Back to the Beginning.

Capt M is having a nap after anchoring up at Canaipa Passage for our last night of Silver Gull Sailing north.
We have been away for 7 months which have gone so quickly.
Last night we said good bye to Geoff and Ellen "Bluglass", who have been with us all the way back. These are just two of the wonderful friends we have made which have added to the enjoyment of our first season up north.
It absolutely bucketed down at Tangalooma last night as we played Sequence and listened to Geoff play guitar. Got to get our music organised for next year.
Took some photos of starfish on the beach at Tangalooma, a reminder of work last year!

Mooloolaba at Last

After waiting 7 days in Tin Can Bay, the weather report looked good enough to take a chance at crossing the bar on Sunday. We moved up early had a look and listened to a report from "Kool Sid" who said waves were breaking over the bar. The tide was too low so we decided to wait a couple of hours. After hearing another report of the bar being "comfortable" we decided to go.
We were wondering why we were the last to leave, about 6 boats went before us.
Definitely not for the faint hearted. At one stage two huges waves broke over the bow and we braced ourselves as we saw them coming. Water came right over and sprayed us as we sat at the helm. Everything went flying inside and that's a first.
I thought it couldn't get worse but it didn't get much better all the way to Mooloolba.
Finally anchored in the river around 7:30 pm.
Beautiful sunny day today. Have booked a car for Saturday to drive to Noosa to pick up the car, getting close now.

Still Waiting

This is a lesson in patience. We have been out here in Tin Can Bay for 4 days now waiting for a break in the weather.
Movies, books, music, crosswords, internet, food. Lots to keep us entertained.
Would be nice to go for a big walk.

Tin Can Bay

We enjoyed a good motor sail down the Sandy Straits and stopped at Kingfisher Bay for one night, having pizza at the restaurant. Geoff and Ellen joined us but were exhausted after battling with a huge tuna for 2 hours, only to have it snap the line and lose the lure! They have the photos.

Set off down to Tin Can Bay with the tide, but the weather is closing in. No room for us at the marina so we are outside with all the other boats waiting for the weather to clear.

Geoff helped us set up our new mini TV/ computer thinga majig. Lots of movies and music.

Bundaberg Again

Made it to Bundaberg marina and had a couple of days to rest and provision. Had fun in Lifeline and the Salvos. Dined at the Lighthouse Hotel in Burnett Heads with Bluglass and their friend Trevor "Been a Long" who had just returned from Indonesia. It sounds like a lot of hard work to sail up there.

Had a pleasant motor sail to Rooney Point at the northern end of Fraser Island. A very beautiful isolated beach. Enjoyed perfect conditions to swim, kayak and beachcomb. Fresh mackeral courtesy of Bluglass.

Pancake Creek

Spent 4 days at Pancake Creek, recovering and waiting for the right wind. Managed to fit in 3 good walks, a swim and tea with the lighthouse keepers among our usual drinks and dinners with friends. Ahh.. it's a hard life, but someone's gotta do it.

Constant monitoring of the weather reports and endless discussion would think we could get it right to leave this morning. I was looking forward to a nice sail day, but alas no. Twelve hours of up and down again.

I was happy to relieve Capt M at the helm as my stomach likes it much better up there.

Not much to see out here but it is turtle mating season. Turtle couples locked in lengthy, tight embraces at the surface...

Gladstone to Pancake Creek

We had a great time in Gladstone having bbqs with friends and even attending a free evening of music under the stars. It was mild and sunny, so I took the opportunity to go for an early morning walk through the gardens, parks and town to the lookout. The photos show it is not a pretty place with all the industry but it is such a tidy town everywhere else.

Feeling great and the sun shining, we said farewell to "Phlat Chat" who are leaving their boat in Gladstone Marina and flying back to Sydney. A couple of others are doing the same. (I wonder why?)

"Bluglass" lead the way through the port and we set the sails. At the half way mark we gave up and seeing the look on my face Capt M. went full throttle straight to Pancake Creek. Lots of up, up,up and down through heavyseas and showers of rain. It's just so good when you stop.

Now it's calm and glassy!

