days 16 & 17

Had a big sail day yesterday. Left Bunbaberg at 5am and arrived at Pancake Creek at 4:30pm. Started out with good winds but they petered out around noon.
Bought an audio book to listen to as reading on these days is out of the question. Have started knitting as well. Someone is in for a scarf soon.
Pancake Creek is a beautiful anchorage 30km south of Gladstone. Secluded beaches with palm trees. We enjoyed a walk and swim next to a huge sandbank that appeared at low tide. Now I know what Capt M is talking about with the big tides up here. He also says there will be crocodiles in the next few anchorages!!!! I didn't come to be eaten up.

Bundaberg

My maiden name as a bridge in Bundy!

days 14 &15

We have become land tourists again and hired a cheap, old hire car to drive around in. A magna that Capt M says has more power than the Nissan Sunny in NZ.
On Saturday we went into the city of Bundaberg to look around, then onto the coast. Managed to see 3 weddings along the way.
The Botanic gardens looked a bit dry, they must be concentrating on Bert Hinkler, it's all about him. We loved the house he lived in in Hampton, England. Yes they dismantled it and put it up again in the gardens. Very quaint and free to see.
We had lunch here which would have been better if they brought both meals at the same time. Haha, it is the country I suppose.
Lunch was better on Sunday, Mothers day. After driving out west to Gin Gin we headed to Childers and stumbled upon a small winery. Lucky to get in without a booking, it was exactly what I would want if I planned it.
Live music, good food and reasonable prices all outside under the trees. Loved it. I think Capt M did too, despite the last 3 km of dirt road!

days 12 & 13

Capt M is being extra cautious, so we just went a little way to Big Woody Island to anchor for the night then took off to Bundaberg today.

A good sail with plenty of wind most of the way. We always see a turtle on these long sails. Plenty of birds as well today.

Arranged to stay at a Bundaberg marina which is new and has a great cafe. Everyone is very friendly and have just returned from Friday Happy Hour.

Luckily for me a couple of nice ladies came and took the ropes as we were about to berth. It certainly takes the pressure off having to jump off and tie up.

Both are headed up to Malaysia. One has sailed from Seattle and plans to be in Thailand by Sept.

It is another world up here. We are such novices.

Will hire a car tomorrow to check out the town. Bundy Rum distillery?

Days 10 &11

Silver Gull has been anchored at the Kingfisher Bay Resort area for the last 2 days and we have been enjoying these facilities.

The rain cleared to bright blue skies so we went on a guided tour of Fraser Island aboard a big 4wheel drive truck. Emma was our very capable driver and guide for the day.

We drove across to the east coast first travelling along the 75 mile beach and spotted 3 dingoes. While being warned not to enter the treacherous surf, (it looked fine to me, but there were a lot of overseas tourists on board) we were able to wade in the pristine fresh waters of Eli Creek.

It was here that Capt M and I boarded the tiny Cessna for a flight over the island with a special viewing of the mighty "Silver Gull" where we had left her earlier that morning.

Absolutely spectacular, turquoise water with only a dugong to be seen nearby. Luckily I didn't see any of the many rumoured sharks feeding on all the fish around at the moment. Only yesterday I did 2 laps around the boat through schools of baitfish!!

After buffet lunch, a cool walk in the beautiful rainforest beside a stream so clear you can see white sand at the bottom and another bumpy ride, the tour ended with a swim in lake McKenzie.

Amazing, again the water is crystal clear, fresh and just the right temperature. An excellent way to finish the tour with a fresh water swim and afternoon tea. Looking around we thought we were in Europe as we were surrounded by young European backpackers all speaking their own languages, thoroughly enjoying this special place. Quite bizzare.

day 9

The weather has turned against us and we are forced to just read and relax. I wonder how long we can take it? Left Garry's Anchorage this morning and had a nice sail up to Kinfisher Bay resort. Will go and explore once the weather clears.

Didn't go ashore at Garry's. The rain, the thought of sandflies and the sound of dingoes howling put us off? It is very similar to the broardwater here, feel like we're back where we started.

day 8

There are good and bad things about sailing. The good thing is that we have now crossed the Wide Bay Bar and are safe and sound. Capt M is very proud and says it very exciting for him. He is in his element. I still haven't jumped ship but I would use terms like "thimble in a washing machine" to describe the crossing.

Now we will be sailing up the inside of Fraser Island, but so far the weather is a bit ordinary.

Managed to do some yoga at the end of the day and was rewarded by the sight and sounds of a dugong feeding close to the boat. Strange creatures.

Have uploaded some new photos. This is the best I could do to capture the feeling of crossing the bar.