A gentle SE wind enticed us out of the South Molle anchorage and across Whitsunday Passage to Fitzalan Passage, a narrow stretch of water between Whitsunday Is and Hamilton Is, where the currents are fierce at the height of the tidal flow. The tide was still against us here, but was slowing so we only got down to 3.5 kns with the engine. By the time we reached Solway Passage on the eastern end of Whitsunday Is, to go around to Whitehaven Beach, the tide had definitely turned and we shot through at over 7 kns. We had a delightful two nights here along with 15 other boats, walking, swimming, and generally relaxing in the windless sunshine.
The 8km round trip walk to Chance Bay on the southern side of the island is an easy, pretty, forest walk mostly in the shade of trees. On the way we saw the biggest bush turkey nest we have seen, at least twice our height, with a girth to match. A walk in the evening along Whitehaven Beach in the gentle sunshine lets you know that paradise has been found. I thought I'd wear the bathers and catch a bit of a tan, however what I did catch without realising it, was a rash of sandfly bites. Now like an itchy plum pudding I realise that even paradise can have it's downfalls.
Bush Turkey nest Whitsunday Island
A strong wind warning had been issued for the next five days so we decided to make the most of the 13th by motor/sailing around the northern shores of Whitsunday island to seek refuge in Cid Harbour for a few days. On the way we managed to secure a mooring in Tongue Bay where we had lunch and then we took advantage of an ingoing tide to pass through Hook Channel and on to Cid. The whirlpools and currents swirling in Hook Channel buffeted the boat at times and it was reinforced that it is a good idea to go with the tides around here.
Obviously other people had the same idea as us and on the four nights we were in Cid around thirty boats joined us in it's security. The wind came in at 3.30am (the forecast got it wrong - it said 4am) and for the three days we hung there in gusty, blustery conditions that at times were trying. Apparently Hamilton Island, just around the corner, had 43kn gusts. Some of the gusts here felt like that! We watched several boats having trouble with anchors letting go and having to re-anchor after drifting down the bay. Peter anchored us this time closer to Sawmill Beach where we had better access to the walking tracks on the shore. It seemed a little more exposed here than in Cowards Corner, but not uncomfortable as we still pointed into the wind and the fetch was not far enough to stir up too much slop. We climbed Whitsunday Peak again, a steep, rocky walk that lets you know that you have done some exercise, and the lovely 1km walk to Dugong Bay. During a lull in the wind we took the dinghy and explored the bay.
Sawmill Beach, Cid Harbour
A very nice Beneteau 40 anchored next to us on the second day and Peter met the couple on board and next thing we were on 'Another Dimension' having morning tea. John and Jenny are from Melbourne and have taken a year off work to make this trip up the east coast. Jenny made us fresh muffins - I was very impressed. A confession later informed us she had not done that before. When they came to Rene for morning tea at Abell Point Marina I cheated and visited the local shop for the goodies. I hope we meet up with them again on the water.
Abell Point Marina
The wind abated on Sunday so we took the opportunity to make the short trip across to Abell Point Marina for a bit of R&R.The staff at the Abell Point Marina have been very friendly and helpful and made us feel very welcome. More work has been done here in the infrastructure and it is a very nice place to stay for a few days. All the usual stocking up jobs need to be done for our next journey, hopefully south to Mackay and the Percy Islands - wind permitting.
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