Fraser Island to Port Bundaberg 25th - 29th May

Pulled the anchor at 7.30am and headed north up the channel to Platypus Bay, Fraser Island, on the eastern side of Hervey Bay. This required the usual watch for the right channel through the sand and mud banks. By the time we reached Moon Point, the water had cleared considerably and we were able to see the shallow water. I'm not sure which is best, murky or clear. In most of the Great Sandy
Strait the water is murky, so whether it is 20cm or 20m deep you can't tell. As we approached Moon Point it was clear that in front was a shallow patch that closed in all around and there was no option but to go over the top. We didn't touch, but at one stage the water was 2.6m deep. There are several choices of channels to take at Moon Point and we chose to round very close to Fraser Island as our destination was the Lagoon Anchorage over half way up Platypus Bay. It was surprising how close to Fraser Island we had to go. You could almost touch the shore. Once out in Hervey Bay we were clear of obstacles and it was a pleasant sail to the Lagoon.

The Lagoon Anchorage

This whole bay is ringed by a beautiful white sandy beach. The Lagoon Anchorage is in open water and as the light wind was in the south or south east we had a comfortable night. Several runabouts and a large catamaran were inside the lagoon and completely protected from any wind. Unfortunately for us only shallow draft vessels can go in there. We took Lily ashore and walked along the beach and explored the lagoon.

On Monday we again left early for a 57nm journey across Hervey Bay to Port Bundaberg. The wind was a gentle southerly and we quietly sailed most of the day - lovely! We motored into the Burnett River, past the sugar terminal and found a spot to anchor opposite the Bundaberg Sailing Club near the northern bank. It reminded me of the Clarence River, being surrounded by sugar cane fields and grazing cattle.

Bundaberg Sailing Club

Tuesday! Time to explore! We made for the yacht club and pulled Lily up on the sandy beach in front. Gary, the caretaker, came to meet us and make us feel welcome. Showers were available for the price of a small donation to the club. Later we found out that the showers were excellent. Gary phoned the local IGA manager and the courtesy bus came out from Burnett Heads, 5km away, so we could restock the larder. What great service. If you shop there he will deliver you and your purchases back to the boat free of charge. We made use of the service again today as we stocked up for a week on the water before our next shop stop at Yeppoon.



Burnett Heads shops

 



While we were ashore at the yacht club we met the Vice Commodore (I didn't get his name) and had a long chat about the 2013 floods. He also told us that near where we were anchored there was a sunken tree and some stumps that were washed there in the floods. Lucas has it as an anchorage, but it is probably better to anchor further downstream near the moored boats now. We anchored between a small sandy beach where some local dinghies were stored and a disused looking slipway. The bottom there is consistently flat and the tidal race seemed a little less severe. The yacht club has some very interesting photos of the floods. The depths in the river have changed considerably and in front of the club there is a yacht moored on a pontoon in 20m of water. Before the flood it used to sit on the mud at low tide. We decided not to take Rene up to Bundaberg, but stay put and go in on the bus.

It is now Thursday and we have moved to the Port Bundaberg Marina to prepare for our next move north tomorrow. This marina is convenient and the facilities excellent. We have met at least half a dozen other people preparing their yachts/catamarans for the trip to Pancake Creek tomorrow. Others are aiming for Saturday. It is obvious that the 'Baby Boomers' who are not in caravans are on the water heading for the Whitsundays or further north. It is such a contrast to last year where we were the only ones silly enough to tackle Bass Strait in winter and even as far north as Sydney, we had the place to ourselves most of the time.

 

Port Bundaberg Sugar Terminal

Great Sandy Strait 22nd - 24th May

During the last few days we have slowly motored north up the Great Sandy Strait. It poured with rain on our first night at Pelican Bay. Peter bailed Lily as she was half filled with water. As soon as that was done a dark bank of heavy cloud descended and down came another lot. We had to wait an extra couple of hours for the rain to clear before setting off for Garry's Anchorage about 10nm north. It was lunch time when the sun reappeared, Peter bailed Lily again and we had collected three large buckets of lovely fresh rain water for drinking from the canopy.

