)
Weather: Partly cloudy - 33 deg 5kn W 1000 baro

Apologies for delay, I do try to keep it to f/nightly updates whilst in marinas. So today is the big day, finally the motor & reversing solenoid for the anchor winch has arrived & Rod has been flat out wiring, cutting holes, running new wires, (so it can be dropped remotely) painting the locker, cleaning & painting anchor winch unit etc & now we will put up a shade cover to install unit back in it's hole on deck. I've done nothing but sit in front of a sewing machine making effectively 20 bean bag cushions, 10 finished products & now moving on to 3 dresses for a friend. We also dressed the boat with 1500 fairy lights, a gift from a friend (he wants an outboard cover made) ready for marina christmas party.


Anchor winch motor, all clean & painted.
Actually made 10 with tethers so they don't blow off for Raggamuffin 3.
Had a birthday party onboard for Lanise (2nd from left).
Christmas fairy lights.
Lisa & I dressed for maina party I came 2nd.
Our prize for fairy lights, we came 2nd again.
Thu Nov 24 22:20 2022 NZDT
GPS: 27 24.383S 152 57.566E
Run: 684.6nm (1239.1km)
Weather: Past sunset, ergo dark, currently 22 deg, ..cold!

So I can't see the wind speed/direction or the barometer reading as I've been in Brisbane since the 14th Nov, doing my annual slave fest for my friend Michelle, woo hoo, digging in the dirt, where it's been quite cool..(16deg min) so use to FNQ weather. Poor skipper suffering & waking in a sweat at 4am with A/C pump dying, so drama involved there, stay tuned. Well update, at airport now, thankfully Skipper has received new pump for A/C so boat will be nice & cool for my arrival. The motor for the anchor winch was irrepairable so awaiting new motor from NZ. Rod has been keeping up with our friends in the marina, with a nice bbq enjoyed.


I forgot the pic of Lunar eclipse.
Fairy lights up in garden, weird pic!
Front garden.
Tue Nov 8 14:09 2022 NZDT
GPS: 19 15.177S 146 49.457E
Weather: Partly cloudy - 30 deg, 10kn SE 1007 baro.

We certainly have been busy, me slaving away on the sewing machine & making a constant mess, I should point out, all this sewing is on a $139 Elna, not a Sailrite Sewing machine. Skipper has made even more changes (read more expense) changing the saltwater feeding impellor pump for the generator over to a 240v driven NO impellor pump, we think that it will fix the problem of a dry start up on the impellor, thus splitting them (see 14/8/22). Sanded & re-varnished cockpit table & the big job, removed our awesome, "strong as" anchor winch, located some new bushes, pulled it apart, given it a clean & taken the motor to an auto electrician to hopefully work his magic for approx $250, so seriously fingers crossed!


Side covers done, should prevent rain flow into back cockpit.
New cover sewn, should keep temperature down in saloon.
New pump for generator, fitted at lowest point in stbd engine room.
Even made a few drink coasters to prevent drink puddles!
Tue Nov 8 14:09 2022 NZDT
GPS: 19 15.177S 146 49.457E
Weather: Partly cloudy - 30 deg, 10kn SE 1007 baro.

We certainly have been busy, me slaving away on the sewing machine & making a constant mess, whilst skipper has made even more changes (read more expense) changing the saltwater feeding impellor pump for the generator over to a 240v driven NO impellor pump, we think that it will fix the problem of a dry start up on the impellor, thus splitting them.


Mon Oct 24 13:20 2022 NZDT
GPS: 19 15.177S 146 49.457E
Weather: Partly cloudy - 31 deg, 5kn N 1003 baro

So a current update has had us catch up with some friends & get on to our job list. So skipper has upgraded our solar panel to a 400 watt, which put in 29 amps on start up (more than the existing 3 we had all together), so now we're getting 50 amps in total, we assume we can then keep our wine fridge going whilst underway, not necessarily for wine! I have just completed a 90% UV block out shade screen that we can keep up whilst underway, shading cockpit whilst still being able to handle/access mainsheet traveller. So it's now onto additional rain covers at sides (over side entries) completely protecting open cockpit when it rains, of which we had 2 days of, quite pleasant.


And then the rain came.
Castle Hill disappears.
Shade cover (rain covers down behind it).
Our view from cockpit.
Mon Oct 10 13:00 2022 NZDT
GPS: 19 15.180S 146 49.458E
Run: 7.7nm (13.9km)
Weather: Partly cloudy - 29 deg, 20kn SE 1009 baro

Well thats it, we've both cracked it (along with everyone else) how BOM can get it so wrong, weather not going to improve so we've bashed our way across the sea & come into our berth a couple of weeks early & get set for cyclone season.


Sky getting impressive.
Lots of cloud activity.
Pretty.
Sun Oct 9 15:35 2022 NZDT
GPS: 19 08.837S 146 47.085E
Run: 39.6nm (71.7km)
Weather: Partly cloudy - 30 deg, 20kn SE 1008 baro

Worst trip this year BOM says 10 knot E, try 20+ knots SE on the nose, washing machine seas, awful! We have anchored back at Bolger Bay, Maggie Island besides our marina neighbours Sailaway. We had little choice but to go today as it's going to blow incessantly for another week, need to get away from mangroves, full moon tomorrow!


Sat Oct 8 13:00 2022 NZDT
GPS: 18 38.902S 146 29.194E
Run: 21.3nm (38.6km)
Weather: Overcast - 29 deg, 0kn 1010 baro.

We have started our run back to Townsville by departing Haycock Island, Hinchinbrook Channel at 6am arriving at Orpheous Island 10.30am, we will stay here for the night on 1 of 2 mooring buoys and then back to Maggie tomorrow. It is a really pretty prehistoric type place Hinchinbrook but man the bugs, so by the time I finished making 14 screens & perfected the enclosure for the cockpit all hatches have been closed as we have actually been getting rain, something we've seen very little of!


Big overhead clouds.
Magnetic entry (had 2 pinch a couple of metal lures as weights at base!
Sun Oct 2 18:30 2022 NZDT
GPS: 18 28.271S 146 13.215E
Run: 17nm (30.8km)
Weather: Sunny - 30 deg, 6 kn SE 1003 baro WT 27o

So after a lovely sleep, skipper actually got a coffee in bed (rare event) & upon alighting got tripped up in the sheet, fell & smacked his head & shoulder on the bedsit so expecting great bruises! We went for dinghy ride ashore, albeit wary, absolutely no swimming, theres a caged camping area set up there with bbq, showers & water (you have to treat it first), got some great pics! With another blow expected this week we have returned to Haycock Island, midway down the channel saw a hundred "alien" bugs come out of the gaps in the portico, gross, sprayed madly. Thinking of skippers mum today, RIP Coral 5yrs.


