Patonga Beach
We did not manage to get all of our jobs done on Wednesday because of a strong wind from the south west. Bringing Rene alongside at Clontarf Marina for water and fuel would have been problematic in the wind with the small amount of space over there. Also food shopping at Manly was out of the question as the wind was blowing straight up the bay there. Instead we took up a courtesy mooring in Shell Cove in Middle Harbour near The Spit and waited for the wind to abate as the forecast predicted. By mid afternoon it was obvious that the wind was dying so Peter and I rowed ashore and left Lily outside the Dinghy Sailing Club on the grass and caught the bus to Greg and Leisha's.
Thursday dawned fine and light northwest winds ruffled our hair as we poked our heads out of the companionway. Firstly we motored over to Clontarf to fill up with fuel and water, then it was off to Manly to stock up with stores. At midday all jobs had been completed, so as we still had time to get to Pittwater before dark (22nm from Manly to our Pittwater anchorage), we set off. The light north westerly helped us motor sail the whole way. The trip was scenic as we watched the northern beach suburbs, steep rocky headlands and golden beaches slowly pass by. Once around Barrenjoey Head we started to look for an anchorage for the night. It took a while as most of Pittwater is packed with moored craft or it is too deep. Eventually we found a sheltered spot in the eastern part of Careel Bay just outside the shoaling ground.
Looking for a spot to anchor
Our Careel Bay anchorage was very still and quiet and after breakfast we decided to take a turn around Pittwater to see what was there. There are thousands of boats. Every type of pleasure craft must be represented here and even some you would not have thought of. The place is choked with moorings. However we did manage to find several possibilities for anchoring.
As the weather forecast was for light northerlies and variable light winds we thought it would be a good idea to motor over to Patonga. This is the perfect conditions for this anchorage being in Broken Bay and open to the east and south. At the moment it is perfectly still here - not a sound. The bay is so pretty. Patonga is a small community with a hotel, general store, fish and chip shop, jetty and a ferry to Palm Beach. The hotel is a great spot for a pre dinner drink as it overlooks the bay and in fact has won 'NSW Best Country Pub' and 'Pub with the Best View, NSW.' Nice place!
We intend to spend a few days here, weather permitting, and then venture up the Hawkesbury River and Cowan Creek.
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