East Coast Queensland Australia

Yellow Patch... It Just Gets Better

Norm D. — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:40:00 +0200

We have been away from habitation for about a week now. This is a great spot and on Sunday most of the inhabitants had to go home so we have it nearly to ourselves and our friends off “Whisp”.

We were thinking that we needed to do some washing and had heard about a well in the bush. We had a bit of a hunt around and located it. The water was fresh although a little tannin coloured, we don’t think it will stain the clothes too much. The forecast is for strong winds for the next day or two, so we’ll be staying put till the system moves off.

Fishing is good, what a great spot to be stuck at.

Trek to Cape Capricorn

Norm D. — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 07:44:00 +0200

Today Mal and Faye (Whisp) and ourselves treked to the Cape Cap Light. Thought we were lost in the scrub early but made the beach and the long steep trip. A long climb but worth it for the views. No show without Pip and by the time we got back to Peggy Anne she was totally exhausted. Tomorrow will probably be a lay day. A very pretty spot and we plan a few days here to enjoy it.

Yellow Patch

Norm D. — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:46:00 +0200

Up early again to catch the high tide for the entrance into Yellow Patch with its shallow entrance. Got in with plenty to spare and anchored in 4 metres just off the sand dunes. Only 3 boats in here. Spent afternoon trying to catch fish that are jumping everywhere. No luck but a guy from next boat delivers dinner on que. Yum. On dusk ‘Whisp’ arrives (met them in Wathumba) and we enjoy sundowners with them.

The Narrows

Norm D. — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:47:00 +0200

Up early this morning to catch high tide at the Cattle Crossing (the part of the Narrows that dries). Made really good time with a run in spring tide and run out the other side. Decided it would be too late to make the entrance into Yellow Patch so anchored off Sea Hill for the evening. A beautiful sunset and a most pleasant anchorage.

Gladstone and Beyond

Norm D. — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:57:00 +0200

We left the Boyne River, on the tide, after a great little stay. Our destination was the marina at Gladstone. The sou’ easter was blowing about 25kts and made it uncomfortable in the shallow water as we headed to the main shipping channel. A couple of big bulkers were anchored but there weren’t any ship movements for the afternoon, which made our passage easy. Gladstone is a big port, being one of the main coal export points in the country. The wind and waves were astern as we made the channel and we had a great run up to Auckland Creek and the marina. It was time to resupply and change engine oil. Day one we went to town and replaced our vacuum cleaner and caught up with the washing and cleaning. Day two boarded a bus and headed to the shops to grocery shop. Big evening BBQ with all the friends we made in Pancake Creek. Day three washed Peggy Anne picked up our mail and headed up the Narrows to Graham Creek for the night.

Left in a Hurry

Norm D. — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:09:00 +0200

What a great night we had. Such good company and we talked for hours. Pip had the best time with her new friend also. The lasagne was fantastic, and the wines lovely. When they have a lot of guests here they fire up the outdoor woodfired pizza oven, what a ripper! Lana and Gary have just retired to this beautiful spot, about a month ago. They have to generate their own power and catch their own water, so it’s a bit like the life we have aboard, without having a boat and they couldn’t be much closer to the water. After such great company it was hard to leave this morning, but our departure in the end was a bit rushed, as Peggy-Anne had decided to drag anchor and was heading to sea without us. So with quick goodbyes we were back on board and heading for our next destination the Boyne River.

New Friends

Norm D. — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:06:00 +0200

We moved Peggy-Anne from one side of Colosseum Inlet to the other this morning and were welcomed by “Phantom” Lana and Gary’s pup, who was keen to swim to the boat. We went ashore to ferry Lana and Gary out for morning tea and had a great chat and they loved our home. Some people are so open and welcoming and we were soon the best of friends. We have been invited ashore for dinner tonight and it will be good to have a meal off the boat, especially with our new found friends.

Turkey Beach and Beyond

Norm D. — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:36:00 +0200

We left Pancake last Monday as the weather was very inclement and headed to Turkey Beach in Rodd Harbour. Turkey Beach was a small holiday village with just one shop and we spent a pleasant night there. Another yacht in the anchorage was Chobe with Trevor and Sue on board who we met in Pancake. We enjoyed a cappuccino with them at the store. The next day we both set off for Seven Mile Creek just around the corner and anchored in the entrance to Thornton’s Creek. Not much here but mud and mangroves and no crabs. A couple of small beaches at low tide and some disused fisherman’s huts. Spent a musical evening with the Chobe’s aboard Peggy-Anne. This morning Chobe struck out for the Boyne River and we attempted the shallow Boyne Creek route to Colosseum Inlet. A bit of a challenge but ok with the tide – lots of rocks and shallow water. The Colosseum is very deep with lots of sandy beaches. Spent most of the day walking the beaches and visited a small community on the northern foreshore where we met Lana and Garry who have just in the last month retired there from Brisbane. We were offered wine and talked about retirement at length. They are coming aboard for coffee in the morning and we have been invited back there for dinner tomorrow night.

