Back on Rene For the Trip North 19th July

After three weeks in WA enjoying the company of Karin, Paul and Isabelle and the rest of my family, I am now back on Rene and anchored in Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island ready for our long planned trip as far as Lizard Island, North Queensland. Tomorrow seems to have a good weather outlook so we will leave in the morning for the 25nm trip to the Palm Islands. It is a bit further to Orpheus Island and the anchorage there. We were hoping to sail to North East Bay, but the wind looks like making that anchorage untenable so we will probably make our way to Little Pioneer Bay instead.

I had a great time in Perth with Karin, Paul and Isabelle. It was Isabelle's first birthday while I was there and I was able to participate in a party in the park. Issy nearly wore my arms out lifting her for the never ending turns on the slide. The Geraldton girls (7 of us) had organised a get together in Jurien Bay for two nights of gossip, food and catching up, which was wonderful fun. Then it was off to Albany on the bus for two weeks of feverish gardening to tame the weeds and put the over vigorous plants in their place. Family get togethers, morning teas and evening meals filled up my two weeks and the time flew by to my departure on the bus for the trip back to Perth and then on to Townsville.

 

Isabelle inspects her presents with her mum

 

 



Whilst I was in WA Peter had his long time friend Mike Clarke (Clarkeii) stay on board Rene for two weeks. They sailed as far north as Dunk Island and by all reports had a great time visiting all the islands between Magnetic and Dunk. Being a sociable pair it sounds like they enjoyed themselves.

Zoe Bay Hinchinbrook Island

 

 



We have spent three days in Horseshoe Bay relaxing and walking and deciding if we have forgotten any of the 'must haves' before we depart for our journey north. We are spending a couple of weeks between here and Cairns so need to prepare more carefully than we have so far. All is ready..... to be cont'd.

 

Walk to Arcadia - poor drought affected Magnetic Island