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