Tuesday 16 October 2012
Bundaberg-------end of this trip
Stayed at Island Head over night, left 5.45am and arrived at Great Keppel 6pm anchored on the resort side. Spent a great day ashore. On Monday we sailed to Great Keppel Marina (Roselle Bay) on the main land, to refuel, water and restock. Spent 4 nights in the marina, Friday we returned the GKI. Sunday the 7th at 4.30am we sailed over night, while on watch at 3.30am a dolphin swam up and down the jumping out splat splat ha ha you can't see me. It took us 30hrs and we managed to sail 20hrs, arrived at Chalmer Point and anchored in Burnett River by 10.45am Monday. Tuesday morning we moved up the river to Mid Town Marina Bundaberg. John will stay here for the next few months, while I go and spend some time with my daughter in Brisbane and return to Adelaide. John will be working with my brother in law Barry of and on. Wednesday afternoon Denise took me back to her place. On Sunday 21st Denise and Barry are driving me to Brisbane, they will spend a couple of days with Ashlyn and then on to Nabour to visit Barry's mum and dad, the round trip worked out good for me. That is me signing of until 2013.
Thursday 4 October 2012
Heading South (good bye Airlie Beach)
Spent 10 days in Arlie, in total we have spent 23 days between Airlie and Able Point, felt like a local, running into people we have met along the way. Goodbye Airlie Beach. Friday 21/9/2012 morning we motored to South Mole Island, with the intentions of spending the day with Seabird, no wind, the sea was like a milk pond, and I would say the hottest day we have had. We anchored about midday in Sandy Bay, Seabird did likewise. John didn’t like the anchorage so decided to carry on south to Lindeman about 3 hours away. We said good bye to Seabird as they planning to head south in a couple of weeks. Anchored overnight at Lindeman in Gap Beach. Left 6.30am and motored 30 miles to Brampton Island. Brampton is the southern most of the Whitsundays resorts (this resort is now closed what a waste, it would have been a great spot to relax, only having room for about 200 guests) I took the walking track to turtle bay leaving from the jetty and walk to the closed resort, they do have a care taker there supposedly looking after the grounds. In all took me about 2 hours. About 11am we motor sailed 13 miles to Keswick Island. Real estate has taken place on Keswick, there are some great looking houses jutting out on different levels on the southern side where we anchored. There is also an airstrip on the Island. We didn’t get a chance to go ashore. We met up with Kerry here (ex North Haven SA) and had him over for dinner. At 1am Monday we up anchored and left for Middle Percy 65 miles south. Arrived at Middle Percy at 4.30pm and anchored in West Bay. Middle Percy is the largest of the Percy Isles and are part of the Northumberland Islands and lie 40 miles north-north-west of Island Creek on the mainland midway between Yeppon and Mackay. Middle Percy has achieved fame over the years as scores of yacht skippers and crew have visited the telephone hut, now with an added aframe and left some souvenir, usually a plaque with the boats name. We found the plaque for Gypsy Lover left on a visit from the previous owner dated 1991. John was a bit emotional as the owner has now passed away. The Island is inhabited and was used for sheep farming. I walk the 3.6kl to the homestead and met the current owner, I didn't see any sheep, plenty of goats. On west beach there is a tree house that is occupied by a couple who maintain the beach area, barbecue and aframe. We spent 3enjoyable days. Friday morning we left at 3.30am and motor sailed all but about 2-3 hours to Island Head, arrived at 4.30pm.
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| Middle Percy |
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| Middle Percy |
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| Middle Percy |
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| Aframe Middle Percy |
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| Gypsy Lover - in aframe |
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| Great Keppel |
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| Great Keppel |
Wednesday 12 September 2012
Airlie Beach - Whitsundays - number 2
From Stone Haven we sailed to Woodwark Bay, on the mainland just north of Airlie Beach. Spent a comfortable night, and sailed back to Airlie on Thursday 30/8/12.
We spent 7 days in Airlie , doctors appointment ( all good), ect. We restocked our provisions, and on Thursday
we had a good sail back to Cid Harbour, in the company of Seabird, where we stayed for the night.
