Back to Port Stephens 15th to 17th September

Adverse weather reports sent us scurrying back to Port Stephens. (Peter said it wasn't scurrying, we just sailed.) We had a good sail in a moderate NE breeze and decided to stop for a night or two in Fame Cove. It is so protected and several other boats were in there also. Finally the long awaited rain blew in from the NW on Monday and we spent the day reading, fishing (with no luck) and playing card games.

Waiting for the rain in Fame Cove

By Tuesday morning the worst of the weather had passed so we decided to motor out to Shoal Bay, which is just inside the southern entrance to Port Stephens. The long, white, sandy beach is backed by hotels and apartments and is very picturesque. We had seen an NPA pink mooring here on arrival, (courtesy moorings are pink beehive affairs) so Peter Googled NPA and found that it was the National Park Authority and the mooring was for the use of the public. It was ours for the night. While we were having lunch huge, black thunder clouds began to gather and head our way. Peter and I were sitting quietly waiting for a break in the weather to go ashore when there was an almighty flash and bang all at once that nearly sent us through the roof. The rain began and after a while the storm passed over and the sun came out and we took Lily into the beach.

 

 

Tomaree Head guards the southern entrance to Port Stephens and we had wanted to climb it if the chance arose. There is a well made walking track to the top and the views are spectacular over the whole waterway. We could see Rene like a little dot down in the bay. After purchasing gas, ice and a few fresh stores we were ready for the trip 27nm south to Newcastle the next day.

 

The unconcerned prickly fellow was half way up Tomaree Head.