Garry's Anchorage is in an offshoot channel up against Fraser Island. It is beautiful and peaceful. We were amazed at how thickly forested the island is. Huge trees and thick bush covers the hills and birdsong fills the air. Mosquitoes also like living here, so when we went ashore we had to coat ourselves with repellent. There are plenty of walk tracks all over the island and Peter and I walked for a couple of hours along one hoping to see a dingo, but no luck. We did however have a really good view of one from the boat. It walked along the shore for about 15 mins giving us plenty of time to have a close look through the binoculars. It was big and healthy looking, with quite a dark, rusty coloured coat.

On Friday we had to wait until 2pm for the tide to be right at the shallow section of the Strait. We needed it to be about 2 hours from high tide to cross the sand bars at Sheridan Flats, firstly to give us enough depth and also the ensure that if we did run aground we still had a bit of incoming tide to help us off. Everything went according to plan, although there were a few tense moments. I gave up looking at the chart plotter as it was obvious that the constantly shifting sandbanks and channels had changed considerably. At one stage Rene was making her way across dry land according to the chart plotter. Even though we were expecting this to happen, it is still unnerving to see. We had been told that the channel markers are shifted as Mother Nature constantly redesigns the Strait. By this time the sun was beginning to sink, and we didn't want to, so we decided to pull into Yankee Jack's Anchorage at South White Cliffs with several other yachts for he night.

Things are beginning to look complicated!

 



Uh Oh! This doesn't look right!

(Going north starboard markers to port)

 



This morning we pulled the anchor at 8am and headed for North White Cliffs and the nearby Kingfisher Resort about 10nm away. With absolutely no wind and a total glass out we glided along and enjoyed the scenery. Being a Saturday plenty of boats were buzzing around and the car ferries were being kept busy. Kingfisher resort is impressive, set amongst tall trees, behind a white sandy beach. Tonight the lights of Maryborough are twinkling across the Strait, the lights of the resort flicker through the trees in front of us and peace and quiet reigns. Lovely!

Glass Out

 



 

Kingfisher Resort



The Wide Bay Bar 21st May

We have waited a long time for this moment having read, heard stories and taken in the warnings about the Wide Bay Bar at the southern entrance to the Great Sandy Strait, between Frazer Island and the mainland. It was apparent as we made our way north that several other boats were crossing the bar at around about the same time. That was reassuring. Surely we hadn't all got it wrong! Lucas tells us in his book that, 'The bar is no worse than any other bar on the coast. It's just the length of time spent on it that causes concern.'

As we approached Peter said, 'I can see breakers all around! I hope there's a gap there somewhere!' It's called trust, and trust the co-ordinates given to us by the Tin can Bay Coast Guard we did, whilst bolting across on the ingoing tide. Under motor only, Rene constantly clocked up 7kns and on the waves a bit more. She seemed to be enjoying herself, kicking up her heels and throwing in the occasional pigroot* on the top of the rolling swells. I buried my head as usual and kept my bug eyes on the chart plotter to make sure we stayed on track and set the course to the each new way point. Once over the bar, you enter the 'Mad Mile', a section of water that is deep, but lumpy, directionless and disturbed. FUN!! Actually it wasn't too bad and having done the research and chosen the right weather, tides etc., we found it wasn't scary, but we were glad to be through. We are now anchored inside of Inskip Point for tonight and will move up the Strait to Garry's Anchorage tomorrow.

We're in!

 

* Pigroot - horse kicks up its heels prior to a buck!

 



People and Their Pets 20th May

We have two interesting characters living on our pontoon at Mooloolaba Marina. Ralphy is a pert little fellow, only a year old with all the exuberance and bounciness of youth. Ralphy belongs to Carl and they both live on a catamaran berthed at the end of the pontoon. He loves people and of course people cannot help but fall in love with him. The reaction he gets as he playfully bounces up to a newcomer being, 'Oh look! It's Hairy Maclary from Donaldsons Dairy!' Now if you  have had anything to do with kids in the last 15 or 20 years you will know the delightful series of children's books written by Lynley Dodd. Ralphy is the image of Hairy Maclary and with all the lively cheekiness of Hairy no one could possibly be immune to his charm. He has good manners and Carl is teaching him some cute tricks.