Friday we attempted to sail to Turtle Bay with no luck, the tide and the wind were against us. We also had a mishap, John started the motor, while trailing a fishing line, and it spun around the prop, lucky John noticed and quickly turned the motor off. This meant we could not use the motor until he could get in the water and untangle it. We had to anchor under sail, (this was a first, job well done) at the first safe anchorage we could sail to.
We stopped at Homestead Bay on Cid Island. John had to use his scuba equipment to fix the problem.
We went back to Cid Harbour for the night.
Saturday morning we motored around to the east side of Whitsunday Island through Hook Passage to Tonge Bay. Took us about hrs. On this journey I made a date,apple & walnut pudding in the pressure cooker (no oven on this boat) no pudding tin so it went into the only cake tin I have, and it did turn out, and very tasty. We had Martin & Sheryl over for a dinner of roast lamb (in the cobb) and pudding with custard.
Sunday morning John & I went ashore with the tide,( this beach is only accessible at high or near high tide) and took the track (great track with board walk and steps) that leads to a silica sand beach on the other side, where the amazing spectacle of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven beach unfolds. I got some great photos, the light was just right. Early afternoon we motored to Whitehaven Beach. Very busy here, with all the charter boats on day trips, seaplanes, and helicopter's landing on the beach. We went ashore and Martin, Sheryl & I went on a walk, 3.6km one way, the track extends between Chance Bay , a secluded bay on the southern side of Whitesunday Island, and the iconic Whitehaven Beach. It branches off the Solway Circuit (we also did this 1.2km) Sensational views over Solway Passage. That was a big day.
Monday I made bread in the pressure cooker as supplies were getting low, and we all had a picnic on the beach and a bottle of wine. Later we went for a stroll on the beach. We had dinner on Seabird.
Tuesday John & I sailed back to Airlie Beach as John had an appointment on Wednesday.
The trip back was interesting, we started of with the full main, and the pole (goosewinging) sitting on five knots. when we changed direction to go through Hook Passage, headsail put away, and motor on. Once we got through the passage the wind was favourable, and the headsail back out, no pole, we were scooting a long at 8 knots, John at the helm, trying to catch the boat in front, at this time the wind was hitting 28knotts and the boat was well over powered, consequently rounded up & back winded the sails and then got pulled over. ( John wants you to know the same thing happened to the boat in front). We arrived back in Airlie Beach in one piece.
That is me signing of until the next chapter.
We spent 7 days in Airlie , doctors appointment ( all good), ect. We restocked our provisions, and on Thursday
we had a good sail back to Cid Harbour, in the company of Seabird, where we stayed for the night.
Friday we attempted to sail to Turtle Bay with no luck, the tide and the wind were against us. We also had a mishap, John started the motor, while trailing a fishing line, and it spun around the prop, lucky John noticed and quickly turned the motor off. This meant we could not use the motor until he could get in the water and untangle it. We had to anchor under sail, (this was a first, job well done) at the first safe anchorage we could sail to.
We stopped at Homestead Bay on Cid Island. John had to use his scuba equipment to fix the problem.
We went back to Cid Harbour for the night.
Saturday morning we motored around to the east side of Whitsunday Island through Hook Passage to Tonge Bay. Took us about hrs. On this journey I made a date,apple & walnut pudding in the pressure cooker (no oven on this boat) no pudding tin so it went into the only cake tin I have, and it did turn out, and very tasty. We had Martin & Sheryl over for a dinner of roast lamb (in the cobb) and pudding with custard.
Sunday morning John & I went ashore with the tide,( this beach is only accessible at high or near high tide) and took the track (great track with board walk and steps) that leads to a silica sand beach on the other side, where the amazing spectacle of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven beach unfolds. I got some great photos, the light was just right. Early afternoon we motored to Whitehaven Beach. Very busy here, with all the charter boats on day trips, seaplanes, and helicopter's landing on the beach. We went ashore and Martin, Sheryl & I went on a walk, 3.6km one way, the track extends between Chance Bay , a secluded bay on the southern side of Whitesunday Island, and the iconic Whitehaven Beach. It branches off the Solway Circuit (we also did this 1.2km) Sensational views over Solway Passage. That was a big day.