Nice rock!
Quite a clear beach, still keeping an eye out.
Bizarre the way its all sand, then poff a couple of rocks!
If only I lined up the cloud too!
If only I lined up the cloud too!
Goold Island in the background.
Sat Oct 1 17:17 2022 NZDT
GPS: 18 13.505S 146 12.782E
Run: 10.1nm (18.3km)
Weather: Partly cloudy - 33 deg, 10kn ENE 1007 baro.

We have left Gayundah (still bugs/midges galore, but much better than on a full moon) & twaddled on up to the top of the channel ( past Cardwell) & gone right, around to Missionary Bay atop of Hinchinbrook Island, quite a pleasant trip, lovely breeze & a couple of good looking beaches which will have to wait until tomorrow as we arrived here near on 2pm & we need to make some water & get organised for a roast for tea & hot showers, oh, finally finished cockpit screen, yay!


Goold Island, we've not stopped there as yet, supposedly a good anchorage.
Beginning of the "Family Islands" "Hudson" to "Dunk Island".
Our new anchorage, go ashore tomorrow.
Bug screen done, not bad for leftover scraps & bits & pieces!
Fri Sep 30 18:53 2022 NZDT
GPS: 18 22.262S 146 12.177E
Run: 7nm (12.7km)
Weather: Partly cloudy - 29 deg, 13kn ENE 1007 baro.

We left from Haycock Is. & went on up the channel to check out other anchorages, went up passed Gayundah creek (eaten there in 2020- full moon) to suss out "Boat Passage" looks good & deep enough just not enough "swinging" room, ideal if you're 30', so turned around & we are now anchored in Gayundah Creek. Still sewing screens!


Pretty vista, looking through screen.
Hinchinbrook & it's many creeks & passages, lots of crocs!
Pretty awsesome vista!
Cockpit screens, not quite finished but will do for now, whilst I make others.
Wed Sep 28 16:18 2022 NZDT
GPS: 18 28.291S 146 13.227E
Run: 21.3nm (38.6km)
Weather: Partly cloudy - 30 deg, 10kn SE 1007 baro

Having departed Orpheus Island we've lined up the lead light & gone over the shallow bank along side the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere, traversed the channel & dropped anchor at Haycock Island in Hinchinbrook Channel, it is really quite beautiful, somewhat prehistoric, much like the oversized bugs, march flys etc! I've commenced fortifying Bubble & have been busily making more screens, just put our large back mozzie screen on, which still needs a few reno's from last trip! Much excitement instantly as skipper spots a crocodile dragging/being dragged by a runaway crab pot, called over some locals, croc dragged himself up onto the island & pot now floating in channel, great!! Trying to get someones attention to retrieve pot so as not wrapping itself around a prop!


Hauntingly Hinchinbrook Island.
Lucinda approach, line up the light, keep white, stray & it's red/green
The other end, jetty is 5.76 km long.
Haycock Island, quite a safe anchorange.
Crocodile between crab pot & float, finally got someone to pick up pot/float.
Tue Sep 27 18:08 2022 NZDT
GPS: 18 38.800S 146 29.254E
Run: 39.7nm (71.9km)
Weather: Sunny - 30 deg, 7kn NNE 1006 baro.

We left Bolger Bay at 8:30 & arrived at Hazard Bay, Orpheus Island 14:30 (we came here the 1st time, near on exactly 2 years ago 25/9/20)! Aim to catch the tide in the morning into Hinchinbrook Channel (near Lucinda).


Cordelia Rock.
Orpheus Resort
Sat Sep 24 17:41 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 08.864S 146 47.129E
Run: 7.7nm (13.9km)
Weather: Sunny - 29 deg, 13kn N 1004 baro.

After a very busy day for us both, skipper giving Bubble a scrub & a bubble bath, I've cleaned, washed etc & grabbed a few more stores, we have departed the marina & come back to Bolger Bay of Maggie to stay in range for a signal to watch the Grand Final.


Caught up with James in the laundry & again for coffee at anchor here.
Fri Sep 23 0:28 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 15.178S 146 49.458E
Run: 10.1nm (18.3km)
Weather: Sunny - 30 deg, 10kn SE 1007 baro

Left Horseshoe Bay came straight over into the marina, fuelled up, gas refilled, loads of washing, shopping, now sitting with Lisa, yay! We decided to spend an extra day as we had a lot to do


Castle Hill approached to marina.
Lisa & I.
With Rod & I, Lisa, Stewie & Coco.
Wed Sep 21 16:30 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 06.619S 146 51.466E
Run: 5.4nm (9.8km)
Weather: Sunny - 30 deg, 11kn NE 1009 baro.

With a change in wind direction we have up anchored & come down to Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island (Maggie)! We got to blow kisses & give a wave to "Big Mama" Lisa out on a charter heading to Picnic Bay, can't wait to catch up & may go into the Breakwater for one night soon to re-load etc & perhaps catch up then. We're thinking about visiting Hinchinbrook channel again soon so we will stock up.


Big Mama passing by.
Horshoe Bay, a few boats here.
Tue Sep 20 16:38 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 09.012S 146 47.230E
Run: 14.5nm (26.2km)
Weather: Sunny - 30 deg, 11kn NNW 1008 baro.

We have moved on past Townsvilles port & continued up along Magnetic islands west coast up to Bolger Bay & despite all weather maps saying wind to be in a NE direction it's a NW onshore!!! I've been wanting to stay here often but am concerned about midges now, we shall see.

As a postscript; fire up mozzie coils @ 4pm & burn whiite sage incense, no bites!!!


Townsville in the distance.
Bolger bay, we will explore tomorrow.
Cool sky.
Mon Sep 19 18:00 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 12.496S 147 00.072E
Run: 61nm (110.4km)
Weather: Sunny - 28 deg, 10 kn NE 1007 baro.

Up at 5am this morning, (just got to sleep at 4) and after 69nm, averaging 7kn we have chosen to drop anchor in Cleveland Bay for the night. We are 2hrs out from Picnic Bay, Magnetic Island & 3 1/2hrs out of Townsville and preferred to get settled in daylight & decide options in the morning, probably into Breakwater, Townsville grab more fuel & maybe go around Maggie Island as we've not been across the top!