Pancake Yummy

Norm D. — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:05:00 +0200

We have been here for five days now and have had the best weather imaginable. The days have been sunny and although a little cold when the wind is blowing, very nice indeed. We have trecked to the light station and walked for miles along the beach. Yesterday we treked to a spot we found and chipped a bucket of oysters off the rocks. 3 doz. kilpatric for lunch yum yum. Last night many of the boats in the anchorage went ashore and enjoyed a great fire, all cooking meals on the coals. Guitars came out and singing rounded off the night. Lots of boats move in and out of the anchorage and only spend a night, but some stay for weeks. We have no set plans of leaving just yet. Will probably have to think about it if we run short of food or water.

Pancake Creek

Norm D. — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:21:00 +0200

We left at daybreak this morning, but unfortunately the entrance to Jenny Lind Creek was too rough to attempt, so we headded around the corner and into Pancake Creek. It’s another great spot although pretty busy Twenty boats in here tonight. More exploring and a walk to Bustard Head Light tomorrow.

1770 Agnes Water

Norm D. — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:21:00 +0200

We have had a couple of good days at 1770. The weather has been fine although a little cold. We spent most of yesterday splicing eyes into braided rope for our dinghy. Lots of sore fingers at the end of the day. Today we walked into Agnes Water, to do some shopping, a 12k round trip, so it’s sore feet tonight. The weather is still very calm and tomorrow we are leaving early on the tide to make a short run up the coast to Jenny Lind Creek. A shallow entrance with not much room inside, but a beaut spot to visit, we are told. We will arrive around 07:30 and with the calm weather , should be able to find our way in. We are looking forward to the adventure.

1770 Roslyn Bay and Back

Norm D. — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:41:00 +0200

1770

We had a good trip to the town of 1770, last Friday. We had Peter and Kathy’s boat in tow (28ft Mustang) It was a little rough in the morning offshore so we headed for the lee of the land and had a pleasant trip along the beach to Round Hill Headland, crossing the bar at around 16:00 hrs. Once inside Pete rafted up and we had a great night and a few rums on board Peggy-Anne. The next morning with a fine forecast Pete and I left Dawn and Pip, to take Pete’s boat the rest of the way to Roslyn Bay marina. We left at 08:00 and took on fuel at Gladstone before heading through The Narrows. What a great day for taking a sports cruiser up the coast. The weather was perfect. We tied up in the new marina berth at 16:30. Pete and Kathy drove me back to 1770 yesterday and Dawn and I spent today walking and exploring around the town. It’s a great spot and we’ll probably spend a few days here.

Two to Go

Norm D. — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:49:00 +0200

Yahooo!!!! Only two more days of work and we’re definitely heading north. The weekend saw us put a few final touch ups to the paintwork on the boat. We’ve restocked most of our provisions and all we need is a bit of favourable weather on Friday and we’ll be heading for 1770. Not in a time machine, but to the town of 1770, discovered by Captain Cook. We are looking forward to exploring new areas and hopefully enjoying some better weather.

Work once more.

Norm D. — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:39:00 +0200

We are back in Port Bundaberg Marina. Spent all afternoon Saturday pulling the outboard apart and cleaning water and sand out of the engine. It had already started to seize by the time we got here. I have it starting and have run it for a fair length of time, so hopefully all is well. Don’t want that type of character building experience again.

Only one weeks work here, so not a lot of time to restock the boat and get ready for our next leg north, although we are looking forward to warmer weather. Very cold here at the moment. Saturday is our planned departure day.

It Gets Worse

Norm D. — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:14:00 +0200

We left the lagoon at 11:30 last night. An interesting trip to say the least. Nearly ran into a half submerged tree on the side of the channel. Still raining and blowing like hell. We eventually find our way out and travel south for an hour or so before anchoring in the lee of a high sand dune. The swell is finding way into the bay and we spend an uncomfortable night rolling and pitching. At least we don’t have to worry about anyone running into us or ending up high and dry. The next morning the rain has eased, but the wind is still pretty strong. After lunch we decide to head further south, to try and find some more shelter and give us a better angle for heading over to Bundy. Anchor south of Arch Cliff. Pip is busting and although there is a large swell breaking on the beach, we decide to take her ashore.