Monday I made bread in the pressure cooker as supplies were getting low, and we all had a picnic on the beach and a bottle of wine. Later we went for a stroll on the beach. We had dinner on Seabird.
Tuesday John & I sailed back to Airlie Beach as John had an appointment on Wednesday.
The trip back was interesting, we started of with the full main, and the pole (goosewinging) sitting on five knots. when we changed direction to go through Hook Passage, headsail put away, and motor on. Once we got through the passage the wind was favourable, and the headsail back out, no pole, we were scooting a long at 8 knots, John at the helm, trying to catch the boat in front, at this time the wind was hitting 28knotts and the boat was well over powered, consequently rounded up & back winded the sails and then got pulled over. ( John wants you to know the same thing happened to the boat in front). We arrived back in Airlie Beach in one piece.
That is me signing of until the next chapter.
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| Tongue Bay |
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| Tongue Bay |
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| Hill Inlet |
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| Hill Inlet |
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| Hill Inlet |
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| Hill Inlet |
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| Picnic on Whitehaven Beach |
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| Whitehaven Beach |
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| Whitehaven Beach |
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| Whitehaven Beach |
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| Pudding in a cake tin and yes I had to try it |
Monday 27 August 2012
Airlie Beach - Whitsundays
We stayed at Airlie four nights, easy to catch the bus to the major shopping centres.In the main street there plenty of places to eat out, lot's of pubs and touristy shopping, all in walking distance from the sailing club. The Saturday morning markets along the foreshore have great fresh fruit and veg, plenty of clothing, jewelry ect. While wandering around the market, caught up with a few people we have met on the way.
On Wednesday early morning we moved around to Pioneer Bay in front of the Able Point Marina and anchored near Seabird. Sheryl and I caught the bus and went to Centro Shopping Centre, we both managed to pick up a few thing we were looking for.
We spent 2 nights at Able Point--- left 8.15am on Friday 24/8/12 and had a good sail most of the way to Cid Harbour. Anchored at 12.30pm. Cid Harbour is formed by a bight in Whitsunday Island and by Cid Island partially enclosing it. Cid Island is 7 miles east-north-east of Shute Harbour on the eastern side of the Whitsunday passage.
We anchored at Sawmill Bay, where you have access to a couple of walking tracks.
I went for a lovely leisurely walk on the walking track to Dugon Beach, this track was rather busy as it is the easiest of the two, on return I sat at a pick nick bench and read my book for an hour.
On Saturday Seabird turned up late in the afternoon.
Sunday the four of us (yes even John) walked Whitsunday Peak = 2.5km one way.
the Whitsunday Peak track is one of the most challenging of the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail. Reaching an elevation of 437mt. It was well worth the out of breath, sweating (did I say sweating, that is perspiring for women.) once you reached the top, spectacular views. It was much easier coming down. It took us 3.5 hours with a good stop on top.
In the early evening we had beer tasting (home brew) on Gypsy Lover. John's first brew got high marks from Martin the connoisseur.
Monday we sailed to Nara Inlet on Hook Island and anchored over night. Very nice anchorage calm and protected. We took the dingy ashore and went to the Ngaro Cultural Sight. The track ascends 170m, initially steeply up the banks of the Inlet, to a rock shelter containing Ngaro art motifs. The sight includes a boardwalk
viewing areas and interpretive displays. Very interesting.
We went aboard Seabird for a dinner of curried chicken and rice, yummy.
Tuesday morning we sailed to the western side of hook island and picked up a mooring in Stone Haven Anchorage.
An interesting thing happened on the way, i was copying some recipes in side the boat and I could hear some strange noises, called for John to listen, and sure enough we could hear whales calling each other.
John went on deck to do the man thing over the side of the boat, and he got a shock as a whale broached beside him.
Well that is me signing off for now.
On Wednesday early morning we moved around to Pioneer Bay in front of the Able Point Marina and anchored near Seabird. Sheryl and I caught the bus and went to Centro Shopping Centre, we both managed to pick up a few thing we were looking for.