View from 1 of the saloon windows.
I just love the colours, mixed w/ clouds.
Cape Cleveland lighthouse, signals you've arried...ish in Townsville.
So close but it's "supposed to be onshore" into Picnic Bay so we'll wait..
Sun Sep 18 16:15 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 43.955S 147 45.254E
Run: 38nm (68.8km)
Weather: Sunny - 31 deg, 9kn NE 1008 baro

Ann came and met us in the marina, very kindly drove us to the shops, droppped us back for a few chores, clean fridge & oven etc, fill up with some water then she came back to show us their new home & catch up with John, & we hope his health continues to improve (a lovely couple) nearly 2years to the date that we last saw then. We departed at 6.15 (goody), love being up early, not! So on an average of 6 knots we moseyed along for 7& a bit hours & dropped anchor in Shark Bay, Cape Upstart (think Home Hill, just below Ayr)! Few more beach shacks since we were here before, about 10 boats.


Lovely still night, midges!
Not so perfect for the "Pies"!
More coral spawning.
Abbot Point jetty, it's huge, 2.75 kilometres offshore.
Perfect day!
A few others here, up early in the morning to continue north.
Fri Sep 16 15:01 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 00.925S 148 15.284E
Run: 29.2nm (52.9km)
Weather: Sunny - 26 deg, 15N kn1007 baro.

Just coming up to the entrance beacons to Bowen Marina (as opposed to anchoring) so we can have a catch up with John & Anne, get a few things & head to Townsville (Magnetic Island), Sunday. Lovely trip up, lots of coral spawn on the top of the water. Bowen marina is not up to the usual standard, we had to move berths as a broken off weathered wooden mooring pole nearly pierced port aft hull, they've put plastic tubs around some of them, which don't really help, it's mostly for fishermen & the Far Nth Cruising Yacht Club has no room at the inn.


Lovely day, happily sloshing!
Lots of coral spawn.
Looking back toward Airlie Beach.
Entering the marina.
The "Pole Moorings" where boats tie up between poles forward & aft.
The thinnest point on this one, is like were the other broken was!
Fri Sep 9 12:09 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 12.585S 148 39.258E
Run: 4.9nm (8.9km)
Weather: Sunny - 28 deg, 5kn SSW 1011 baro.

It has blown 20knots continually whilst at Airlie, we had our final catch up with Duet & other friends who all departed to different destinations down south. So as Duet left a few hours later Martica May arrived (our marina neighbours from Townsville, Mick & Marta so with a great catch up I preceded to spend the next three days making curtains for their saloon, now with that job done & a northerly approaching, we have parted ways, with them heading south (along with hundreds of others) we have come back up to Woodwark Bay (sth of Double Bay, just 2hrs up from Airlie) to wait out this blow & prepare for the northern trip to Queens Bay, Bowen, fitting as we have woken this morning to hear of the Queen's passing, very sad.


Me, Nigel, Rod, Kevin, Kerry Peter & Leanne at final bbq.
Check these out, cute ha!
Still lovely skies
Sitting at bus stop, boat at anchor, all alone!
Looking out of Woodwark Bay.
Side view to the west nor west!
Fri Sep 2 12:48 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 16.019S 148 41.915E
Run: 6.7nm (12.1km)
Weather: Totally overcast - 23 deg, 5kn SE 1011 baro.

11 days later it has stopped blowing 20+ knots for a few hours so we have made our escape from Double Bay back to Airlie Beach for a final catch up with Duet a re-stock of everything and we are out of here, you get 2-3 days (if your lucky) then 10 days of rubbish, over & over since May, with another La Nina coming we have decided to take our chances with a cyclone up north as opposed to down south. We have had the whale & calf at the entrance the whole time just hanging out, very cute & 1 seagull hell bent on living on port pulpit!


Of all the spots to take a rest!
3 jigsaw puzzles & 3 books later!
Became dull & gloomy, waiting for rain (non came).
Then came a clearing.
Skipper doing repairs to stop solenoid.
Back at Airlie very overcast.
Fri Sep 2 12:48 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 16.019S 148 41.915E
Weather: Totally overcast - 23 deg, 5kn SE 1011 baro.

11 days later it has stopped blowing 20+ knots for a few hours so we have made our escape from Double Bay back to Airlie Beach for a final catch up with Duet a re-stock of everything and we are out of here, you get 2-3 days (if your lucky) then 10 days of rubbish, over & over since May, with another La Nina coming we have decided to take our chances with a cyclone up north as opposed to down south.


Tue Aug 23 13:41 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 11.858S 148 37.635E
Run: 6.6nm (11.9km)
Weather: Sunny - 30 deg, 20kn ENE 1011 baro.

We have left Airlie Beach & come north up to Double Bay, with only 1 other boat in here (in our spot), as we came around the corner a mum whale & her calf were splashing about at the entrance, unfortunately we'd already gone passed before skipper spotted them so not the best photo! We have a week of wind heading our way hence the move to tuck in here & just hang out.


Mother & calf.
Glad to be away from the crowd, 25 tenders @ the ramp, a new record.
Cute little Tom Tom (I think).
Still getting specy sunsets!
Thu Aug 18 15:34 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 15.855S 148 41.981E
Run: 16.7nm (30.2km)
Weather: Sunny - 28 deg, 5kn S 1012 baro

We've arrived back in Airlie Beach to drop off Michelle after a fun filled time at Macona Inlet with it's 5 different beaches. Joined up again with Duet for super fun filled time on the beach playing Boccie and back to Double Bubble for curry feast for skippers birthday, Nigel making curried cauliflower & Michelle making 2 curries, slaving away, much mirth & merriment was had by all....very quiet the following day!


Bubble & Duet in the background, tenders to shore for fun times.
Our picnic ashore.
Still waters, inlet to ourselves.
Bocce up and down the beach, great fun.
Girls kicking back.
Great night to finish off a great birthday celebration.
Sun Aug 14 20:36 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 08.733S 148 55.455E
Run: 7nm (12.7km)
Weather: Sunny - 27 deg, 15kn SE 1008 baro

Better late than never, we moved back to Airlie Beach (PROSERPINE ish area) after catching up with Stewie at Cid Harbour and so after collecting our special cargo, best friend ever Michelle, we've moved back to Macona Inlet. We've had fun times with Nige & Kez off Duet in Airlie & will meet up again possibly tomorrow, got a great fireworks display last night for Race week, lots of yachties everywhere, and now anchored near Tip Er Ova & Liquid Insanity, (great name)!


Generator eating impellors again, starts dry issue not resolved...!
Best friends grade 3.
Airlie Beach Race Week fireworks display.
A lot more yachts than usual, normally 60-80 odd here.
Skippers added some more improvements to home made bow roller.
Special eerie night.
Sun Aug 7 17:22 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 14.750S 148 55.950E
Run: 5nm (9.1km)
Weather: Partly cloudy - 32 deg, 11kn SE 1008 baro

After a couple of stunning days enjoyed at Macona Inlet, lots of little beaches, heaps of turtles, still can't get the shot, lots of fish, none caught though (if only it could be like that all the time), but alas the wind is returning for another few days so we have up anchored and are heading back to Cid Harbour - WHITSUNDAY ISLAND, where we know Bubble sits comfortably in 20/25kn SE.