Ralphy asks for the ball

 



It became obvious to Carl that he would have to teach Ralphy to swim when he fell in on several occasions and had to be rescued. Carl dutifully took him over to the beach on the other side of The Spit for his first lesson and began by wading out just over Ralphy's depth. The reluctant Ralphy wasn't too sure about this, but began following until the water became too deep. Then he stood up on his back legs. Problem solved! Round one to Ralphy! Carl has eventually taught him how to swim.

Chuckles reluctantly allows me to hold her

 



The other four legged resident on the pontoon is Chuckles, also known as Cat by Grant, her owner. (Or is it the other way around - Cat owns Grant?) She is a fluffy tabby with four white paws and a white bib. Chuckles can be found relaxing on any of the boats around here depending on which one takes her fancy. Being a cat, she prefers swanning about on the yacht next door to her own. Chuckles finds people useful. After a sojourn ashore she sits staring at the gate and eventually someone will come along and open it for her. She has that wonderful arrogant cat attitude that she can do what she likes around here. However one place is out of bounds. Apparently she has been banned from The Yacht Club. There must be a story there, but I don't know it.

Chuckles holds a grudge. A favourite pastime is walking around the gunnels of the dinghy when it's in the water. Grant was watching her one day when another boat went past creating a considerable bow wave. The dinghy bounced and bucked and the unsuspecting Chuckles lost her balance and plummeted into the water at which Grant did the unforgivable and laughed. She wouldn't talk to him for two days. As I'm sitting here writing this she has come on board Rene and thoroughly checked her out. What a sticky beak!

Chuckles checks out Rene

 



Rick and Val from Arkaydes arrived here yesterday and tied up at the public pontoon for a while. We knew it was them because we spotted Tiger first as Val took him for a run along the shore after their trip up from Moreton Bay. Last time we saw Tiger, Rick had given him a hair cut with the shears. He looked slightly moth eaten. (Sorry Rick. It really was quite a good haircut!) But as Rick said, 'It is only 10 days between a bad and a good haircut.' Tigers coat has regained it's shiny golden lustre and he looks like the mature, handsome man about town that he is.

 

Tiger

Rick and Val are now tied up to a friend's jetty in a canal not far from here. It belongs to the friends holiday house and we have been invited for sundowners and a swim in the pool later today. Unfortunately Rick and Val will be here for 10 days or so as they wait for a part for their chart plotter. We are leaving tomorrow at 1am to catch the tide out of here and sail 55nm north to the Wide Bay Bar at the entrance to The Great Sandy Strait. The research has been done and hopefully we have judged it right to make an uneventful crossing at about 1pm tomorrow. Our stay at the Mooloolaba Marina has been very enjoyable. We have been told that in the recent past this marina has not had a good reputation for welcoming visitors. Apparently there have been some staff changes and we have found it to be a friendly and accommodating place to stay and would recommend it to anyone as a place to spend some time before travelling north or south.

Catching up on the balcony with Rick, Val and Tiger

Noosa Internationl Food & Wine Festival - YUM! YUM! 17th May

 

Huon Tasmania display

 

 

We have spent several days now exploring Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Cotton Tree. It is a very pretty place with golden beaches and all the trappings of holiday culture. Nice to be part of for a while. The most interesting thing we have done in the last few days was take the bus to Noosa to visit the Wine and Food Festival. It took just over an hour to travel north along the coast enjoying the great views that you can only get from the height of a bus. Noosa National Park looked inviting as we drove past and we had already decided to explore this later.

 

Having decided to pay the $40 entry fee each Peter and I set about enjoying ourselves. We were there early and many stalls were not yet open. Fortunately for us we discovered a large marquee set up with many small traders advertising their wares and supplying free samples. Being early we were able to partake without the crush of the general public. It must have taken us an hour to taste and talk to stall holders and by the time we had finished the marquee was becoming very crowded. I had my first  ever taste of caviar - I now know why I haven't partaken before. It wasn't impressive, but the smoked salmon dip was divine. During our hour we tasted all manner of cheese, meat products, fruit and vegetable dishes, condiments, herb infused olive oils and numerous other tasty treats, from as far away as Tasmania, Yarra Valley and the Barossa. Having filled up on all these tasty delights we finished off with a cup of coffee. Later on in the day I paid for my indulgence by having to endure a period of queasy tummy.

