Back in The Whitsundays.

Still fun. Food is good.

Over blogging

Been in the Whitsundays for a while. Doing lots of nothing Warren and Carol were here for 5 days of fun. As usual it is warmish and windy.

Port Clinton for a week.

Been in Port Clinton sitting out poor weather for a week with our mates Circe and Jackster. First couple of days were a bit rough with strong wind but we moved to the lower end of the Port for some reasonably calm times. After years of sitting idle we retrieved the crab pot from the nether regions of the boat, loaded it up with a can of dog food and placed it in the mangroves. Delighted to find the next morning a 1 kg muddy and a cod in it. Naturally with great fear and care we despatched the crab cooked and ate him for dinner. We also set the trap again with the cod as bait, checked the next morning with no result. Then put it in another spot and yes another mud crab. We are now absolutely hooked on crab fishing and eating. Leave for Island Head Creek this morning.

Finally left Bundaberg

After a week and 1 day we are underway to Pancake Creek. We had a great time in Bundy with our world cruising English mates David and Jacqui from Jackster and our cruising buddies Jane and John from Circe and Sue's sister Jenny and Werner. Jenny lent us her car for the time which was helpful as Bundy port is about 30 mins from town. Did a lot including Bundy distillery tour but the highlight once again was the company and the gourmandising.

Great Keppel. After enduring the roly anchorage and rain, rain, rain and a most uncomfortable second night being flipped from once side of the bed to the other we threw in the literal towel. A quick conflab with our friends on Jackster and Circe and the decision was made to leave. Naturally I was disappointed not to be able to get ashore and take one of the walks we'd told about and it's always a disappointment to travel somewhere and be forced to leave without visiting. However, we did share another fantastic meal with Jackster and Circe care of Jane on Circe.

Today our need was to find a secure spot without swell and safe to anchor for a few days while a bad weather system passes. Port Clinton, a commodious river estuary, ticks the boxes on both counts, not as much wind shelter as would be desirable but an easy entrance, good holding, lots of space and nice and flat. For part of the year Port Clinton is a military practice zone and closed to visiting boats. The army is elsewhere at the moment so the water is open to us boaters.

The Circe's and the Chillis braved the elements (and a ripping river current) to go over for a curry night aboard Jackster. I don't whether it was the flat water, full stomach or the wine, but we slept very soundly that night. 

Calm except for about 30 minutes.

After an uncomfortable night at Kingfisher Resort we decided to try for somewhere with a bit less fetch. Motored up to Big Woody Island where it was not much good and decided to head  back into River Heads. Nasty thunderstorm last night. Whilst on Circe for dinner were nearly knocked down with the wind gusts. Didn't last long and after that the anchorage proved quiet. Back to Kingfisher this morning as the wind has turned a little south which should be comfortable for a couple of days. 

Still at Garry's Anchorage with more friends.

Met up with our British cruising friends Jackie and David from SY Jackster. Had a great night on Chilli Heat with them and our cruising companions Jane and John from Circe. Another perfect day at Fraser Island. Leave early tomorrow on a rising tide to try and beat the shallows and head to Kingfisher Resort.

Gary's Anchorage

Got here yesterday after a short motor from overnighting at Inskip Point. The night at Inskip was rough with a developed Northerly and 10 miles of fetch. Probably 2 foot of sea for most of the night. Anchor alarms prooving that at least the place has good holding. John from Circe showed what a good swimmer he was when his dinghy came adrift.
A really calm night was had last night after a very hot day and dinner aboard Circe. There are lots of mozzies onshore  We will be here for a couple of days awaiting a higher tide to progress to Kingfisher Resort.