Had the Inlet mostly to ourselves.
As mentioned stunning days.
So quiet & secluded.
Thats a big 1.5m stingray, just his body.
Stewie wizzed down for thhe night for a few rums pre race week.
Some locals doing it differently!
Sat Aug 6 12:45 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 10.996S 148 53.719E
Run: 13.8nm (25km)
Weather: Cloudy - 26 deg, 10kn N 1008 baro.

After a fun few days we have left Airlie & currently underway to Macona Inlet- HOOK ISLAND, as we've not been in here where not sure about signal (I hope so we play today), poor husband may have to send modem up the mast, anyway I thought I would update now just in case. Met up with "Tip Er Over" enroute & there telling us of lots of whales about so, luckily skippers not seen them! So all things anchor winch, thought we'd dodged a bullet as Rod replaced the solenoid in the switch box, sounded good, woo hoo, lifted anchor this morning, still dodgy, so it looks like $1000 for replacement motor which will then have to be altered to fit, or $7000 for a new winch & the footprint will be totally different, both coming from NZ, then that means going into a marina $200 a night in Airlie so...stay tune on that issue. Had a fun night last night at bbq on the beach, met some new boaties & finally met up with "RodKat" a boat that was anchored beside us in Raby Bay at the start of CoVid, nice, fun people!


Did some puppy dog sitting, that's Raff, w/ life jacket on!
Girls versus Guys, girls won, yay! A game called Finska.
Stunning night!
Wed Aug 3 17:03 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 15.791S 148 41.978E
Run: 4.8nm (8.7km)
Weather: Sunny - 27 deg, 15kn E 1010 baro

After a cruddy trip back to Airlie Beach going around the corner from Woodwark Bay (10-15 knots, NOT, more than 25kn) we have finally settled amongst the other 80 odd boats here getting ready for next blow from the north, thats it, thats all it does, blows, blows & then blows some more, had to come back for mail & possible catch up with some special friends arriving soon! Still having issues with anchor winch, looking more like motor than switch, of course, parts not available, will have to see what clever skipper comes up with!


Still pretty sunsets.
Got another jigsaw, done in a day.
Apparently these clouds mean good weather!!!
This is the private resort at Woodwark $10,000 per night, min 3 night stay.
Went for big dinghy stooge around bay crocodile hunting!
Skipper replacing insulation/soundproofing in Generator, disintergrated!
Fri Jul 29 15:46 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 12.512S 148 39.296E
Run: 4.9nm (8.9km)
Weather: Blue skies - 25 deg, 15kn SE 1013 baro.

Status update, the wind has finally eased up so we departed Airlie Beach at 10am, with it's horrible, rolly anchorage and have come around into calm Woodwark Bay 2 1/2hrs later, lovely. We will spend the next few days here for exploring & testing new Celfi Go signal booster, seems pretty good already, was lots of fun trying to solder antenna wire outside in the wind (& no, you would have to completely pull cable through boat). We had issues again with anchor winch today, we've already replaced the deck switch once, skipper has now cleverly made up a remote hand switch to ascertain if problem is switch or winch motor (more expense)! We will hang here for a few days or so, Daystar is here & Duet will join us on Monday, before we head back around for mail.


Lots of coloured night skies & a few red mornings.
View from the boardwalk around Airlie Beach.
That'd be Raff - John & Terrys dog on Daystar 12yrs old.
1000 piece jigsaw, 1 week!
Lovely day.
Pretty blue.
Sun Jul 17 18:33 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 15.868S 148 42.104E
Run: 13.4nm (24.3km)
Weather: Partly cloudy - 27 deg, 10kn ESE

After a not particulary nice trip we have moved back to Airlie Beach to gather up more supplies before hiding from next blow. People that cruise around here yearly have all said they've never seen this much wind & awful weather, still despite being cold it's definitely warmer here than down south. Rod did a trip over to Hamilton Island on Duet to help Nigel collect Kerry from the airport, says we won't be taking Bubble in there, plus it's $200 a night! We had a bakers dozen of mega expensive boats (1 carried 40,000 litres of fuel) worth multi millions, looked like a city at night!


Amazing still night under full moon.
Amazing Super mega yachts easy 30-40 million each!
Hamilton Island entry.
Check out Ricochets paint job, cool huh!
Our little garden, lots of lettuce, heaps of tomatoes, & herbs!
Finally finished, taken me 6 months to stitch this!
Tue Jul 12 10:50 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 14.796S 148 54.458E
Run: 4.5nm (8.1km)
Weather: Partly cloudy - 18deg, 22kn SE 1008

We have left Bauer Bay & charter boat loons & moved over to Cid Harbour - WHITSUNDAY ISLAND (early I might add) to wait out this next blow, can't recall how good internet was so posting now.


Pretty specy!
This is the longer walk around.
Onboard Ebb tide, Carolyn & Trevor.
Lovely evening, pretty skies.
Sun Jul 10 21:23 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 15.511S 148 50.329E
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)
Weather: Dark - 20 deg, 15kn SE 1010 baro

An update purely to upload some pretty cool vista shot's, (especially since I had to endure nature walks) again!!! So minding our own business, doing stuff, I'm down stairs & hear a voice, see hands holding the boat through the open hatch & Rods yakking to someone, tis only one of his best mates from primary school, seriously, dropped his anchor in front of us! I had lots of dealings with his adorable dad Norm & mum Jan through Quins & Searles.


Lovely!
Brand new jetty, all a bit sparkly!
Left over's from the resort, no roof, junk everywhere!
Fabulous resort swimming pool, woo hoo!
Our lovely anchorage, before bareboat charterers move in, ha!
Rod & Trev, seriously, can we go anywhere, without .."Gday Rod"!
Wed Jul 6 17:15 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 15.453S 148 50.423E
Run: 9nm (16.3km)
Weather: Sunny - 26 deg, 0kn 1008 baro

Well just like that the switch was flicked, the rain stopped, the fog lifted & hello blue skies & sunshine, yay! Should not complain as the entire east coast gets hammered again & goodness me did it get a bit chilly, we had to locate, trackies & jumpers, socks & slippies for 15 degree days in the Whitsundays. So with the sun out everyone made mad dashes into town (18 tenders tied up when we arrived), laundromat totally chockers, grab more stores & watch all the boat take off in different directions, Double Bubble dropping anchor in Bauer Bay - SOUTH MOLLE ISLAND, Duet having departing earlier in the day (a 2hour trip here from Airlie Beach. Got a few different jobs done with skipper replacing griller hob he raided from a stove in Breakwater Marina.


