Hinchinbrook Island – Part 2 – 21 August to 23 August 2009

The Hinchinbrook Channel area is a fishermen's paradise and photographer's dream - sadly we are just dreaming photographers and only manage to enjoy the photo's and not the fish. These images are taken in and around Gayundah Creek, Hinchinbrook Island.

Hinchinbrook Island – Part 1 – 21 August to 23 August 2009

An early morning motor in windless conditions took us across the end of the Lucinda Jetty that extends 5 kilometres out to sea with very shallow waters down its northern side. In order to enter the nearby Hinchinbrook Channel from the south, we needed to navigate these very shallow waters on a rising tide.

Once we had successfully passed the narrow entrance at the base of the Lucinda Sugar wharf, the Hinchinbrook Channel opened out in front of us with all its splendour. Our first anchorage was at Haycock Island where we again woke early to catch the rising tide going further into the channel. Views on both sides are spectacular at this point, with towering mountain ranges and hectares of rainforest and mangroves. As we motored further along, we came to our next anchorage in the side creek of Gayundah, where Erica and we had a very peaceful night's sleep (together with one other monohull yacht whose owners tried unsuccessfully to lure some crabs into their pots set amongst the mangroves).

So far, no crocodile sightings and the biting midges (sandflies) are keeping a respectful distance away from the SA adventures.

Orpheus Island – 18-20 August 2009

Erica and her crew only take small steps up the east coast, and so after a short motor/sail of 40 nautical miles through the Palm Group of Islands, we arrived at the very peaceful Orpheus Island. En route we had success with our fishing line once again, landing a good sized Spotted/School Mackerel that provided two more delicious meals.

At our anchorage in Little Pioneer Bay there is an abundance of fringing coral reef making it difficult to land ashore, unless it is high tide. So, when the tide came in we set off to explore and climb the hills on Orpheus. First, we found the ruins of an old sheppard's cottage on our hike to a high peak with spectacular views of the bays and surroundings. Our next day's adventures saw us dinghying across bays (waves and white caps) to nearby Yankee Bay in search of a new jetty, secluded beach and an old WWII Degaussing/Demagnetising Station that was used to reduce ships' magnetism for mines during the war.

This is a great adventure of fishing, sailing, walking and history.

Townsville – August 2009

For the boatie, Townsville has a choice of two marinas both having good and bad points. We chose the Breakwater Marina which is quite old but has new showers, laundry facilities and is surrounded by new high-rise apartments and adjoins a fantastic park along the foreshore. The Strand Park has numerous water features, including great pools for children and the young at heart.

Venturing into town, we walked across the historic bridge spanning Ross Creek (cousin of Ross River, home of the famous virus) and visited the Maritime Museum that also has large displays of WWII memorabilia. Back across the other side of the creek we got a feeling for what Townsville's nightlife could be like, but it was quite "dead" on our Saturday afternoon!

Magnetic Island – August 2009

Magnetic Island is a holiday destination off the coast near Townsville and its most popular bay, and our anchorage, is Horseshoe Bay where there is a great beach with park-like foreshore, a pub and variety of restaurants. During the 2nd World War it was also a popular RR location for service men and women. We caught the local bus to see more of the island which is very hilly with large granite rock outcrops. The climb from the bus stop to the WWII ruins was well worth it as we had spectacular views of the various coves along the way, including Balding Beach. At the highest points, with a clear line of sight, were the remains of gun placements and the lookout station with sweeping views out to the reef and around towards Townsville. Horseshoe Bay is a popular stop for other yachties heading north and we enjoyed a great dinner of fresh fish with the crews of Kieara C, Free Spirit and Elaine Marie cooked on the foreshore BBQs. Now off to Townesville for supplies!