We spent 2 nights at Able Point--- left 8.15am on Friday 24/8/12 and had a good sail most of the way to Cid Harbour. Anchored at 12.30pm. Cid Harbour is formed by a bight in Whitsunday Island and by Cid Island partially enclosing it. Cid Island is 7 miles east-north-east of Shute Harbour on the eastern side of the Whitsunday passage.
We anchored at Sawmill Bay, where you have access to a couple of walking tracks.
I went for a lovely leisurely walk on the walking track to Dugon Beach, this track was rather busy as it is the easiest of the two, on return I sat at a pick nick bench and read my book for an hour.
On Saturday Seabird turned up late in the afternoon.
Sunday the four of us (yes even John) walked Whitsunday Peak = 2.5km one way.
the Whitsunday Peak track is one of the most challenging of the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail. Reaching an elevation of 437mt. It was well worth the out of breath, sweating (did I say sweating, that is perspiring for women.) once you reached the top, spectacular views. It was much easier coming down. It took us 3.5 hours with a good stop on top.
In the early evening we had beer tasting (home brew) on Gypsy Lover. John's first brew got high marks from Martin the connoisseur.
Monday we sailed to Nara Inlet on Hook Island and anchored over night. Very nice anchorage calm and protected. We took the dingy ashore and went to the Ngaro Cultural Sight. The track ascends 170m, initially steeply up the banks of the Inlet, to a rock shelter containing Ngaro art motifs. The sight includes a boardwalk
viewing areas and interpretive displays. Very interesting.
We went aboard Seabird for a dinner of curried chicken and rice, yummy.
Tuesday morning we sailed to the western side of hook island and picked up a mooring in Stone Haven Anchorage.
An interesting thing happened on the way, i was copying some recipes in side the boat and I could hear some strange noises, called for John to listen, and sure enough we could hear whales calling each other.
John went on deck to do the man thing over the side of the boat, and he got a shock as a whale broached beside him.
Well that is me signing off for now.
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| Air show at Airlie Beach |
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| Abel Point Marina |
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| Dugon Beach |
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| Fish John caught at Cid Harbour |
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| View from Whitsunday Peak |
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| Whitsunday Peak |
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| View from Nara Inlet from Ngaro Sight |
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| Speaks for it self |
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| Board walk Ngaro Sight |
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| Whitsunday Peak did you notice John has had his hair cut compliments of Martin |
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| Whitsunday Peak |
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| Whitsunday peak in the distance you can see the high rises on Hamilton Island |
Thursday 23 August 2012
Great Keppel - Freshwater Bay - Island Head Creek - Scawfell Island - Goldsmith Island -Lindeman Island - Airlie Beach.
Spent a great week at Great Keppel Island in the company of Seabird, had a good time exploring the Island with Martin & Sheryl, John choose to stay on the boat. There are a lot of marked walking tracks and great views to see. The resort has been closed, it is gradually trying to reopen. Great accommodation going to wast.
Monday the 6/8/12 we sailed 2 hours to the mainland and took a berth at the maria in Roselle Bay for a night to refuel, water and stock up supplies. Water is our biggest problem as we only carry 200lts. You would be surprised at how much you use each day. The marina cost $41 for the night, we made good use of the showers, and washing machines. I caught a bus to Yeppoon to stock up on a few groceries. In all it took me about 21/2 hours Met Moore yachty's and had a drink with them at the local sailing club.
7.30am Tuesday we sailed to Freshwater bay ( a good anchorage on the mainland) we arrived at 3pm. Later in the evening Seabird arrived with a boat call Cartref. Wednesday morning we all sailed to Island Head Creek all so on the mainland. The Creek offers delightful anchorages and pretty surroundings. It is part of the Shoal water Bay Army training area. We stayed at Island Head Creek for 3 nights, went for a walk on the beach and got eaten by sand fly or midge's. Left 2pm 11/08/2012 and sailed overnight to Scawfell Island anchored at 2.30pm Sunday 12th. Scawfell Island itself rises from the horizon at a distance of about 35 miles, is about 35miles from the coast and about 65miles from Airlie Beach. We went ashore lovely beach, no marked walking tracks.