 

 

 

We moved on to a smaller marquee set up as a forum for guest speakers and panels to discuss various issues relating to food and food production. When we arrived the panel was discussing food in the future including directions in genetically modified food, world food security etc. Near the door was a couple of young people offering 'future food' samples for tasting - meal worms and crickets. Normally I would not have entertained the idea of eating either of these, but maybe the caviar had me thinking things could only improve from there. Meal worms are OK, crispy and crunchy. The crickets were interesting, not unlike munching on a very small bundle of sticks. Both could make a good substitute for potato crisps. 

 

 

The wine part of the festival

 



 

By this time we had had enough. The place was becoming very crowded and due to copious quantities of rain recently, the grounds were turning into a quagmire. Time to walk off all the rich food we had sampled by taking a hike through the Noosa National Park. The surf was up, the sun shining and being a Saturday people were everywhere. We walked around the coast to Hells Gates at Noosa Head. It is easy to see why people flock to this part of the coast. It is very beautiful.

 

 

 

 



Chilling In Mooloolaba 15th May

After some discussion last night we decided that we needed a holiday from the holiday. (Life is soooo tough!) Peter went and arranged with the office that we would spend 7 nights here which included a discount for staying the week. Even better, we were presented with the winter special, which was two $50 vouchers for meals at The Yacht Club. Guess where we'll be eating out this week.

Boardwalk Mooloolaba

 



The weather was much improved today, mostly sunny, but still very windy. Our morning walk took us along the bay from the breakwater entrance to the Mooloolaba River and around the beach to the shopping area and café strip. The walking track is well designed, partly paved and partly shady boardwalk. On the way back we stopped for the inevitable coffee. We chose 'Olivers', a good choice, as the coffee was excellent and the slice of carrot cake enormous.

 

My Pretty Coffee

A work colleague of Peter's from the Planfarm days lives up on the range behind the coast here and Peter had arranged for us to meet Phil and his wife Kirsty for lunch. Lining the street next to The Yacht Club are several seafood restaurants so we chose one of those. After lunch they offered to take us for a drive north along the beach suburbs towards Noosa. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and to finish off we stopped in at the Ginger Factory at Buderim. I didn't know so many ginger products existed. Peter bought ginger cordial and we ate delicious ginger and macadamia nut ice-cream. The whole complex is surrounded by landscaped tropical gardens, which of course contain varieties of ginger plants. Thank you Kirsty and Phil for treating us to a lovely afternoon. We really enjoyed catching up. 

 

The Ginger Factory, Buderim

Boisterous Sailing 13th & 14th May

The weather looked superb for sailing north across Moreton Bay so we packed up early and left Manly Marina in the warm sunshine. Studying the charts carefully is a must here as the bay is scattered with low islands, sand and mud banks and the shipping channel into the Brisbane Harbour is busy. We had to avoid a couple of extraordinarily ugly car carriers on their way in. The wind gradually built to 20kn from the south and we raced along on one of the best sails we have had for the whole trip. Scarborough Marina seemed like a good place to spend the night and to decide our route out of Moreton Bay. The northern part of the bay is riddled with sand bars and shoals.

Shipping in Moreton Bay keeps us on our toes

 

The forecast for today was for 15-20kn winds from the south and a good chance of 5-10ml of rain. The 35nm to Mooloolaba took us 6 hours. We kept a close eye on the chart plotter as we negotiated the sand banks around the southern end of Bribie Island. In the end it was a boisterous sail with winds up to 25kn towards Point Cartwright and clouds building and threatening rain. The entry into Mooloolaba was easy and the sea flattened out as we came around the point. We are now in the Mooloolaba Marina ($50 per night) and the rain is pouring down. We may spend a few days here as there appears to be plenty to do and see.