Gladstone Marina

Left Kepple Bay for a short trip to Maria Inlet to overnight. Because of the heavy rain the water was brown and murky and it was like we anchored in the middle of a stream all alone. Except for the mozzies.

Next morning we set off at the right time to go through "the Narrows", a small stream that runs between Curtis Island and the mainland. Capt M had been doing a lot of swatting about this passage and we had lost our guides due to the weather setback.

Just as we neared the tricky part another cat "Escape" came up behind us and we let it go in front to show us the way.

I don't know what all the fuss was about, it reminded us of some of the waterways north of the Gold Coast.

We were met at Gladstone marina by 5 friends who helped us tie up. That is a first, we are usually on our own."Warp Drive' and "Shiraz" are also here as well as "Phlat Chat" and "Bluglass".

A beautiful sunny day, cheap marina and the cheapest washing $2.20!

Return to Kepple Bay Marina

It was looking good for a short 'screacher' sail over to Kepple Bay Marina the next morning. However the wind changed and I had to raise the main.... something popped out and so it came down and we ended up motoring again. Earliest marina arrival 8:30 am with "Bluglass" following, coincidentally with a broken reef in their main.

Beautiful, sunny weather had us doing washing and then taking off on the local bus to stock up at Woolies. It was very quiet at Yeppoon central due to Melbourne Cup fever. Ellen and I were in the bottle shop when two people were listening to a horse race on the radio. Hang on it was only just after 2pm! Of course it's Queensland, my first Melbourne Cup in Qld and I missed it. My first year of retirement and no special celebration. Must make an effort next year. Other cruising friends attended a function at Hamiliton Island!

We did have good timing the next night when we attended a complimentary bbq put on by the marina. A great night meeting more new and interesting sailors.

Woke early the next morning to leave, but the weather had changed again. Rain, rain, rain.

Yepoon

Have fallen into a pattern of bashing against the wind to travel south during the day and then relaxing with friends in the evenings and comparing sailing stories.

As I remember from heading north there are pockets of no internet, TV or phone reception and we are in the military zone. Just sitting ducks I suppose. It's a beautiful place on the minland called Blue Pearl Bay. We enjoyed the beach with walks, bbqs and boules and got out of there before we became target practice.

Made it to North Kepple Island and did a big group walk around it, led by Greg from "Outahia". Nice clear water to swim in after and finally introduced "Bluglass" to the card game Sequence.

Curlew Island

We got off to an early start to head for Curlew Island. A beautiful day but unfortunately not the right wind for sailing south. Had to motor most of the 47 n.miles.

Our trio of catamarans is still together and we were treated to fresh mackeral on board "Plat Chat" after drinks, walk and swim on the beach. "Bluglass" also caught mackeral on the way.

Capt M. has officially given up fishing?

We will keep heading south tomorrow while the weather lasts, despite the wrong wind direction.

Goldsmith and Scawfell Islands

After a walk and a swim on Shaw Island (lots of stingrays on the edge of the beach)we all set off for Goldsmith. It was a spectacular day and the photos don't show just how blue the water was. It took longer than anticipated to reach Goldsmith, but well worth it. I joined the other ladies for another swim in the afternoon, before sundowners aboard 'Bluglass".

The weather is much warmer than on the way up and the water is so inviting, we just need to watch out for stingrays.

Set off the next morning for Scawfell which was only a couple of hours sail. This is one of the most perfect days, clear, warm, aqua coloured water on a deserted beach. Walking and talking with friends looking at beautiful shells after coffee and freshly baked cake!

A siesta before sundowners aboard our boat tonight.

Shaw Island

After making our start last Tuesday, we have only traveled 15 miles further south!

The weather closed in and we waited at Long Island until Saturday. After being joined by friends from the cat "Phlat Chat" we headed off early to our next destination through rough seas with water crashing over us.

I put on our next audio book to take my mind off it, only to find that Chris had baked muffins and started spag bol on the way. Any wonder she felt sick by the time we got here and had to have a sleep in the afternoon.

