I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife.
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow rover,
and quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.
John Masefield
2 July - we are anchored at Shoalhaven bay, where the sky is blue and the water azure, a perfect and peaceful location. Dave and Ron have been swimming in the coolish water but it is a little windy for kayaking. Shoalhaven Bay is located off Hook Island and I doubt if Ron and Dave would have been swimming in the waters had they known the history of the sea monster which was first spotted here in 1964. A very large tadpole type creature was photographed, certainly believed by some to be a hoax, but then again no photo shop in those days, and this sea mermaid (ok !! I know poetic licence) has no intention of finding out if it is true or not.
It's hard now to remember setting off on 18 June from Akuna Bay spending an overnighter at America Bay for an early start of our journey on the following morning - non stop to Southport in Queensland for a pre-booked medical (Gypsea Fever not the crew). The journey to Southport was not all "plain sailing" with heavy swells and side winds, the bow of the boat rising above the horizon only to plummet down into a huge watery abyss and back up again way above the horizon, again and again. Now ! Why did the hymn 'Lead us Heavenly Father lead us over the worlds tempestuous sea' spring to mind from.
On the way to Southport we passed Port Jackson, Coffs Harbour, Yamba, Ballina (will we ever forget Ballina) and Byron Bay.
The distance from Akuna Bay to Southport is 380 miles, 39 hours. We arrived at night for a well earned chink of the wine glass and a restful night before setting off down the river to the boat yard for the said pre booked checks.
SOUTHPORT MARINA
Southport Marina is a suburb and central business district near the mid point of Queensland. A settlement was first surveyed in 1874 and gave rise to many varied industries, amongst which were timber mills, sugar growing and livestock grazing. Now of course known for its expanding tourist attractions. Certainly on the way to the boat yard we were privy to the most magnificent and palatial housing developments situated on the river bank. Some of which could be had for upwards of 5 million. A short distance by road from the boat yard is the site of the 2018 Commonwealth games adjacent to Sea World.
We left the following afternoon taking advantage of the high tide, non-stop to Airlie Beach marina, the boys ?? did watches of 4 hours on, 4 off, now it was time to add the girls to the team on the 6am to 10 am watch giving the boys 8 hours off each. The ocean was a little kinder to us and we were accompanied by pods of Dolphins putting on their show with great style. Southport to Airlie Beach, 64 hours, 600 miles.
An unusual a sight - the galley slave is sick.
We stayed at the Marina resting for a few days. A highlight being Sunday lunch at Montes Reef resort at Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach. We didn't encounter any dingos but as the resort brochure states it truly is an escape to Paradise. We had a beautiful lunch at one of the best tables on the deck overlooking the crystal blue ocean.
Tuesday 30 June and time to leave the Marina and head out to the islands. First stop at Monteray Bay and then 2 nights at Shoalhaven Bay.
At dusk we have witnessed the most amazing sunsets accompanied by the usual sundowners and in the distance the lights of Hayman Island. A stay here would be circa AU 800 for the cheapest room.
We moved back to the Marina on 3 July as rain was forecast. We had dinner on Saturday evening at Fish Devine Restaurant showcasing some of the most amazing sea food to be had in Queensland. As well as the fish restaurant there is a huge rum bar which Ron and Dave took advantage of 2 'Dark and Stormy' - 3 measures of rum topped up with ginger beer.
An unusual sight in Airlie Beach.
My favourite shot of Airlie Beach
That's all folks for now
M
