Lake Macquarie 24th to 30th September

We are beginning to feel that Toronto is our second home. Peter visited the RMYC Toronto and secured our six month lease of a mooring for Rene while we are back in WA. It will cost $224 per month which is considerably cheaper than Sydney. We feel she will be secure here for that time with Roger and Carol keeping an eye out to see she is still tethered and afloat and Greg and Leisha visiting occasionally.

Peter helped Roger with his 'Man Pad' in the shed, putting down carpet and shifting a very heavy old desk in to place along with some other bits and pieces. We took a bus to Charleston Square Shopping Centre, a huge complex on the other side of the lake, where we wandered around, had lunch, but did not spend anything - Jeans West, Dusk and all the rest are the same where ever you go! A haircut was on the agenda and this has been accomplished. Having spent a few days at Toronto we then decided it was time to explore Kilaben Bay.

We motored around the corner and to the northern end of Kilaben Bay to find a sheltered anchorage as strong NW winds were forecast. We haven't sailed much because of the need for motoring to charge up the batteries. In the northern end of Kilaben Bay beyond Styles Point is a beautifully sheltered little bay. Ashore is Rathmines Park and Catalina Park and plenty of walking opportunities. Catalina Park was a former flying boat base during WW2 and some of the buildings and a huge ramp are still there. The strong wind warning did not eventuate this time.

We are now down in the very southern end of the lake in Chain Valley Bay. There is more bushland down here and the water is cloudy. On the western side of the bay is the Vales Point Power Station, a massive structure that is humming in the background. Today we will motor around to Crangan Bay and anchor off Gwandalan.