We left 9am Tuesday morning and sailed 27miles to Goldsmith Island, anchored overnight and and sailed to Lindeman Island stayed overnight and left for Airlie Beach at 8am in the morning. Anchored near one of John's mates that left Adelaide about 2 years ago. We had a short dingy ride to the Sailing Club.
A lot of activity going on around Airlie Beach, race week, fire work display, loud music, the RAFF precision flying team put on a great show.
Monday the 6/8/12 we sailed 2 hours to the mainland and took a berth at the maria in Roselle Bay for a night to refuel, water and stock up supplies. Water is our biggest problem as we only carry 200lts. You would be surprised at how much you use each day. The marina cost $41 for the night, we made good use of the showers, and washing machines. I caught a bus to Yeppoon to stock up on a few groceries. In all it took me about 21/2 hours Met Moore yachty's and had a drink with them at the local sailing club.
7.30am Tuesday we sailed to Freshwater bay ( a good anchorage on the mainland) we arrived at 3pm. Later in the evening Seabird arrived with a boat call Cartref. Wednesday morning we all sailed to Island Head Creek all so on the mainland. The Creek offers delightful anchorages and pretty surroundings. It is part of the Shoal water Bay Army training area. We stayed at Island Head Creek for 3 nights, went for a walk on the beach and got eaten by sand fly or midge's. Left 2pm 11/08/2012 and sailed overnight to Scawfell Island anchored at 2.30pm Sunday 12th. Scawfell Island itself rises from the horizon at a distance of about 35 miles, is about 35miles from the coast and about 65miles from Airlie Beach. We went ashore lovely beach, no marked walking tracks.
We left 9am Tuesday morning and sailed 27miles to Goldsmith Island, anchored overnight and and sailed to Lindeman Island stayed overnight and left for Airlie Beach at 8am in the morning. Anchored near one of John's mates that left Adelaide about 2 years ago. We had a short dingy ride to the Sailing Club.
A lot of activity going on around Airlie Beach, race week, fire work display, loud music, the RAFF precision flying team put on a great show.
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Hiking -- Great Keppel          |
Friday 3 August 2012
Bundaberg -- Great Keppel Island
It has taken me awhile to get back to this, as I have been very busy. Well here I go. Had a great time in Bundaberg in total we spent 17 day between Burnett Heads and Mid Town Marina. Mid Town is what it is called ----- right in the middle of the town, close to all shopping facility's. Great shops, managed to spend a few dollars with out any trouble at all.While on anchor in the river the second day the boat dragged (lucky John was on the boat) as it hit another boat, only damage done was a few scratches to John's boat, from the other guys dingy hanging on the side of his boat. (seams that is the way a lot of them store the dingy while at anchor)The next day John had the boat booked to go on the wharf to have some work done.The bow rollers had an extension added, to make the plough easier to use. Mark went up the mask and repaired the tri colour light. ( as John is not keen on height's) Barry made a seat come table to fit the hatch. With the jobs done John put the boat on a mooring for a week, that way he felt safe to leave the boat and stay at Barry and Denise's. While there they took us to Woodgate National Park for a day, we did a little four wheel driving, went on a couple of walks , a picnic lunch and a couple of wines. Enjoyable day had by all. Caught up with Mark and kids and also Wayne and Karen. A few wines, beers, scotch and bourbon were drank in that time.
Barry and John took the boat back to Burnett Heads on Saturday ready for out departure.
Left Monday morning at 7am started of with a good sail, the wind dropped out and we motored over night.
Arrived at Great Keppel Island at 10.30am Tuesday. (Seabird & Roseanne are all so here) It is now Saturday. Lovely weather sunny (shorts and tee during the day cool at night good for sleeping.) Have been walking with Sheryl and Sue, canoeing, and entertaining. Great life style.
Barry and John took the boat back to Burnett Heads on Saturday ready for out departure.
Left Monday morning at 7am started of with a good sail, the wind dropped out and we motored over night.
Arrived at Great Keppel Island at 10.30am Tuesday. (Seabird & Roseanne are all so here) It is now Saturday. Lovely weather sunny (shorts and tee during the day cool at night good for sleeping.) Have been walking with Sheryl and Sue, canoeing, and entertaining. Great life style.
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Taken from Mid Town   (now you can go back up)      |
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