 

The clouds are sneaking up on you Peter

Macleay Island to Manly 10th - 12th May

Oops! Someone hasn't checked their boat recently!

 



Macleay Island proved to be a pretty anchorage and we dropped the anchor between it and Lamb Island. The holding was very good and Peter had trouble pulling it up in the morning. There was only one problem here and that was the constant passage of the fast ferries causing bow waves that had us bouncing about every 20 minutes or so until they stopped later in the night. Then peace reigned.

Macleay Island car ferry

 

On Sunday morning we woke early - those ferries again! A decision was made to take advantage of the high tide and make our way out into Moreton Bay and one of the Manly marinas to do some laundry, have showers and fill up the empty water bags. Peter rang ahead and booked two nights in the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club for $44 per night.

What's In A Name?

I know I have talked about names before, but this one's a beauty. 'Coochiemudlo'! Who came up with that? Coochiemudlo Island is in the southern end of Moreton Bay. It reminded me of some of the other weird names we have come across. We used to own a unit in Innaloo, a suburb of Perth. I used to cringe every time I had to recite our address and got used to the jokes. I was complaining to my friend Christine one day and she said, 'Well its better than living Upper Swan!' She had a point. While we were sailing up the NSW coast we came across Budgewoi (Budg-ee-woi) and Koolewong (Kool- ee-wong). Someone must have had fun coming up with those.

Brisbane 12th May

Today we caught the train at Manly Station and went into Brisbane city for the day. We walked along the river and through the beautiful Botanic Gardens. We had lunch there and then wandered around the shops before catching the train back to Manly.

Botanic Garden Brisbane

 

 



skipr.net

We have registered with skipr.net and log our position at each destination. This can be seen on a google map if anyone is interested in seeing exactly where we are.

 

Where's our boat?

 

Tipplers and the Joys Of Camping 9th - 10th May

We were able to find space to anchor at Tipplers just west of the swimming enclosure and made sure our bum did not hang out into the channel as advised by locals. Space here is limited and we could see that arriving Friday, before the weekend rush, enabled us to stake a claim on our bit of real estate. On Saturday boats began arriving early and soon the area was crowded. After a long walk to the north of the resort we decided to call in to the café on the way back for our morning coffee. I think I should just let you Albany girls morning tea group know that South Stradbroke Island has some of the best scones, jam and cream I have ever tasted - light and fluffy with scrumptious homemade strawberry jam and whipped cream. YUM!

It began to rain steadily and we managed to make a quick trip back to Rene between the showers. Just as we got aboard the rain really started to pour. Peter and I sat under the canopy and watched several families who had just arrived, laden with mountains of camping gear, begin to set up in the rain. While we were walking we noticed that the dirty grey sand was just wet enough to stick to shoes leaving the dry stuff underneath. Rain, sand, wet camping gear, kids. That looked like real good fun!!! Peter and I chuckled as we watched, but only softly because I'm sure Mother Nature has something in store for us is we get too carried away.

We decided to leave after lunch for Macleay Island. The rain had stopped, the tide was beginning to rise and we just had enough time to make it before nightfall. I'm not supposed to say this but Rene did a little ploughing at the southern end of Russel Island, just cut the corner a little too fine. Luckily after a couple of bumps we were back into the deep water.

 

Tipplers anchorage

A Quick Trip to the Gold Coast 5th - 8th May

Check out the flood levels!

 



On Monday morning we wandered around Ulmarra looking in the shop windows and wondering when they would open. It is such a pretty little town full of old buildings and collectable and antique shops. Nothing was happening fast and as the wind began to build again we decided to get off the jetty and begin our trip back down the river before we got stuck there for the rest of the day. On the way Peter contacted the bridge operator to arrange a bridge opening for us. It usually requires 24 hours notice, but he said if we could get there he would open it at 2pm. We had looked at the weather forecast for the week and it appeared that a good weather window for the trip to the Gold Coast was beginning. We made the decision then that we'd go all the way back to Iluka for the night, do a quick shop, have showers at the caravan park and prepare for an overnight trip. Meanwhile we had an enjoyable motor down the river as the wind died out and the beautiful river scenery slid past. We didn't quite get to Grafton as everyone we spoke to said it wasn't worth the effort and the Gold Coast was beckoning.

