Port Hacking Mini Cruise 19th March 2010

Chilli Heat headed over to Jibbon around lunchtime Friday. 2 boats from Sydney arrived on Friday afternoon, namely Deb n Grant on Wet n Wild and Carol and Warren aboard Crescendo. Joined later by Lynne and Rob from Cruizen of Port Hacking. It was a little blowy with a bit of surge but an enjoyable evening was hosted aboard Chilli Heat with a warming Rogan Josh on the Bill of Fare.

All retired at around 12.00 midnight. On awakening on Saturday it was noticed that the beautiful red and white Zodiac with new 8 hp motor from one of the yachts had been “stolen”. The NSW Maritime and VMR vessel were contacted to try and track the culprit/s. On reflection it was mused that the skipper of the stricken dinghy was not only in fact knotably challenged but a complete philistine with regard to the importance of the proper bend for the task. Often pontificating that any knot will do and an advocate of the saying “if you can’t tie a knot, tie a lot”. The NSW Maritime soon located the now only MIA (not stolen) dinghy washed up on a lee shore about a mile from it’s departure point. The BSO was great in his help in recovery and smiled jibe about securing vessels and, “by the way why isn’t this dinghy registered”. The name of the offender and offending Yacht must remain confidential, suffice it to say that the celebration of finding the recalcitrant dinghy was held on board the yacht owned by “home of a rabbit” and the “Christmas hymn” and concluded in a “musical climax”.

The weather deteriorated to a point where it didn’t look like there would be any further attendees, and after a call from Salty Lady we made a couple of calls to confirm, and then headed upstream in some fairly heavy rain through the shallows to South West Arm. All 4 yachts dropped the anchor in close proximity to ensure immediate response to calls of food or drink. A call for assistance from Cruizen came a short while later in the form of willing AB’s to consume freshly baked choc chip biscuits and coffee accompanied by suitable refreshments. Shadowfax II communicated that they would not be at Port Hacking until Sunday weather permitting.

Saturday night all aboard Crescendo (musical climax) for lasagne and profiteroles paired with appropriate beverages. A movie night ensued. Meet the Feebles is a most unusual movie, my recommendation if you have the choice, is DO NOT WATCH IT.

Sunday morning is a continuation of rain, who knows what wondrous adventures await us today. Could it be cards, dominoes, chess, movies, TV or snooker? Could it be Grant cultivating the fruits de la mare from the hull of Wet n Wild (aka The Cunjevoi Lass), or Warren loosing something he treasures or just a private consultation with Dr Daniels (or just doing Christmas Carols) or Rob from Cruizen donning his house wife’s apron and cooking up salubrious sweets again. Port Hacking is still beautiful in any weather. Deb made a huge batch of scones and once again we gorged ourselves before any thought of personal health damage. As it was, the rain broke and we had a dinghy ride to the end of Sth West Arm. Because of the amount of rain the flow at the waterfall was extreme. Quite exciting. Rob broke a shear pin on his outboard at the wrong time (is there a right time) and he and Lynne were towed back by Warren with his 8hp at faster than their little Walker Bay had ever gone or is likely ever to achieve again. With the anchorage now to ourselves we were able to get our singing voices in tune. Dinner was aboard Cruizen, consisting of Lamb Shanks and beans followed by apple pie. The entertainment was in the aforementioned singing, some of bawdy ballads, others of adventurous shanties but the highlight was Lynne singing her old school song, to rapturous applause.

Rain again all night and Monday morning, Cruizen had to head back today on the tide so Rob could make a dentist’s appointment. Morning tea is aboard Chilli Heat, where we will discuss plans for the day and evening. Could be the DVD “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. In between showers we managed to squeeze a dinghy adventure upstream, the heavy rain had turned the rapids into a maelstrom, not allowing us to land and thus not being able to get up to Winifred Falls. We did manage to stop at the small grassy area just near the head for a walk on shore. Shadowfax II (Gandolf’s Horse) arrived in the afternoon after a fairly quick sail from Sydney. It was great to meet up with Helen and Colin after seeing them at the Blackwattle Bay sailaway. Dinner for all was on Wet n Wild. The baked Lamb dinner was just what was required for an end to a rainy day.

Tuesday, at last the sun is shining. Crescendo returned on the tide to Sydney. Promising to come back by car for dinner on Wednesday evening. We decided to have a go again at conquering Winifred Falls. On arrival at the head of South West Arm we found the landing was acceptable and all disembarked and began, through some fairly heavy scrub and river crossings to bash/swim through to the summit. The volume of water that was flowing over the falls was impressive. Grant and Bruce had a swim in the fresh water. Seeing the 2 pale whales did nothing to add colour to the local fauna. On our walk back we got fairly close to a goanna which seemed to interest both parties. After getting back on the dinghy we stopped at a small local picnic spot and had cups of warm beverages and cake. Amid cries of horror the mandatory de leeching took place, whilst drying ourselves around a campfire that was made by our resident scouts, Colin and Grant. Dinner for all was onboard Shadowfax II. A beautiful BBQ leg of lamb was devoured by willing recipients.

Wednesday is another beautiful day. We left at 11.15am to get back on the tide and into Gunnamatta Bay for dinner tonight at the RMYC. Wet n Wild headed back to Sydney. Cruizen and Crescendo joined Shadowfax II and Chilli Heat for a nice dinner and further great raconteuring.

An enjoyable time was had in weather that at times can only be described as bloody heavy rain and at other times really hot and sunny.

As an adjunct I received a call from Colin from Shadowfax II claiming some bragging rights on his journey from Jibbon to Barrenjoey. The total journey took 3 hours, which after a slow start with boat speeds at (only) 7 to 9 knots, the breeze increased and saw Shadowfax II speed up to, at times 17 knots. The distance is approximately 32 nm. My question is why did it take so long to do the trip?


REMEMBER              “Only the guy who isn't rowing has time to rock the boat.”