Approaching anchorage Bauer Bay.
There's a charter boat out there!
Not used this in 3 years, seriously not use to the cold!
Whole stove disconected, pulled out, hob replaced & back in time for coffee!
Replacement 2nd hand hob.
You get that from time to time.
Mon Jun 27 20:27 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 15.919S 148 42.079E
Run: 0.1nm (0.2km)
Weather: Cloudy - 23 deg, 8kn ESE 1012 baro

Little update, so firstly found a dentist with the lovely Taylor doing a great repair job & didn't cost a fortune, hurrah! We're still waiting for 1 more big blow, expected tomorrow (todays was a bit of a blow out) & then we'll up anchor later in the week, to an, as yet, undetermined destination. Been fairly blowy & rolly here, we thought about moving but we can dinghy in & walk up the hill to the shops, & catch the bus to Bunnings, where we're going tomorrow (yay)! We've also had a few bbq's ashore & catch up's & sundowners & a lovely meal aboard Duet last night.


The last of the sun setting in the clouds!
Crazy ants nest, about 40cm in size, half way up a tree, cool huh!
Our first bbq at Shingely Beach.
Following week, approaching the beach.
The word went out on the Cruisers forum to other yachties!
Quite a nice little sheltered bbq area with facilities nearby.
Fri Jun 17 18:27 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 15.862S 148 42.112E
Run: 10.4nm (18.8km)
Weather: Partly cloudy - 25 deg, 15nm SSE 1009 baro.

After a few catch ups w/ Duet & Daystar & a bush trek across the island (nature argh) we have moved on from Happy Bay, Long Island & have returned to Airlie Beach where Te Poe Rava & "M" are, as well as P&O's Pacific Explorer & the HMAS Shepparton. Unfortunately I thought we'd enjoy a fantail on the trip & lost half my filling so now I have to locate a dentist in Airlie, just great!!!


We walked through a million butterflies on the island.
One of the old hotel buildings on the defunct resort our side of the island.
Palm Bay side of Long Island. John, Terry, Kerry, Nigel & Rod.
Had an issue with anchor not setting, rather large chunk of coral wedged in there.
HMAS Shepparton.
Pacific Explorer anchored out back ferrying passengers ashore.
Wed Jun 15 12:56 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 19.742S 148 50.776E
Run: 7.6nm (13.8km)
Weather: Partly cloudy - 25 deg, 16kn SE 1014 baro.

HAPPY BAY - LONG ISLAND (SHUTE HARBOUR ish)! Again with the early morning wake up & so we have now rocked & rolled & washing machined our way across "Three Fathom Patch" & anchored in a lovely little bay having left Gulnare Inlet can't say we'll be going back there, very wind on tide & it's still blowing, see how we go here. Blue bayou playing.


Duet & Mad Fish at anchor behind us.
Nigel catching fish, all kissed & released.
Pretty specky once the wind stopped.
Full moon & fairy lights.
Skipper off asssisting Nige.
Lots of little huts on the beach.
Tue Jun 14 12:39 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 17.494S 148 57.375E
Run: 2.7nm (4.9km)
Weather: Sunny - 25 deg, 22 kn SE 1014 baro

WHITSUNDAY ISLAND - Updating now as we traverse Hunt Channel (talk about Unpleasant channel) as we will be turning off into Gulnare Inlet & not sure about signal, seas very choppy & blah! We had a lovely night aboard Duet, meeting their friends Andrew & Anna, also met ""M" & Tracey & John, great fun night, all of us moving now to snug anchorages for next blow, Duet dropping friends off at Hamilton Island & will join us in Gulnare, just have to watch out for the dangerous reefs on entry.


Anna & Andrew, sure brought the cold with them, bring out the slippers.
Another beautiful sky.
Nice little sandy atoll off Henning Island.
The entrance in, is a bit tricky, trying to line up islands!
Mon Jun 13 12:28 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 15.250S 148 56.757E
Run: 15.8nm (28.6km)
Weather: Sunny - 21 deg, 15kn SE 1013 baro

Well quite obviously I'm still having issues with certain people understanding I'm retired, seriously, happily sleeping & made to get up at 6AM, honestly!, so here we are now at Cid Harbour after awful trip across "Unsafe Passage", I kid you not, crappy trip. Anyway Skipper foolishly about to show his prowess & do a 4 hour turnaround trek up the Whitsunday Peak, me I'm going back to sleep!!


Skipper arrives atop Whitsunday Peak w/ Nige & Andrew.
72 islands in The Whitsundays group, he could see roughly half.
Beautiful day, freezing wind.
Approx 1 1/2 hour trek, each way!
Sun Jun 12 21:30 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 15.877S 148 42.133E
Run: 5nm (9.1km)
Weather: Dark - 19 deg, 1011 baro

Update, sorry for delay, but Double bay is a far better anchorage than Woodwark bay and we have now moved back to Airlie Beach & caught up with Tip er ova!


Coming back into Airlie Beach.
Sat Jun 11 13:49 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 12.421S 148 39.368E
Run: 2nm (3.6km)
Weather: Sunny - 23 deg, 15kn SSE 10113 baro

We have left Double Bay anchorage & come back down an hour south to Woodwark Bay (just up from Airlie Beach). Woodwark is where the tele series by Jack London, "Tales of the South Seas" was filmed in the 1990's, we've yet to explore. Skipper says he read it's $14,000 for min 3 nights to stay in Paradise Cove Villa's the resort here!! Das Almos & Plan B are both at anchor here too. Despite the promise of gaining better reception it appears to be worse, Skipper having to put the router up the mast (already missed the footy), now I'm going to miss JB & Billy on the radio! Whipped up a nice batch of pikelets for brekky today, haven't had them in years. Still not strong enough to upload photo's. Must add it's been really cold like 16 deg at night, not use to this, I vote going back north, had to put heater on.


A map of the bays around from Airlie Beach.
The islands outside of Woodwark Bay.
Eerie sunset before the full moon makes her debut.
Beached catamaran, hope they did that on purpose.
Tue Jun 7 14:00 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 11.991S 148 37.620E
Run: 6.8nm (12.3km)
Weather: Overcast - 26 deg, 8kn SE 1008 baro.

DOUBLE BAY - After a lovely evening aboard Duet for dinner we have parted ways with them heading down to Hamilton Island to collect friends, a $200 overnight cost in the marina. We have opted to come back to this lovely bay, all tucked in by ourselves & wait out the forthcoming blow! Rod spotted his first boat "Opal", 35' Duncannson, sans mast, a triple planked oregon (she could be getting sand/varnish job), no-one aboard. She was built by our friend & riggers dad Barry Quin, he sailed her up the east coast of Tassy & up to Qld - Runaway bay.


