Goodbye August 2010 in Whitsundays

Well we have now been back on the water cruising for 6 weeks and we can't believe how fast that time has gone and where we have been and what we have seen. However, with the winds picking up, but the sky clear, we decided to take to the land and try the new track to Whitsunday Peak which is the highest peak in the Whitsundays. The recommended return trip was 4 hours and we felt please to do it in 3 with lots of photo stops.

Once down we caught up with old friends from Bundy and some new ones from somewhere for a birthday bash on a Leopard Cat which was fun. We then spent several days following the Hamilton Island races and were hoping to see the Super Yachts racing but think they were more interested in the socialising.

We are now back in Airlie Beach for provisioning before another few weeks out at the islands. We were very amused at being placed in the number 2 berth in the marina between all the super yachts but loved our extra long berth.

Enjoy life as we are...

Stairway to the top of Whitsunday Peak










We made it to the top and what a view










Hamilton Island, Resort, looks small from our vantage point

Partying with friends from Bundy on a very large cat

On of the smaller racers in the Hamo Race Fleet

191 foot Super Yacht "Kokomo" dwarfts a yacht similar to Erica

Sadly Kokomo's crew were happier drinking coffee than going sailing

Erica in no. 2 berth at Airlie also dwafted by the neighbours

Mackay to the Whitsundays - August 2010

We escaped Mackay Marina as quickly as possible to rendez-vou again with Rose at Goldsmith Island from where we then slowly meandered through the islands towards Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. Rose sadly left us there as they ventured south for awhile. Friends from Airlie on Say No More came out to join us just to make sure we were ok before they too left and we sailed though pods of whales on our way to Marcona Inlet on Hook Island. Sorry about all the underwater shots but still playing with our $100 toy underwater camera.

Lots of snorkeling, lots of friends and lots of fun - Enjoy as we are!!

A free loader a sunset in Goldsmith Island










Peta kayaking in a small creek on Goldsmith Island










Getting in the dinghy after a long snorkel is not easy!!










Rose and Erica peacefully anchored on the southern bay of Thomas Island










Phil practising Dinghy skills at Thomas Island














Family gathering on a very remote beach












A long walk but the view was worth it!












The view from Lindeman was very spectacular












Peta on the very top of Lindeman Island









Rose at anchor on a very calm Whitehaven evening










Family shot at Whitehaven










Phil with Erica in background at Whitehaven Beach










Say No More crew meeting










Yes she does go snorkeling










Unusual Coral










Fish hiding under the plate coral










Yes I do get in the water!










Beautiful Clams










Erica meets "Say No More" a Beneteau 41










Very colourful coral










Coral Fish on the reef










The fog rising at sunrise










Erica at sunset on a very calm Windy Bay










The "Splash" of a very large whale off Whitsunday Island

Great Keppel to Mackay Marina - August 2010

After a very peaceful stay at Great Keppel it was time to move further north so an early morning start saw us in a sea of Dolphins as we left in the dark. Our first stop was Island Head Creek which is a popular stop for many cruisers but almost deserted for our brief stay. Then a very long sail on to Curlew Island where we stayed long enough for beach walks and discovery of weird marine life. Then another long sail from there to Scawfell Island but first we had to dodge 80 Bulk Carriers off the coast and numerous whales with some just a bit too close. Normally we would do this trip over several weeks but were very keen to catch up with our relations from Brisbane who were on there yacht Rose anchored at Port Newry. So next day saw a very pleasant sail from Scawfell Island to Port Newry and sunset drinks on Rose.

The pace then slowed enough for bush walks around the Newry Islands and many shared meals between Rose and Erica. Then the crew on Erica were keen on a quick pitstop in Mackay for a "Pre Poll" vote as there are no postal deliveries where we were! Erica was also keen to get back to the partying on Rose!

Erica crew resting after 55nm to Island Head Creek









Late afternoon arrival a Curlew Island after another long day of 80 nm









A Strange sea creature (we think a Cunjie) on the beach at Curlew Island









Great sail but dodging 80 Bulk Carriers off Hay Point









We liked the name of this Carrier - Yvonne









Great sail from Scawfell Island to Port Newry









Erica towards left and Rose on the right in Port Newry









South Australians haming it up in the Newry's









Sunset after voting in Mackay

Lady Musgrave and Great Keppel Island - Aug 2010

After all the boat maintenance work in Bundaberg during June and July, it was great to blow away the cowebs with a very fast sail to Lady Musgrave Lagoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Our first few days in the coral lagoon were wild,wet and windy but it was still a wonderful place to be and very relaxing to be out of sight of the mainland.

The weather rapidly improved and we soon enjoyed island walks and two days of great snorkelling with many turtles, colorful reef fish, birds and a variety of coral. We then took advantage of the great weather preceding another strong wind blow, to travel further northwards through the Bunker Group of reefs for two days, with much excitement as we enjoyed many whale, dolphin and turtle sightings along the way.

Overnighting at another of our favourite spots, Masthead Island, we rested briefly before making the dash back towards the mainland coast, ahead of the forecast strong South Westerly change.

Now, we are anchored in an idyllic bay (Leekes Beach) on Great Keppel Island, enjoying fantastic island walks, swimming in crystal clear waters, watching the stingrays and thinking about whether or not to bait a hook to catch a garfish for dinner. Enjoy life - we are...

Bundaberg gave us a magnificent sunset farewell

Erica sits peacefully ready to leave the marina (3rd from left)

The initial weather was "Very" wet and stormy but worth it in the end

It's a peaceful and short walk around the cay at Lady Musgrave

Power boat invasion at the Musgrave Lagoon

Glass conditions inside the reef for snorkelling

Peta snorkelling at Musgrave Lagoon

Coral and small fish at Lady Musgrave Lagoon

I am ashore on a beautiful beach

Erica anchored at Leekes Beach, Great Keppel Island