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!