Journey to the Barrier Reef – 29 August to 1 September 2009

The Great Barrier Reef becomes a lot closer, 15-20 nautical miles offshore, around this part of the coast, and so when our friends on Cruz Control (a 52' Racing Yacht) invited us to sailing in company out at the reef we jumped at it. Because we were sailing from two different locations on the coast we chose a GPS coordinate in the middle of the ocean for our meeting point. A spot where we incorrectly thought we would be able to see the reef, but all we saw was the depth gauge jumping from a depth of 46 metres to 6 metres literally in seconds. We were there!!

After a day's snorkeling in crystal clear water we appeared to be anchored in the middle of the ocean in balmy/glassy conditions at Britomart Reef. Next day we motored on an azure blue sea to Otter Reef where (in even clearer water) we snorkeled for nearly 2 hours, encountering sharks, moray eels and crayfish (painted crays). With the weather forecast becoming less certain we then motored back to the protection of Goold Island which we enjoyed with the Cruz crew.

Port Hinchinbrook to Cape Richards – 24 August to 28 August 2009

After enjoying a taste of the true Hinchinbrook Channel it was time to head for Port Hinchinbrook Marina to replenish our fuel. Within sight of the marina and fuel wharf, Erica momentarily ran aground in front of the housing development that surrounds the marina.

We decided to wait for a higher tide the day we left, and sailed out into Missionary Bay on the northern end of Hinchinbrook Island, where we headed for one of the many creeks that run into this large and shallow bay. Our destination was the head of 7th Creek where there is a landing which took us on to a boardwalk and then across the mangroves and sand flats to the magnificent Ramsay Bay, where we enjoyed a swim in crystal clear water after more than a week in the mud and croc infested waters of the Hinchinbrook Channel.

After we escaped the creeks on a rising tide, we headed for the National Parks walks of Cape Richards, where there is a closed resort but the keen fishing caretaker had time to serve us drinks in the deserted poolside bar.

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!