Day 199 Pancake Creek to Bundaberg

Another long day for us to arrive in Bundaberg. There was a bit of a swell, and the general navigational issues became more complicated thanks to shoals, rock and reef. We went almost 20 miles directly east, although we should admit it is a strange sensation to head directly out to sea. This of course made our trip easier due to wind, and was (eventually) quicker, but it was a long day for us. However, we finally reached Bundaberg as it was growing dark. After heading through the leads, which made it easier for us but just seemed to take even longer, we managed to anchor just outside the Marina in the river, ready for an early start tomorrow.

Day 198 Yellow Patch to Pancake Creek

Today's journey was one of the longest legs of our trip. After trying to leave early but failing due to engine trouble and a strong tide, we headed down past Gladstone to Pancake Creek. While the winds started from the south east, the winds eventually changed to north-east again for us, which was very helpful. Dave and Jim again passed the time by challenging two other boats in a race, which according to official sources, took place ten miles from 'Pancake Creek.' The boys have termed this race a 'tacking dual' which Amy and Jo just nod politely at. We did 'win' anyway, which meant that we had first choice of an anchorage in Pancake Creek, even though the three boats were close behind us, and parked right next to us!

Day 198 Roslyn Bay to Yellow Patch

Today we left the Rosyln Bay Marina with an exit that was similar to a hill-start in a manual car, and was probably quite funny to watch, with everyone pushing the boat forward and then running along the marina, and then climbing aboard. However, after our dramatic exit we encountered some pretty big swell, with winds up to 20 knots in a south easterly direction, which made it hard going for us, meaning that we had to reef the main sail to make any real progress, and to prevent any seasickness.We did reach Yellow Patch before sunset however, which everyone was very happy about. And, we still had time to climb the massive sand dunes before it got dark.

Day 193 Great Keppel Island to Roslyn Bay

After a very long night on anchor watch thanks to the arrival of a strong southerly during the night, everyone was relieved to be heading across to Rosslyn Bay Marina. Here we spent a couple of days in Yeppoon, waiting out some poor weather. It was good for everyone to have a bit of a break from the early starts and long sailing legs that we have been doing. So we have spent a couple fo days shopping, eating ice-cream and generally re-stocking. Looking forward to the further trip south, although we are happily waiting it out until the weather gets better :)

Day 192 Port Clinton to Great Keppel Island

Today was another fine day for our coastal passage. More northerlies, that once proved so elusive for us around Cairns, have now become almost common, although we know we have been lucky in the last week or so in particular. After a shorter day today, we made it to Long Beach on Great Keppel with time for a walk and a swim. We did lots of diving and somersaulting off the back of the boat, which was a lot of fun. Great Keppel Island, which has such clear water and white beaches, is a definate treasure, and so is its Pizza Place!

Day 191 Percy Island to Port Clinton

Another early morning, but we were lucky to get some great weather today! Have managed to have more north-easterlies helping us south, and we made it in before the sun went down. Had time to go ashore and have a walk, which the dogs certainly enjoyed! Port Clinton also had serveral other boats there by the time that we got there, including the crew of 'Phantasia.' Another beautiful sunset :)

Day 188-190 Whitsundays to Percy Island

After spending another couple of days in the Whitsundays, today we left everyone on 'In Transit' to head further south, the weather window was too good to miss! With only a light north-easterly breeze and sunshine, we had a lesuirely cruise down to Scawfell. We spent the night here, only a quick stop over between the Whitsundays and the Percy Islands. This was the worst night's sleep ever (with a 2m swell, sleep was just not possible) so we left as early as possible to make our way to Middle Percy. With light north- easterlies still following us down the coast, we made great time and we made it with time to spare for the sunset. Beautiful!

Day 184 Gloucester Passage to Whitsundays

After ANOTHER early start, we made our way from Gloucester to Airlie Beach with absolutely beautiful weather. Luckily it was only a short trip in for us this morning. Its great to be back in Airlie Beach, and we have caught up with Russ and Maria on In Transit (formerly Dorado) and their daughter Johanna and her boyfriend, Troy. Just to see what these 'Melbournians' were made of, Amy and Jim took them out in Airlie Beach for a big night :) Interestingly only one person was sick the next morning, poor Troy! Apart from that, I think we all had a great night! Had a great few days in the Whitsundays too, stopping at Happy Bay with In Transit for some swimming and sunbaking :)