Numerous trawlers were working on the Clarence River

In the evening Ron from Roseanne came over for drinks and a session of trip planning. There is a lot to think about especially where bar crossings are concerned. The Clarence has a tricky bar and the tides and current crucial to a smooth entry or exit. Then there is the arrival at the Gold Coast Seaway another entry that requires care although generally easier to negotiate. Wind, swell, timing (we don't like arriving at night) tides, East Coast Current and forecast all need consideration. Well we looked up tide charts, weather forecasts, by at least four different sites and after a complete brain drain from information overload we decided that between 9 and 10am on Tuesday would be good. It was. Light winds to start and overnight we had a steady 5 - 10kn from the south kept us cruising along nicely. My watch from midnight to 3am wasn't difficult as the lights of suburbia from Tweed Heads on kept me interested along with dodging the odd fishing trawler.

 

Gold Coast at dawn

We arrived at the Gold Coast Seaway at 8.30am, followed Roseanne in and turned south into Marine Stadium, (commonly known as 'Bums Bay') a very secure little bay near Sea World, that was full of anchored boats. It took a while to find enough space to drop the anchor without bumping into anyone else. Camelot, Arkaydes and Sans Souci were already there. At present we have all gone off in different directions, but it will be good to catch up along the way as we are all heading north.

Sand Bypass Jetty Gold Coast Seaway

 

 



Marine Stadium 8th - 9th May

Our snug anchorage in Bums Bay proved to be just that as the strong southerly winds whipped through the anchorage for most of the day. Peter and I decided to take Lily down to Australia Fair shopping centre using the exposed sandbanks for protection from the choppy water. That worked well and we spent most of the day there. It is a convenient place to restock the larder as there is a public jetty nearby where the dinghy could be secured safely around the back. Coming home was easy going with the wind. Sundowners were on Sans Souci along with the crews from Arkaydes and Camelot. Hugh and Julie are practically locals so we picked their brains about routes, marinas and anchorages on this part of the coast. We had had the charts out and the waterways between the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay are a maze of interconnected channels as four rivers converge inside South and North Stradbroke Islands. Local knowledge is invaluable.

 

How cute is that?

This morning we took the dinghy down to Southport Yacht Club to get some fuel and to get an up to date copy of 'Beacon to Beacon - Yeppoon To Tweed Heads'. This publication had been strongly recommended. Also the guy at the chandlery advised us to walk around to Queensland Fisheries and pick up marine park guides and other relevant information. Now Rene has disappeared under a mountain of paper - charts, cruising guides, pamphlets, maps etc outlining what we are allowed to do or not do. I have enough reading material there to keep me going for the whole trip!!!

Homework

 



The tide was right at midday for our short journey to Tipplers on South Stradbroke Island, about 10nm. Armed with all our publications and the chart plotter we kept a close eye on our progress. It would be easy to get lost here amongst the countless sandbanks, mangrove covered islands and channels. Counting channel markers is a must. We are now at Tipplers. The wind as dropped and the anchorage calm. We have had a hot shower for $3 each at the camping area. Sheer luxury!!

Tomorrow we will continue on north up this amazing waterway.

The Spit walk track Gold Coast

A Bouncy Ride to Ulmarra 4th May

 

Peter bails the dinghy after the torrential rain

 

 

Much improved weather at the anchorage today

 



We spent two nights on anchor at Maclean. It is such a pretty little town to explore with its steep range of hills, the river and some lovely old historic buildings lining the streets. Yesterday we climbed up to the top of the range to the lookout. That had us puffing, but the view from the top was worth the effort. The sea was so far away. I don't think Rene has ever been that far away from it before. She is beginning to acquire a dirty bow from the brown river water. The power poles along the streets of Maclean are painted in Scottish family tartans. The inhabitants of this town are proud of their Scottish ancestry. I couldn't find a Scott tartan so had to make do with the Cameron one - especially for you Christine P.