Another lovely evening.
Skippers 1st boat "Opal", now called "Galavant".
Sun Jun 5 16:00 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 16.055S 148 42.243E
Run: 15.3nm (27.7km)
Weather: Cloudy - 35 deg, 5kn NE 1009 baro.

AIRLIE BEACH - We decided to leave Whitsunday Island at 10am & come up & over to Airlie for a few supplies before moving tomorrow for a more protected anchorage from the South Easterlies that are going to blow for the next week. Yesterday we had pretty much the whole anchorage at Sawmill to ourselves and it was the 252nd year anniversary on the day 04/06/2022 of Capt Cook being there! Oh and as a "by the by", worldwide 10 people DIE from shark attacks compared to 150 dying from falling coconuts annually! Going to have to watch where I walk on the islands now!!!


Our private beach, absolutely no swimming here!
Pretty protected spot, all to ourselves.
Click on the pic to read the plaque! Captain Cooks landing 4/6/1770!
Long trail of coral spawn.
Airlie Beach, now for a long walk in 35 degree's!
This pic taken by someone in Cardwell, no swim zone too!
Fri Jun 3 13:52 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 15.824S 148 56.397E
Run: 2.9nm (5.2km)
Weather: Sunny - 28 deg, 5kn ESE 1011 baro

SAWMILL BAY - WHITSUNDAY ISLAND, 10nm off Airlie Beach. With the wind changing direction we have moved down to the next bay offering a bit better protection, it's nearly 2 years since we were here last that was on the skippers 60th bday. We had Duet over for a "Rod's roast" last night, they have gone out to the reef today, only 8 moorings there, & with the wind blowing up it will reduce visibility, so we've opted to give it a miss this time.


Mango daiquiri for Miss Kez (Kerry - Duet).
The whole sky clear but for 1 big black cloud!
A seagull hanging out!
The swallow's just make themselves at home.
Wed Jun 1 16:15 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 13.336S 148 56.668E
Run: 21.4nm (38.7km)
Weather: Sunny - 31 deg, 0kn 1008 baro

Had sundowners last night with Kerri & Phil in the beautiful Double Bay, very serene. We departed for Whitsunday Island this morning to finally catch up with Duet's Nigel & Kerry who we've not seen for 6mths, anchored in pretty Mays Bay.


Whole place with just 2 other boats, lovely!
Skipper in the groove.
Mays Bay, little beach to explore.
Mon May 30 12:35 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 11.655S 148 36.951E
Run: 14.2nm (25.7km)
Weather: Partly Cloudy - 31 deg, 5kn SE 1005 baro

DOUBLE BAY EAST - 10kn North of Airlie Beach, next bay south of Earlando. After a less than comfortable night at Gloucester we departed at 7am through the Gloucester passage and out into the Whitsundays group anchoring here in Double bay for the next blow, signal a bit "iffy" again, trying to watch the footy yesterday was a bit tricky but at least we won, yay! We have just been joined by "Te Poa Ovre" & we will hang here until Wednesday. Beautiful blue water here, yet still can't swim, stupid sharks, skipper says no getting on paddleboard either! Got a few more nice photo's.


Another sky show begins.
Amazing depth of colour, better than trees!
4am in the morning, a sunrise!
This side of Gloucester Passage.
Little pyramid Grassy Island.
Sun May 29 18:30 2022 NZST
GPS: 20 04.412S 148 26.316E
Run: 50.6nm (91.6km)
Weather: Sunny - 31 deg, 6kn N 1003 baro

ECO RESORT - Gloucester Island, (off BOWEN) have arrived safely, beautiful day, Bubble got a bit of a "giddy up" there for a bit, (naturally weather not as presented)! 12 knots on the nose, then 20+ from behind! Tried vinegar as a mosi deterent on my skin last night, seemed to work, (still had mosi coil & citronella lamp going)didn't stop a 3" locust scare me in the cockpit! Have set up our remote control candles in the saloon, fairy lights in cockpit & back deck, & my pretty in the saloon, no power drain necessary (& looks pretty)! We're off through the Passage tomorrow a shortcut & will anchor at Double Bay (above Airlie, off Grassy Island)!.


Rather large Locust!
Why are we going south, it's cold, had to find slippers & clothes!
Leaving Cape Upstart, 8.9 knots around the corner!
Thought I'd include these, as an idea of the co-ee of islands.
If you click on the pic, it will enlarge, then you can zoom in etc.
Abbott Point jetty, 50,000,000 ton of coal exported annually.
Gloucester Passage we will go through & anchor at Double Bay.
Sat May 28 20:56 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 43.565S 147 45.228E
Run: 67.2nm (121.6km)
Avg: 6.3knts
24hr: 151.4nm
Weather: Sunset - 25 deg, 5kn S 1005 baro

CAPE UPSTART - Rough parallel to Ayr - travelled 67nm. We have anchored right on sunset (& another pearler sunset I might add)! Wind started out at 6-7kn petered out to between 2.6 & 1.4 knots, still we managed roughly 6 nautical miles per hour (6nm p/h)! Just a few beach shacks here, very protected. Off in the morning to Gloucester Island (think Bowen)!


Cape Cleveland Lighthouse.
This type of cloud means something!
Weird 4 lane highway in the water, missed the shot!
The skies have been crazy beautiful.
Sat May 28 10:17 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 07.868S 146 56.280E
Run: 5.3nm (9.6km)
Weather: Sunny - 21 deg, 12kn SE 1007 baro

And we're off, finally leaving Townsville & Maggie Island behind us as we travel south enroute to The Whitsundays, may go through to Cape Upstart or anchor at Bowling Green for the night, yet to be determined! Had a bbq on the beach with Phil & Kerri - Te Poa Ova with yet another awesome sky show sunset & had Mick kindly drive us around the island for some more fuel & a few more stores, nearly $7.00 for a continental cucumber, so not having that. And a big Happy birthday to you Garry!


Skippers caught 2 Grunters, apparently very nice.
Kookaburra sits in an old gum tree, pretty blue!
Wally, he sings Budapest!
Just beautiful!
Te poa ova at anchor (say - Tip her over)!
Sunrise (sight I rarely see, ha)!
Wed May 18 12:21 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 06.912S 146 51.559E
Run: 9.6nm (17.4km)
Weather: Sunny - 28 deg, 0kn 1010 baro

Sorry update, after a fun meet & visit with our new neighbours the previous night we left Town at 7.30am back to Maggie Is at 9.30 & dropped anchor. After all the rushing about the previous couple of days the skipper had a day off & we went ashore in the afternoon & caught up with our old neighbour Mick from Marjoriemay (he has the singing dog Wally)! Watch the sky go through some amazing colour changes & came home in the dinghy in the darkness with our fab new sensor light working a treat! We find out this morning that there's been 5 sightings of a crocodile here near where you put the dinghies on the beach so hmm!


