Hamilton

Tuesday 17 June.

We have just spent two nights on Hamilton Island but the weather was unkind
to us and we did not get a reflection of the photographs we have seen
previously in the advertising brochures of the beautiful blue skies and
turquoise water Getting to Hamilton was an experience in itself. After
our departure from Port Clinton following a calm bay and moonlit waters on
Friday 13th, it was the intention to spend a couple of nights anchored
around the Percy Islands but rough seas could not hold the anchor and there
was no alternative but to face the conditions and head for Hamilton a
distance of 115 miles, in addition to the distance already travelled from
Port Clinton. This meant a night sail and a 2 hour on off watch for the crew
and no supper as it was too rough to do pretty much anything but stay seated
with all moveable objects either roped up or taped. The only way to get
around was to crawl around the floor on hands and knees, I swear if anyone
had looked through the windows they would have thought we had gone barking
(sorry) mad. Dave's attempts at providing us with some cold cut up lamb
chops ended up with him being thrown sideways into the Day Head (toilet)
complete with said lamb, and a very bruised rib (his not the chop).
However, lucky for us, at around 11.30 pm Dave discovered a bay, Refuge Bay
at Scawfell Island, to anchor safely. This was no easy feat as Ron and
John had flashlights at the bow to guide us in. Even though safely anchored
we had to have a through night anchor watch. Thankfully the conditions
subsided on the Sunday morning and we travelled on to Hamilton in calm seas
2 days ahead of schedule.

Moored next to us in Hamilton was 'Young Endeavour' which is a training sail
boat for 16-23 year olds. The recruits not only learn sailing skills but
team building, self awareness and leadership skills, galley skills etc etc.
and have to climb the 30ft mast. It was given to Australia by the British
Government in 1988 as a gift to celebrate Australia's bicentenary of
colonisation. It left yesterday for Port Mackay and we were able to witness
the arrival of a new crew (12 boys, 12 girls) and proud parents, before it
sailed at 4pm. What an exciting adventure for those lucky enough to win a
place on it by ballot and a cost of 3.500 dollars.

Following our forced extended stay in Gladstone and the ever present coal
dust we headed for the Keppel Islands again encountering very mountainous
swells. The Keppel Islands were described by Captain Cook as having
appearance more akin to barrenness than fertility. He named the Cape of
Capricorn for its proximity to the Tropic of Capricorn. John was at the
helm sitting in the Captains chair when a side swell sent him hurling and
ended up with him being unceremoniously dumped in the corner of the pilot
house. My wicked sense of imagination could only see him disappearing
through the open door and over the rail. I tell you I had to suppress a
giggle or two - they don't call me Lucy (Lucifer) for nothing - fortunately
the only thing damaged was his dignity. Said chair is now safely tied up
with no chance of it moving again and a recommendation that when at the helm
it may be more prudent to stand.

The dolphins and whales have deserted us; we did see a turtle AND believe it
or not a flying fish jumped on board. Unfortunately it was not large enough
to feed five so it was shunted off by John through the scupper holes via his
foot. Funny that the only true fisherman on board (John) could not bring
himself to pick it up, for sure not too much hope of a fish supper Hey!

It has not all been heavy seas, we have seen some beautiful scenery along
the way and where we are anchored today in CID Harbour we could be off the
Western Isles of Scotland, very unexpected. The weather has turned again
and we are expecting rain for the next couple of days. So just travelling
short distances to anchor before our arrival at Airlie Beach on Saturday.
On arrival at Airlie Beach we will have travelled 1000 miles.

We are in calm waters at the moment with all crew members relaxing (well
apart from one who is twiddling his thumbs - any guesses !) in one part of
the boat or another and enjoying the gentle rocking of the boat. The galley
slave (sorry maid) will shortly be preparing our dinner for this evening
which will be roast pork but sadly without all the trimmings as shopping on
Hamilton was horrendously pricy, with apples at 9 dollars per kilo.

We are taking on a new crew member next week, arriving at Hamilton Island on
29 June, and who will be given a dustpan and brush together with apron and
the presentation of all my well earned titles.

A S.A friend of John and Joan has made a travel blog for us, this is the
link gypseafever.blogspot.com If you don't want to receive our email
missives and prefer to use the blog, could you please let me know. Blogger Comment - If you submit your email address on the blog you will be automatically updated via email with any blog posting

Wednesday 18 June
Moved to Nara Bay on Hook island and woke to glorious sunshine and azure
waters. The toys came out and Ron was able to stop twiddling his thumbs and
kayak around the bay. Dave took John and Joan ashore by tender to view a
cave complete with aboriginal paintings. At present it's relaxation time
but not too much playing on the internet as the signal is poor.

Warmest wishes
Marie (Galley slave, P.A, Updater of the Charts, Fender thrower) - and a new
one 'laundry maid'.
for Jane, Dave, Ron, John and Joan

Ps: If you don't hear anything from us it's because we are out of signal
range, not because we have had a Mutiny on the Bounty moment.

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