Get there O.K. but trying to get back we are flipped by a big wave, No one hurt, but all look like drowned rats, poor Pip was trapped under the boat for a little while and the outboard is full of water and sand. Eventually get a break and have to row back to Peggy-Anne. Instead of quiet drinks on the aft deck, I have to drain the water from the outboard and spray it with Kiwi KY. Will have to let it dry out and see if it will start. Hope tomorrow’s trip to Bundy is incident free.

What a Difference a Day Makes

Norm D. — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:53:00 +0200

We had some great weather when we arrived here, we were even swimming on Tuesday. Wednesday brought a different story. It started raining overnight and it hasn’t stopped since. We were securely anchored in our favourite spot until then, but late on Wednesday four sailing cats made their way into the lagoon. One decided to anchor in between us and another boat. It was a bit close, but with a kedge anchor out should have been O.K. At about 03:00 we were awoken by a mighty crunch and quickly got up half asleep to find the cat firmly wedged on our duck board and being held there by the quick, outgoing tide. There was a fairly hectic situation as we organised fenders, to stop any further damage. Running around barely clad at three in the morning was not much fun. We ended up getting him away from our boat, but the pressure exerted on our stern anchor had caused it to move and we now found ourselves too close to the shore. We worked for half an hour getting some slack out of the anchor rope and decided it would probably be O.K. until daylight. The next morning we inspected for damage and surprisingly there was none. The forecast had changed, with 30 kts now being predicted, and so after a bit of thought we decided to leave and move to the other side of the lagoon. Less boats and more shelter from the wind. So here we are, had a better night last night, but it is still raining constantly. Hope it eases up soon.

Thursday afternoon and boats are swinging and moving all over the place with the change of tide against a wind that is gusting to 40 knots. This anchorage is too narrow and confined for this many boats. We decide we are going to head out on the high tide tonight. It will be dark but we have a track marked on the plotter and don’t want to be here for another change of tide, with all these boats around.

Can't beat this place.

Norm D. — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:22:00 +0200

This has got to be one of the top spots on the coast. It is completely sheltered from all weather. The beaches are pure white sand. When the tide comes in the water is clear as crystal and when it is going out it turns the colour of tea, with tannin being washed down from up stream. We pumped yabbies this arfternoon and will do some whiting fishing tonight. At night the sky is clear and the quietness is deafening. We will be glad when the weekend is over as the 10 or so other people who are visiting will probably head back to work and we’ll have it all to ourselves. Pretty selfish eh!!!!!

Back Cruising Once Again

Norm D. — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:52:00 +0200

I finished the job at Hervey Bay last Friday and we left the marina around 13:00 hrs. A two hour trip saw us anchor North of Moon Point. Fraser Island is a great spot the beaches are fantastic and the western side provides good protection from the prevailing south easters. We encountered a dingo on our first night, he just came up to check us out. Didn’t want to get too close but, wasn’t too scared either. We spent two nights there and the weather was magnificent, lovely calm conditions. From this great spot we moved to another. Arch Cliff a little further north on Fraser. There is a "coffee rock" outcrop here and everyone carves there name into the soft stone. We found a little fresh water creek and decided to catch up with some clothes washing. Another two nights here. Wednesday brought rain and we moved to Lagoon Anchorage (Wathumba). Whales are starting to move into the bay on their annual migration north and we were lucky enough to spot a couple. This is our favourite spot on Fraser. We had to wait for the tide to enter, but once in we can anchor a few meters from the beach and it’s calm and peaceful and quiet. We gave the boat a good clean up this morning and have caught enough rain water to do a bit more clothes washing. So that will be the project for today. We’ll have a week here and will update the blog regularly as we have internet coverage.

This Is A Top Spot

Norm D. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:42:00 +0200

This really is a great spot. The water is clean and the beaches are sandy. The fishing is good although we haven’t wet a line yet. Been too busy doing nothing. Our morning usually starts with a walk on the beach and then to the nearby bakery for a cappacino. All the locals are really friendly. Everyone says goodaye. It has taken a while to get out of the routine of work, but we are now back in cruising mode. The days have been mild but today was one out of the box, very warm and sunny. The end of the day and it’s back to the beach for a wine as the sun goes down. We have to leave to head for Urangan on Friday, but the forcast is for good weather for at least a few days more. We pumped some yabbies this afternnon so fishing will be high on the agenda for tomorrow, especially if it is a s fine as it was today.