 

Rene at anchor at Maclean

This morning we pulled the anchor at 9.00am, as according to relevant research, the tide would assist us up the river. That was fine, but not long after we left the wind began to build and on some stretches we had a very strong headwind. We have followed Lucas very carefully and so far have not touched the bottom. (Just touched our Huon Pine table so that should do the trick.) Long green grass lines the banks, cows grazing nearby, sugar cane fields and some extraordinarily large houses provide an ever changing vista as we progressed upstream. Two vehicular ferries crossed our path today and some care is needed to cross their path. The cables have 3m clearance over them at LWS, but you have to wait until they are stationary at the side and the light on top stops flashing before you can cross over.

 

Vehicular ferry - Lawrence

 



By now the wind was strong so we decided to stop at Brushgrove on the way back. We did notice there was a very new public jetty there a short distance up the South Arm just before the bridge. It looked a bit bouncy so we decided to motor on to Ulmarra hoping that the wind would begin to die down as per forecast. It didn't and as we motored against the public jetty we realised that Brushgrove would have been more sheltered. However by now we were on the Ulmarra jetty and there was no getting off as the wind howled and pushed us hard on to it. Out came all the fenders and Peter made Rene secure. After an uncomfortable few hours the wind has now died and if the forecast is right will completely die out tonight. I hope so as this town, small as it is, has several antique and collectable shops to explore. While Peter trundles back and forth to the garage tomorrow with the jerry can full of diesel I will hit the shops. We intend to spend the morning here and then take the short trip to Grafton for the night. Here we will have to turn around as the bridge clearance stops further progress for us.

 

 

Rene gets plastered to the Ulmarra jetty

Clarence River 30th April - 2nd May

 

Lily and friends at the Iluka dinghy dock

 

 

On Wednesday evening we joined the crews of Camelot, Wind Wanderer and Roseanne on board Arkaydes for pre-dinner drinks. Ten sailors, countless sailing stories and a few drinks later we made our way back to Rene. It would have to be said that a wonderful evening was had by all participants.
Last night it was Rene's turn. Luckily only Val, Rick and Tiger (Arkaydes) and Ron (Roseanne) were left and we could accommodate them.

 

Tiger enjoys sundowners on Rene

 

Yesterday Peter and I took the dingy over the river to Yamba for the morning. We watched Wind Wanderer motor out of the river. There were no breaking waves on the entrance bar this time, but they still rolled and pitched around. After this we decided a coffee in town would be a good idea. This seems to be the touristy side of the river, but we like Iluka and are glad we anchored there.
Money has been invested at Iluka with a convenient dinghy dock, foreshore paths and outdoor gym area near the town centre. A pleasant walk of about 1km along the harbour edge took us past an ordinary green bush full of tiny berries. The most colourful parrots we have ever seen were having a feast. They might have been Eastern Rosellas. Someone may be able to enlighten us.

This morning we left Iluka at 7.30am to enable us to be on time for a 10.00am opening of the bridge at Harwood. It was fine when we left and only began to rain as we rounded the corner to Maclean. Sitting on the deck watching sugar cane fields and paddocks full of Angus cattle was a novelty. We arrived at the bridge 40mins early so we circled around nearby while we waited. Two yachts motoring down the river had right of way and therefore were first through the bridge. Then it was our turn. It's impressive watching the centre of the bridge slide up providing us room to go through. Looking at the map, we discover that we are only about one third of the way up the river to Grafton. This is a big river.

Here we are sitting in the Clarence River, opposite the town of Maclean, with the rain pouring down and intermittent thunder rumbling around the leaden, grey skies. So far we have collected 2 buckets of lovely fresh rain water from a small rope dangling from the canopy roof - number 3 is on the way! It doesn't look like we will be able to go ashore today. The anchorage is calm, the anchor gripped well and there are three other yachts in here. Camelot is anchored next to us, but they must be ashore as there is no dinghy in sight. Hope they get a break in the weather to get back. The forecast for tomorrow is for fine weather so we will spend the day here as Maclean has a reputation for having plenty to see and do.

 

The weather closes in at the Maclean anchorage