By coincidence the boat "Bluglass" came in 5 mins after we anchored. We had met these guys at Hoggies sundowners in Airlie last Sunday. So now we are three cats traveling south together and celebrated with sundowners on board "Silver Gull" last night.

It is a beautiful day today and Capt M is ready with the weather report. He will have to see what the others are planning before we make our next move.

Silver Gull Sails South

It was with a tinge of sadness that we finally departed Airlie marina. New friends Shan and David from the motor boat "Dream On" came over to push us off. (1st & 2nd left in photo)

I was staring to fit into the lifestyle there, going to gym and yoga, catching the bus to the shops, using shopperdockets to dine out, attending shagger sundowners at Hogsbreath on Sundays and even making the 3 hour round trip to the cinema.

We were just filling in time before the winds changed, but knew we had to make a start any way. We do hope to be back for Christmas. Not so sure judging by today's effort, it took us 5 hours just to get to Long Island which is only 13 miles!
Capt M. must be feeling more experienced as we have anchored in Happy Bay rather than take a mooring.

The Wedding

It was an amazing experience to see my first born married and officially make her way in the world. They are a very hard working couple and I wish them every happiness.

Of course it was a rainy day but it makes you realise that special events like this over ride the weather. The venue was Peppers Casurina Lodge. A rainforest resort which lived up to it's name.

As I sit here the thermometer is reading 31.3 and they have chosen to honeymoon in Tasmania where it probably didn't get much warmer than 20.

This trip gave us a chance to catch up with lots of my family and Capt M got to spend time with his. We had excellent weather in Noosa when we stayed with John and Pauline and even enjoyed a swim in their newly renovated pool. (Photo above)

Back in Airlie Again

We are getting ready to fly to Brisbane next week in preparation for Bianca & Shannon's wedding. A big occaision and everyone is getting excited.

In our original plan we were going to sail the boat back by the middle of Sept but decided against risking any delays.

Silver Gull will stay in Abel Point Marina while we fly back for 3 weeks. Then we will begin the journey back to the Gold Coast mid Oct.

It has been over 4 months but it has gone so quickly. We are already planning for next year, especially when we say good bye to friends who have already started for home.

As this was our last time out at the Islands we got in as much snorkeling as we could. Yesterday was Langford and Black Islands. Capt M. thought that was the last of it until I woke up early and said "One more time?" (snorkeling that is..)

We had overnighted at Stonehaven in calm clear weather and it was still great in the morning.

I was in the water at Luncheon Bay by 9am. Absolutely perfect. Saved the best for last. The most fish I have seen in one area. Heaps of different varieties and coral too.

Definitely getting an uderwater digital for next year.

Ahhh.....

To be continued on 6th October.

Koala Adventure Resort

This title sounds funny and it is, as it's an over 18's resort but I think that means an under 30's resort. Do we fit the picture? Of course because there is hardly anyone here to notice. All the staff have an accent of some kind which makes me think they are all backpakers themselves.

Must find out when we return for dinner tonight, in the bar because the restaurant is closed.

It's very run down but there are excellent walking trails. We did 2 today and had great views when the rain showers cleared.

The pool looks nice and there is a well maintained 9hole golf course, heaps of accomadation. Too much if you ask me as some is practically falling down. A lot of history here.

Have included a sample turtle photo as there were many at Chalkies Beach on Haslewood Island. We were here last Sunday and it was one of the best snorkel days with brillaint sunshine going straight onto white sand in very shallow water. Swimming through schools of tropical fish wondering why they were moving so fast.

Return to Cid Harbour

We went to Stonehaven and then onto Butterfly Bay, the Western wing this time. I had a great snorkel here, straight off the boat on the boogy board. Lots of beautiful fish and coral. It was also nice to just see the coral sand going onto the beach underwater, a new sight for me.

There seems to be a lot more boats around now all wanting to get a mooring. This was even more obvious the next day as we tried to get into Langford, Black Island, Blue Pearl Bay and even over to Cateran Bay on Border Island. Lots of boats and no empty moorings.

After a big sail around up in the top region, we came down to Tongue Bay for the night.