Back to a bit of cruising

Norm D. — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:49:00 +0200

Finished my 8 weeks last Thursday and Friday night we slipped down the coast in perfect conditions to Burrum Heads. This is a great spot that we really love. We’ll spend a fewmore days here bfore heading to Urangan for a few more days work and then off to do some whale watching.

Back in the water.

Norm D. — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:20:00 +0200

The hard work on the hard is finished. Peggy-Anne looks a million dollars. Shiny top sides and a freshly painted bottom. We only brought her from the travellift to her berth, but she seemed to move through the water beautifully. I think she is ready for more adventure and so are we. I finish the job here tomorrow. The weather looks good for leaving on the weekend. A five hour trip to the Buram River where we will spend a bit of time before doing another three days work at Hervey Bay. Then two weeks before we need to be back in Bundy to finish the job here. We’ll spend a bit of time in the bay doing the whale watch thing. There are supposed to be a few around. Looking forward to cruising again.

On The Hard

Norm D. — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:19:00 +0200

We came back down the river last Friday at a very slow pace due to a foul bottom and even fouler props. We arrived at the Port Marina and the travel lift was ready to haul us out. All went well and within an hour we were supported on stands and the boys had pressure washed Peggy-Anne’s bottom. Let The Work Begin. Hoses out and under the boat to rub down the old antifoul ready to accept a new coat. Took most of the day working in pretty crappy conditions, but the job was done by days end. Pip did what she usually does and just watched and slept. Day two we had to remove props, one needs a little damage repaired and the other needs a good clean. Had to call on a friend with a hydraulic puller to get em off. All done as well as a few other jobs and by Sunday it was time to put some antifoul back on. Masked up, raising our water line a couple of inches and into it. Another big day ends with us totally tired, hardly any skin left on our fingers, but a boat looking pretty schmick. A bit of polishing and finishing work this week. Once the props are back, we’ll coat them with Propspeed (stop them getting foul) and we’re ready to float again. Can’t believe that we only have a couple of weeks to go before were off cruising again. That work has gone by pretty quickly.

Nearly over the hump

Norm D. — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:59:00 +0200

At the end of this week we will be on the down hill run to being back to cruising again. The coxswain course I have been delivering finishes on Thursday and a new engineering course will start the following week. We will definitely be counting down the days. We intend to slip the week after next so that will give us plenty to do. Peggy-Anne needs a new antifoul and a bit to do on props and shafts. We preped the deck painting last weekend and will probably have the job finished next weekend. New deck paint will look good. We purchased a vacuum packaging machine last week, which will allow us to buy our meet and package it so that it will last for up to eight weeks in the fridge. Tried it out last night and it works well. Heading to the movies tonight which are only a short walk from the marina.

Rain Rain Rain

Norm D. — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:09:00 +0200

No hope of getting any deck paint on this weekend. There is a gale warning out and lots of rain. Have had about 4 inches 100mm til now and it’s still raining. Good for the dams but no good for living aboard. it is even hard to get Pip ashore for a walk so we made her a little coat from an old shopping bag. She is pretty keen to just stay curled up in front of the fire. We have spent the afternoon playing cards with friends from Free Spirit (Steve and Jacqui. I went to town this morning and got drenched. Oh well nothing to do but grin and bare it. Deck painting will have to wait untill next weekend. Sean and Mirja "Martini"have just rung and invited us out for dinner. So it’s out into the rain again.

Work again

Norm D. — Sun, 18 May 2008 15:49:00 +0200

We had a good weekend.Drinks on board with Lisbeth and Lasser (Sweedish cruisers) and Mia and Shaun (Ausies working in Bundy) on Friday night. Did a few jobs on the boat and we rented a car on Sunday and drove to Hervey Bay to catch up with friends who are building a sailing cat. The weather has turned cold and I had a jumper on all day yesterday. More coxswains this week although more boat prac. work will see me on the water again. Dawn has a list of jobs lined up and we gathered some material for some sewing projects, while we had the car. Will probably start on deck repainting next weekend. TAFE has asked me to deliver a Shipboard Safety course in Urangan when I finish my stint here, so we may head south again for a week or two before heading north. Oh well. Keeps us occupied.