Cape Gloucester to Magnetic Island – 1 August 2009

The day after sharing a long lunch with the crews from Rose and Imagin IV we finally set our sails and headed north to Bona Bay, Gloucester Island (yet again), arriving after a great sail in fresh conditions. Very soon after our arrival we were presented with a 96cm Queen Fish by strangers (now friends) who noticed we were from Adelaide (their old home) and their generous offering became our dinner for the next few days. Leaving Gloucester in our wake the following morning, we experienced slight nerves and trepidation because we were now sailing in new waters for us.

After another great sail northwards up the coast past Bowen and the very long bulk handling jetty at Abbot Point, we arrived at the very rugged (where are the Palm Trees of sunny Queensland?) Cape Upstart. This was our overnight anchorage before our pre-dawn start heading to Magnetic Island off the coast of Townsville. The morning produced rough seas and no wind while the afternoon was calm (still with no wind) but we motored safely past Cape Bowling Green towards Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island, which was to be our home for the next few days.

Whitsundays – Part 3 - July 2009

Having fully recovered from the flu, our good friend Rob got us back into action with a brisk walk to the Kopp on South Mole Island. Along with our Whitsundays Peak walk last year, this walk is one of the best in the Whitsundays.

Then our new friends, Ran and Annie encouraged us to go swimming in Butterfly Bay with Manta Rays - an awesome experience which we would be happy to repeat. After that, we were lucky to catch up with friends old and new, at a perfect sundowner in Cid Harbour before leaving the Whitsundays.

Now, for life beyond the Whitsundays, stay tuned...

Whitsundays – Part 2 - July 2009

After reprovisioning, we decided to escape the crowds for a few days and headed for one of our favourite spots Bona Bay on Gloucester Island and amazingly, met new and old friends for sunset drinks on the beach. We did do some sailing (and attempted fishing) but then ended up at another favourite island, Armit, for yet more drinks at sunset. Why wouldn't you all go cruising?

After Armit Island we sailed back to another favourite spot, Cid Harbour (not really a harbour) where we found a 150 foot yacht in our spot, dwarfing us and all our friends. However, the other thing that happened on the way to Cid, was that we came down with a very horrible flu which we must have picked up with the shopping in Airlie Beach. So, once anchored safely in Cid, we proceeded to ward off visitors while in self-imposed quarantine and did very little for 7 days. When the signs of improved health dawned, we headed off for a walk to our favourite fishing hole (Dugong Beach) and baked our first loaf of bread aboard Erica.

Whitsundays – Part 1 - July 2009

The month of July 2009 was spent in and around the Whitsunday Islands, sailing, swimming, snorkelling, socialising and restocking with provisions. There are many Whitsundays' shots on our 2008 Blog, but here are just a few different ones from 2009 (some look the same!!!).

For those South Australians who remember Josko Grubic and his beautiful boat, 'Anaconda II' (which he entered in the Whitbread around the world race)- well, she is now a "Backpacker Boat" with the stunning 'Condor of Bermuda' in the Whitsundays.

The new lookout at Hill Inlet is now finished and has stunning views of the inlet and Whitehaven Beach. Of course, liqueurs were served onboard Erica and some guests just had to lie down.

Our first whale of the season was spotted feeding its calf at Cateran Bay, Border Island, while we were enjoying sunset drinks, watching this beautiful scene of nature.

Then when we were madly provisioning at Airlie Beach, the Australian sail training vessel, Young Endeavour, sailed in with literally all the young crew up the mast - what a great sight it was!

Shaw Island (Southern Whitsundays) – 1 July 2009

After a lot or work, planning and many miles sailing, Erica finally returned to the Whitsundays and our first sunset welcome at Shaw Island was fabulous. Last year we didn't have much time to explore Shaw Island and so this time we enjoyed walking along the beautiful beaches at Burning Point. Next, we moved on to Neck Bay which looked fabulous in the tourist brochures but in reality turned out to be an uncomfortable anchorage (especially when we need a good rest after two walks on the protected and unprotected beaches). On the unprotected beach we found flotsam which we used to help mark the overgrown track for future cruisers. Having appreciated our longer stay at Shaw Island, we then headed off to fight it out with the crowds at the much loved Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island.