We did the walk to the Hill Inlet lookout and then motored around into the next bay Apostle Bay. After being surrounded by boats for the past week, it was strange to be all alone in this eerie setting. The weather changed and it became very still, humid and misty. By dusk we could barely see 100metres from the boat. Then strangely at around 8pm it cleared to millions of stars and lots of strange stuff in the water. Tiny crabs, small blue fish and even a small flying fish.

We are both having a wonderful time. Have I mentioned that yet?

When Capt M woke after a short afternoon nap and then tried to get back to sleep, he complained he couldn't. I said you shouldn't be tired you had a quick power nap. He replied "But I want a big power nap."

Montes

The weather did hot up for the tropical theme party and it was a great night. We all had a dance and we didn't have a hangover, a big plus especially when on a boat.

Capt M. did not win a prize, but there is always next year.

Next day we were off to Dingo Beach by car for a seafood lunch. We were driven by Murray from Tagalong Tours which sounds like a cool add on to next years trip? 4wheel driving along the Birdsville Track.

SICYC Rendevouz at Shag Islet

The weather turned very cold and rainy as we headed up to the Gloucester Passage for the annual Shag Islet Cruising Yachy Club Party. Lucky this didn't put us off as we are in the middle of a 4 day party with lots of like minded people on boats.

Yesterday they actually set up a bar on the little islet and hundreds of people gathered there for lunch.

We have met some very intersting people including a couple who sing and play piano beautifully. Fancy having a piano out here in the middle of nowhere. Some songs from last night: "I left My Heart in San Fransisco", "More", "Memory" , "Spanish Eyes" and "I Did It My Way". So much fun everyone gathering around. Even the performer from lunch "Macca" joined in and was very impressed.

Tonight is the Tropical Theme night of course and Capt M hopes to win a prize in the raffles.

Trip to Sydney

Had an excellent time in Syney on the weekend. Caught the ferry over to Hamilton Island where it was buzzing with the beginning of race week. Arrived in Sydney 3 hours later to a message that Heidi had missed her flight from the GC. Bianca arrived on time and we caught a cab to the Vibe in Goulburn St. My niece Emma was there behind the desk to check us in. She got a great deal for us we were very impressed.

Had room service while we waited for Heidi, who eventually arrived 3 hours later with a bag full of clothes to share.

It turned out we didn't need them as Fiona provided fun dress ups for the Party.

Saturday morning Emma took us to Bondi for breakfast, thanks Steven. After showing us all her haunts in the exclusive Eastern suburbs she got us back in time to be picked up for lunch.

Another niece Natalie drove in from the Sutherland Shire and took us to lunch at La Perouse. Here we met her baby Scott(a perfect baby ) for the first time and her husband Ian and mum Liz. A beautiful Greek lunch overlooking the bay, then off on a mission to vote intersatate. Had to go to Eastlakes for this, then all the way back to the Vibe. Well done Natalie and the GPS.

Spent the afternoon preparing outfits for the party. All good fun and a lot of dancing at the Occidental. Many photos can be seen on facebook.

Sunday morning and Heidi wants to shop? After visiting St Mary's Cathedral it was time for David Jones. We aquired outfits for Bianca' wedding! Very productive and back to the Vibe in time for the girls to catch a cab to the airport and home.

The rest of us walked to Darling Harbour for another wonderful lunch with Aunty Betty and Margie. Thanks cousin Margie for driving into the city. It was a busy funfilled weekend thanks to my Family...

Return to Airlie

We are now in Able Point marina again as I am off to Sydney for My sister, Fiona's 50th. It's pretty lively as it is race week and of course the winds have died now. It is currently 32.5 degrees. I wonder what it will be in Sydney? I know it will be fun to see all the family get together.

Here is the photo of the fish that jumped onto the boat.

Peppers Palm Bay

This is Capt M's favourite so far. A beautiful Balinese style resort with no one under 14! Definitely a wonderful way to experience luxury without the cost. A minimal mooring fee allows you full use of the facilities (free washing and drying) and the chance for gourmet dining if you want.

We are staying 2 nights before heading back to Airlie.

Great Weather

Some photos of our time in Whitehaven. Perfect weather, perfect place!