Lovely rock formation.
The beginning of a sky show.
Opal sky.
Then the pinks.
Pretty!
Then amazing clouds.
Mon May 16 18:37 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 15.099S 146 49.781E
Run: 10nm (18.1km)
Weather: Sunny - 30 deg, 0kn 1005 baro

So quick update, after a lovely night at anchor (our 1st in awhile), we put bubble through her paces & fired up the desal unit & as half secretly expected, once under pressure 1 of the plastic fittings cracked & 2 others showed signs of splitting we came back into the maintenance berth in the marina on Sunday in search of parts. It is not feasable to go through & change all plastic fittings over to stainless because it entails the breakdown & complete removal of the unit so until it becomes necessary we will just change over as required. Coming back in did gives us a chance to catch up with some other friends we missed saying goodbye to, so now clever skipper has had a big day, driving around, getting parts & has now fixed the desal, so we try "take 3" in the morning!


Skipper changing over parts.
New sensor light in action for dinghy approach.
The burnt pylon from last years boat on fire.
Awesome full moon.
Sat May 14 20:15 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 06.596S 146 51.584E
Run: 10.2nm (18.5km)
Weather: Sunny - 30 deg, 5kn E 1003 baro

So with much happiness to be heading out cruising again, yet sadness saying bye bye to friends & no more puppy dog kisses we have commenced our journey & gone over to Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island & anchored for the night, so with a win for the Power & Chicken & veg roasting in the oven, we will decide if we stay a few more days here or head down to Bowling green enroute to the Whitsundays tomorrow.


Coco sleeping.
Anchored here with roughly 20 boats around us.
Fri May 13 13:40 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 15.182S 146 49.467E
Run: 1nm (1.8km)
Weather: Sunny - 29 deg, 5kn W 1004 baro

It's 1 year today, since my little medi vac chopper ride off Fitzroy Island & being Friday 13th we are holding off until tomorrow to depart the marina & hang off Maggie Island for a few days, check everythings working, predominantly desal unit, (not making water in the marina). It's bittersweet leaving as we have met some truly lovely people, & made some great friends who have supported us through medical drama's, loning cars, boosting morales & having great fun times with! We have just had 2 boats from our marina in Adelaide arrive here at the Breakwater marina & I must add that the staff here are also fabulous so as the season changes & the cruising begins, it's "take two" for us with hopefully no more issues!


Finally got to the Friday night Strand markets.
Lovely view walking home.
Strawberry daquiri's with Lisa aka "Big Mama" charter skipper!
Margarita's for Sam over from his boat, left & Stewie - Raggamuffin II Lisa's hub!
Skipper, Lisa & dodgy daquiri !
Lanise & Tyler at rear, kindly loaned their car on several occasions.
With canadian Phil at right & a "Rusty nail"!
Fri Apr 29 16:07 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 15.559S 146 50.343E
Weather: Partly cloudy 30 deg, 15kn E 1009 baro

Well finally we are back in the water, back at the marina for the proverbial clean up. Rod pretty much did everything himself & in record time as I did the hospital thing again & as is typical it commenced raining (200mm overnight) right when we were about to antifoul & continued raining for the next week at one point even blowing whole steel ladders through the yard, it was a bit blowy!! Anyway back safe & ready to make a decision on our travel plans we think we will start with the John Brewer Reef.


A tad wet!
Lovely little blow.
All done.
Time to climb aboard.
Tue Apr 12 21:52 2022 NZST
GPS: 19 15.559S 146 50.343E
Run: 1nm (1.8km)
Weather: Cloudless, dark - 28deg, 20SE 1006 baro

I'm excited on so many levels, we are out of the marina (yay), we are finally on the slip (poo, but yay) & not long before we get back out on the water, hooray! So we were going up last week, night before we were due to go travel lift hydraulics died, ergo slip cancelled. Blew up to 23 knots as skipper was steering Bubble into the slip pen & he did a great job getting it in there, so with the help of Alan & Tyler we held her straight whilst she was lifted, several hours later she was propped in place. Boat in good condition with just a few barnacles, the midgies are flourishing here & just love eating us, so let the fun commence!


Backing into pen.
Not a lot of room either side
Stuart kindly loaned us his air-conditioner as ours are salt water .
Thu Mar 31 14:04 2022 NZDT
GPS: 19 15.182S 146 49.467E
Weather: Big blue sky, cloudless 37 deg, 5kn E 1002 baro

We should be in the slings right now, as the plan was to slip the boat today however there is a rather narly little whirlygig spinning up offshore so we have chosen to delay being on the hard, just in case it grows into a late cyclone, besides can't do much in the rain! Oh and yes, it's an annual thing slipping the boat, cleaning her bottom, checking the legs for any water, putting on new antifoul & anodes, so annually means, it happens every year, normally around my birthday! We have not yet decided where we will go (4 weeks to go) but think we will probably head south aim for the Whitsundays & meet up with Duet's Nigel & Kerri. We caught up with our Collingwood mate from Bundy for the footy & have been hanging out with friends on the marina, a few other things happening and have our 3rd open on the townhouse this weekend.


Nasty little whirlygig, potential cyclone!
Pies colours!
Packed up my pool for slip, bummer!
Castle hill puppy! Attempting to draw it.
Wed Mar 16 20:25 2022 NZDT
GPS: 19 15.182S 146 49.467E
Run: 1188.7nm (2151.5km)
Avg: 5.9knts
24hr: 142nm
Weather: Partly cloudy - 29 deg, 10kn E 1002 baro

We arrived back in Townsville this Friday gone, the temperature is now quite lovely as opposed to stinking hot here & a tad chilly (socks, jumpers, & beanie) in Adelaide when we left. We've both been rather flat & 'fluey' so skipper has just done a test to rule out CoVid, all good, just flu. The townhouse has just listed today and looks quite lovely after our hard work. It's 3 years today since we first departed Adelaide and it's certainly not quite how we planned it! El Nino had a bit more in her than expected with storm & tempest, then a world wide CoVid epidemic wreaking havoc. So now, as we fast approach end of cyclone season and prepare to finally get moving we have Russia and it's ensuing global havoc! We have not decided what we're doing or where we're going, so we'll watch weather, slip Bubble & give her a fresh lick of paint & fuel up (at what price remains to be seen) and hopefully not have to do the "Waterworld" thing anytime soon! ps Happy 94th Birthday Aunty Kath xx


Job done!
Rod endeavouring to rewire 12v fan...fan won!
Tue Mar 8 11:28 2022 NZDT
GPS: 34 47.184S 138 29.342E
Run: 1188.7nm (2151.5km)
Avg: 3.4knts
24hr: 82.7nm
Weather: Partly cloudy - 25 deg 5kn SE

I'm writing this whilst sitting at Palermo's Restaurant in North Haven, South Australia waiting to surprise my old boss for brekky today. Prior to our departure to Adelaide we spent an arvo with Helen & Mark Quin (Rod's mate from his youth) who just happened to be staying at Magnetic Island & then had a final catch up with Tess & Ziggy before we flew down to the cold & they departed Townsville in Perlargic for Jervois Bay NSW. We are staying on our friend Terrys boat for a week whilst we prepare our townhouse for sale, catch up with a few friends & avoid the humidity in Townsville with the ridiculous weather system that's happening, non stop rain down along the south east coast. We fly back Friday when it will hopefully be cooler.


