Angels and Snubbers

Well another day in paradise. Yes it has been a glorious day. 25 degrees and a very light breeze.

Last night was interrupted by a thunderstorm which caused a bit of drama as we dragged our anchor and had to find a new more secure spot. Anne was on the foredeck during all this and so got pretty wet. We had to get out the wet weather gear, not seen for a few weeks, a little too late for Anne! The rest of the night was affected by the concern for the weather and our new anchorage. Anchor alarm/GPS activated and regular wake ups to the clock to check all was well. To jump to this evening, and yes another thunderstorm happening as I write! Fingers crossed. A lot more rain than last night and no gaps to the thunder. Anne is next to me counting and I am checking our position on the chart plotter! Should I have deployed the anchor buddy? Is there something in the name of this place – Neck Bay? We won't tell the parents about this, they arrive tomorrow. Still you will probably have seen the weather in SE Queensland.

We have had a very lazy day. Slept in after last night, then a trip to the beach. Watched the dolphins feed and then the continuing education programme! More of 'yacht electrics for idiots' followed by knots and splices. I have finally conquered the eye splice [photo on Picassa]. Yes I hear you saying what an exciting time!

I wrote this a few days ago. Dad and Tina arrived on the Friday. As we entered the marina at Hamilton Island we saw their Jetstar plane land above us! That day and the next showed the Whitsundays at its best. First stop was Whitehaven beach, never seen it so perfect like all those photos. We explored all the way up to Hill Inlet, at least 3 hours on the beach. Unfortunately the weather has changed with strong winds and showers, so we have been hiding in Nara Inlet for a few days. The stories about a shark breeding area have stopped me having my swim at every anchorage.

Oh yes today is a special day – my ...b'day! No fancy restaurants here, which suits me fine. Surprised the internet connection is so good this morning. Anne is thinking of renaming our blog 'Angels and Snubbers'. She says she is always setting and weighing the anchor. Using the anchor angel and snubber to make sure we don't move and get a reasonable nights sleep! In fact Anne is developing many OCD traits!! It has been good to have some company, stopped Anne from using my new spliced rope...! Oh and another surprise, we played scrabble last night and I lead from start to finish! Doesn't say much for the competition I hear you say.
Richard would love the night sky we see most nights, absolutely amazing.

Well I have been instructed to get off the computer. BFN Oh by the way who stole my photograph from the last blog?