Well, I am being hassled for a contribution! A little anxious about my readers review of the spelling and grammar might have something to do with it!
We are safely anchored in Pancake Creek just north of 1770 on the Curtis Coast. Had a lazy day catching up on sleep and generally relaxing. It is a very pleasant spot and considering the strong winds outside very calm, even with the wind whistling through the rigging.
The overnight passage up from Mooloolaba started in 10 knots, but we have found those early morning winds no indication of what is to follow! To be fair we have great information at our fingertips with the Internet weather websites, and failing that the radio broadcasts. Even Anne is becoming an avid reader of the BOM websites!! Back to the overnight passage. We had planned to go to the Great Barrier Reef island of Lady Musgrave, that would involve a long hike up the coast leaving Fraser Island to port. With fresh winds averaging 20 knots we made good progress, but once past Breaksea Spit, an impressive extension of Fraser, the rain and squalls made progress less enjoyable. The yacht manged well, with 2 reefs in the main and partially furled jib we romped along with the wind from behind at 8-10 knots. As we passed Lady Elliot Island the weather didn't look appealing for a reef lagoon of LMI! Not to mention the full cloud cover, reduced visibility, and strong wind that made even I see sense and admit to a change in plans and sail past LM. The impressive waterspout and dark clouds caused concern but fortunately it passed by with no drama. The yacht has certainly been washed well with fresh and salt water since leaving the drought ridden Victoria!
We arrived here just before dusk only to find the buoys ahead of us not on the charts or in the bible of cruising - Alan Curtis! A letter to the author, and Navionics I think! We avoided grounding somehow.
I still can't get Anne to sleep on the overnight passages, she obviously doesn't trust me or the yacht! But there often isn't much room in our bunk with her friends!! Pillows, cushions and more pillows!! Domestic drama today with the fridge not working. Joel came to our rescue with the correct diagnosis of doggy connection! A little of wiggling and we have refrigeration again!
Tomorrow the forecast is for 20-25 again from behind, great! Anne was hoping for those light green areas on the wind charts! Still she is bearing up well scrambling around the foredeck in all weather with yes me given helpful instructions! We have certainly had varied sailing from 5 metre swells and waves on top to flat calm seas and the sound of the engine! Yes sometimes it has been perfect, we sailors are difficult to please!
Another technical failure, I was going to insert some photos but can't. Go to the picassa link if you are interested. That seems a good place to finish my ramblings. Tomorrow a days sail to Keppel Islands.
We are safely anchored in Pancake Creek just north of 1770 on the Curtis Coast. Had a lazy day catching up on sleep and generally relaxing. It is a very pleasant spot and considering the strong winds outside very calm, even with the wind whistling through the rigging.
The overnight passage up from Mooloolaba started in 10 knots, but we have found those early morning winds no indication of what is to follow! To be fair we have great information at our fingertips with the Internet weather websites, and failing that the radio broadcasts. Even Anne is becoming an avid reader of the BOM websites!! Back to the overnight passage. We had planned to go to the Great Barrier Reef island of Lady Musgrave, that would involve a long hike up the coast leaving Fraser Island to port. With fresh winds averaging 20 knots we made good progress, but once past Breaksea Spit, an impressive extension of Fraser, the rain and squalls made progress less enjoyable. The yacht manged well, with 2 reefs in the main and partially furled jib we romped along with the wind from behind at 8-10 knots. As we passed Lady Elliot Island the weather didn't look appealing for a reef lagoon of LMI! Not to mention the full cloud cover, reduced visibility, and strong wind that made even I see sense and admit to a change in plans and sail past LM. The impressive waterspout and dark clouds caused concern but fortunately it passed by with no drama. The yacht has certainly been washed well with fresh and salt water since leaving the drought ridden Victoria!
We arrived here just before dusk only to find the buoys ahead of us not on the charts or in the bible of cruising - Alan Curtis! A letter to the author, and Navionics I think! We avoided grounding somehow.
I still can't get Anne to sleep on the overnight passages, she obviously doesn't trust me or the yacht! But there often isn't much room in our bunk with her friends!! Pillows, cushions and more pillows!! Domestic drama today with the fridge not working. Joel came to our rescue with the correct diagnosis of doggy connection! A little of wiggling and we have refrigeration again!
Tomorrow the forecast is for 20-25 again from behind, great! Anne was hoping for those light green areas on the wind charts! Still she is bearing up well scrambling around the foredeck in all weather with yes me given helpful instructions! We have certainly had varied sailing from 5 metre swells and waves on top to flat calm seas and the sound of the engine! Yes sometimes it has been perfect, we sailors are difficult to please!
Another technical failure, I was going to insert some photos but can't. Go to the picassa link if you are interested. That seems a good place to finish my ramblings. Tomorrow a days sail to Keppel Islands.
exciting times, that waterspout looks as close to you guys as the one we had as we motored back from New Hannover to Kavieng, except our raft was a little less seaworthy!!
ReplyDeleteHi Anne and Roger
ReplyDeleteleft a comment on Anne's last post - thought you may not look back - photos are great
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ReplyDeleteI've marked your English Roger - 75/100, not bad! The photos are great - flat seas, sunshine, it all looks "too easy" to me. What were all those clothes you were wearing in some of the photos? You Victorians are a soft lot! Tony
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI loved your sand garden Anne, you must have had so much fun making it.The sunsets and dawn photo's were beautiful. Can't believe that you have not seen the sun since the Gold Coast,lets hope that the sun shines while you are in Mackay and you are able to enjoy relaxing in between getting all your jobs done. Keep the news coming,it is lovely to keep in touch and know that you are both safe. love Tina xx
ReplyDelete