Greetings from Hamilton Island

Dear Cracklin Rosie fans,


Apologies for the absence of updates, but we have been quite busy lately.  When last we wrote, we were in Rosslyn Bay, near Yeppoon.  We left there and had a lengthy (about 40-ish nm) motor sail to Pearl bay, a lovely anchorage located within the Shoalhaven Military Area - a very pleasant trip.  Alas JLC noted that we were getting some minor leakage via the prop shaft, and so we decided to hasten our trip to Mackay where we could pull the boat out of the water for repairs.  The next day - Sunday 7 June - we sailed to the Duke Islands and anchored in the lee of Hunter Island.  We had a quick trip sailing all the way, with 15-20 kt winds and a swell coming over the starboard quarter.  Lots of rocking and rolling and three attempts to make coffee resulted one's shorts being soaked and smelling strongly of Moccona!


The next day was much the same as we sailed at 6-7 kts from Hunter Island to Curlew Island, again with a calm and attractive anchorage.  We are very pleased with how the boat is handling the sea, with very little water over the side, and the auto helm is excellent.  One of us maintained the tradition of early morning wake up and washing swims off the stern of the boat.  The day's drama was that the new electric toilet (termed 'the head' in nautical terms decided to stop working resulting in a rather messy attempt to fix it.  There is no need to go into details!  On Tuesday 9 June, we left Curlew Island and after a robust day's sailing - including some rain - we threaded our way through about 16 coal bulk carriers and arrived in the Mackay Marina, we berthed safely, but not after some mild argument with a grumpy next door neighbour - who were later advised by marina stuff has history in this regard.  This completed Leg 1 of the whole trip - being 400 nm since leaving Hervey Bay.


Over the next four days, we (i) caught up with DGB's cousin Ian Morgan who he had not seen for about 35 years (of course neither had changed a bit!), (ii) struck up a great friendship with a Dutch couple who have been sailing for 6 years, and who were also in for repairs, (iii) pulled the boat out of the water repairs to prop shaft and toilet - we had great assistance from the local tradesmen - and (iv) greeted Bev and Ken Mullin, who were kindly delivered to the marina by Ian on Saturday 13 June.  We had an enjoyable celebratory dinner on the boat of - you guessed it - spaghetti bolognaise and modestly priced red wine. 


Sunday morning 14 June, we left Mackay heading for Brampton Island (20 nm), which was once a resort, but is now abandoned.  We had a good anchorage and enjoyed stir-fry beef alfresco through what was a very dark night.  Owing to some seasickness amongst the crew, we decided to head straight for the Hamilton Island Marina (40-ish nm) and await Janette's arrival - who is coming in today.  The trip was great - we came roaring in on an ebb tide doing up to 9 kts as we came past Cape Conway and then through the passage between Dent Island and Hamilton Island - all a bit nervous making!  Hamilton Island is a full on tropical resort island with untold ways to spend money, but reasonably attractive none-the-less.  Yesterday afternoon we had a swim at Catseye Beach, at low tide when snorkelling allowed.  So far we have resisted expensive dining outlets, relying instead on DGB's mastery of diced lamb and simmer sauces, all cooked in the excellent $199 frying pan.  However, we intend to breakout tonight to celebrate Janette's arrival.


Ok, that is enough for now,


We will report in from Townsville in early July.


regards


Don and Jim.


PS - we are still battling with the photos, but will go back and try and upload some now, but after we have had a sundowner drink!