Strawberry daquiri's with Ziggy & Tess after splash in my new pool!
Helen & Mark Quin came for a short but lovey visit, caught the same plane to Adelaide.
Glad to be away from the heat & really cold in Adelaide!
Friday night at the Sailmaster with Maurice & Anna (Terry not in pic)!
New plants in courtyard!
Out for tea with Terry for BBQ ribs at "Low & Slow" Port Adelaide.
Tue Feb 22 2:30 2022 NZDT
GPS: 19 15.182S 146 49.467E
Run: 5nm (9.1km)
Weather: Partly cloudy 32 deg, 9 kn E 1011 baro

So we had a lovely catch up with Georgia & Aayden & then with Michelle staying for a night, then she was off to Tully for a week whilst Kerry got into full party planning for my 60th, then unfortunately she had to go to Brisbane & Michelle returned to take over the job of personal assistant for the big day. So as well as some beautiful flowers I received some stunning Royal Doulton crystal tea light holders, & a set of 3 wax USB charged candles among other gifts. The marina staff decked out the J to L letterbox surrounded with balloons & a card inside, very kind. So up the top to the bbq area with Michelle & Rod (the engineer) to construct the champagne fountain, a fabulous success with only 2 breaks out of 35 glasses! A great afternoon, evening was had by all!


Castle Hill, fabulous sky!
Pretty flowers.
Champagne fountain, the pink balloon popped!
My birthday cake pavlova by Tess.
Fellow party goers!
My lovely presents.
Fri Feb 11 12:28 2022 NZDT
GPS: 19 10.941S 146 50.498E
Run: 155.1nm (280.7km)
Avg: 4.2knts
24hr: 100.7nm
Weather: Blue skies - 32 deg, 6kn E 1003 baro

So after the initial lightning & thunder storm that Georgia & Aayden flew in on last week (which thankfully cooled the town down) the weather came good so we managed to get away yesterday to come over & anchor at Picnic Bay, Magnet Island for the night. We had a bus ride around the island for the kids to have a look see, & a swim inside the stinger nets back to the boat for a lovely bbq tea! We now have fairy lights permanently up around the verandah & inside the saloon so not much drawing of power, I managed to find myself a perfect birthday present at Kuranda and add to the fabulous light display with a multi coloured rotating squid light, awesome. The kids last night tonight with them leaving tomorrow & Michelle arriving in the evening, so it will be a quick cabin turn over!


Lots of cows along the road just being cows!
Little crystal creek, the guys went back for swim the next day.
My awesome lamp.
I made Dancing bear a new outfit!
Double Bubble at anchor.
Lovely sunset, not long before we're out of the marina for good.
Wed Feb 9 23:30 2022 NZDT
GPS: 17 30.520S 145 16.002E
Run: 158nm (286km)
Weather: Partly cloudy - 28 deg

With the arrival of Georgia & Aayden we have secured a rental car & driven up to Cairns & wandered through the Kuranda Markets then drove down to Palm Cove for tea & then off for the night at Micky's motel. Departed Micky & Sues driving through the Atherton Tablelands & had a lovely time in the Innot hot springs, a series of 5 pools, travelling through Ravenshoe the highest town in Queensland we visited Lake Barrine & copious waterfalls, 1 being the longest drop in the country -Wallamans falls. Next day a few more falls & finally got to Paronella Park, awesome! Working our way back to Townsville via Paluma & Little Crystal Creek, chalking up 1350km.


Great 1st night walking in the rain & lightning storm, excellent!
Lake Barrine.
Innot Hot Springs, soothing my cricked hip (add to list of moans)!
Paronella Park, finally.
Castles all built by Jose.
Wallamans Falls 269 metre drop.
Sun Jan 30 16:25 2022 NZDT
GPS: 19 15.182S 146 49.467E
Weather: Blue skies - 36 deg, 5kn E 1001 baro

Ater having had visitors for a huge roast last night that the skipper whipped up, I'm enjoying a lazy Sunday arvo, whilst Rod is back to the A/C, checking, clearing hoses etc. Not a great deal happening at present, although we have had a great deal of rain (380mm overnight) & a extremely wet Australia day bbq with friends, just the usual maintenance jobs as we await imminent arrival of Rod's daughter & her beau on Thursday, we hope to be able to hire a car & do a bit of driving as weather not looking entirely conducive to sailing but waterfalls should be awesome. Still plodding along with Dr's, with one op down & appears to have helped with pain, we shall see.


Kerri, Tess, Rod & Ziggy, bbq moved under verandah.
Champagne cocktails!
Just a tad wet...!
Awesome shot at end of the day.
I've kept busy with crossstitch, that I did twice, 2 gifts!
Both engine serviced, exhaust elbows unwrapped, checked & rewrapped.
Mon Jan 17 16:46 2022 NZDT
GPS: 19 15.182S 146 49.467E
Weather: Cloudy - 32 deg, 15SE 1000 baro

Finally, we have a cool sea breeze as disgustingly hot @ 39 deg 67 humidity a couple of hours ago with skipper head first in cupboards fixing/clearing saltwater intake on air-conditioner, of all the days & additional sadness as my inflatable pool/bath split one of it's seams, new one on order! We have had lots of get togethers, walks to the rockpool for a swim & even enjoyed a picnic there for Kerri's birthday. Had a lovely bbq up top with Ziggy & Tess, & Phil & Kerri last night, with discussions on what our next moves are after cyclone season. Our friends on Duet chose to go down south instead of suffering the heat here & have now endured lightning strikes, rain, hail & strong winds & not long since received a Tsunami warning! We're still dealing w/ Dr's & hospitals appts hopefully that saga will be over soon.


Really nice rockpool, 2mtr at it's deepest.
Maryborough marina (double storey) with floods up the Mary river.
Ziggy, Tess, Rod, Kerri & Phil.
We have had some pretty decent fireworks displays over new years.

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