Works not all that bad

Norm D. — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:49:00 +0200

O.K. so it is work, but it’s not a bad job. Last week we had to haed out to Lady Musgrave Island with students aboard and lay a few mooring blocks. All went smoothly and the job was done even though it took most of a day to get them positioned. The students had a great time and got heaps of practical experience from the exercise. Lady Musgrave is I think one of the best sections of the great barrier reef. The lagoon is 4 mile across with a small island situated on the western edge. There is a small entrance channel leading into the lagoon.Chrystal clear water, lots of coral, not much current and an abundence of life.

It was a good weekend but back to the classroom this week.

Back to the grind

Norm D. — Tue, 13 May 2008 20:36:00 +0200

Well we’re settled in and have met old friends and made some new ones in Midtown Marina. I have been back at work for a week now. I have a great job and really do enjoy it. We took students out to Lady Musgrave lagoon on the weekend as part of a practical on board course. The weather wasn’t too bad although the trip home was a little lumpy. A coxswain course started today and will run for three weeks. They seem like a good bunch of students. Looking forward to setting off again.Only seven weeks to go.

Back in good old Bundy

Norm D. — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:26:00 +0200

Well the trip across was great. We had a S.E. wind that gave us lots of assistance. We have moved up the river to Mid Town Marina in the center of town. The boat has had a clean up and we are organised to start work next week. Will keep the blog updated with news from work. Eight weeks will fly by we hope..

Still at Wathumba

Norm D. — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:16:00 +0200

We have had a magnificent four days in this lagoon. The weather has been fine and warm. We have explored it from beginning to end, even taking our dinghy about as far as you can get up Wathumba Creek into the mangroves. There is only about two hours a day right at the top of the tide where the water gets chrystal clear and we use this time to swim and snorkel. On the run out tide the water becomes the colour of strong tea with the tannin being washed from up the creek. This morning we caught a huge mud crab and have just finished him for lunch. When I took all the scraps out to feed the fish there were two turtles swimming around the boat. As soon as the scraps hit the water there were fish everywhere. This certainly has been a great spot to r and r before heading back to work for a while. The weather is looking good for our leg to Bundaberg, with the wind forecast to go to the souh east. If the forecast holds we will leave at daybeak on Wednesday. The expected travel time will be about eight hours. We’ll anchor out in the river at the Port for a night before heading to our berth at Midtown Marina the next day. I suppose eight weeks will pass pretty quickly as I enjoy the work I do, but by then we will both be searching for another spot similar to this for our next adventure.

Back to Fraser Island

Norm D. — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:06:00 +0200

Dawn was gone for a week, while Pip and I holed up in the Fishermans Wharf Marina at Urangan. Were we glad we were there. The wind howled all week and there was plenty of rain, not much fun for Pip and myself. Dawn has returned and so has the good weather. We left the marina early on Tuesday and plotted a course for Moon Point only an hour or so travel time. We spent two days there with the wind blowing from the SE at 10 to 15 knots. Very peaceful a great beach lots of sun. It was great that Dawn brought the good weather back with her, she also brought a tummy bug that Norm picked up on Wednesday spending most of his time lying down and groaning. Even had to turn down an invite to sundowners from a Canadian Group anchored nearby. Luckily it was only a 24Hr. bug and today Norm is considerably better and has even eaten. We came further north this morning and are now anchored in Lagoon Anchorage (Wathoomba to the locals) very shallow coming in but fantastic once in here. We have set a kedge anchor to stop the boat swinging too much as there is not a lot of deep water. As the wind is expected to turn Westerly for the next day or so, it is the only spot that affords shelter. We have alredy been ashore for a swim and will probably explore in the dinghy later on. From here it will be back to Bundaberg, Norm has taken up eight weeks work at T.A.F.E. so we’ll be moored in the river for most of that time and will probably slip near the end of it and paint the boats bum in readiness for further exploration north.

Kingfisher Bay

Norm D. — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 19:56:00 +0200

Were at the top of the Sandy Strait now in Kingfisher Bay. This is the big whale watching area for Hervey Bay. The whale season doesn’t start until August. There is a large resort situated here and a lot of boats take advantage of the welcome they give to people on board. We have opted to anchor about half a mile away, where it is a lot more quiet and peaceful. The water is chrystal clear and the weather has been warm, so we have been doing a fair bit of swimming. We may take the dinghy up to the resort later today for a cappacino. Pip will have to stay aboard and mind the boat. We have been taking long walks along this great beach and taken many photos of a ruined jetty, the remnants of the logging industry that used to operate on Frazer Island. Frazer is the biggest sand island in the world and is certainly great to visit, especialy when the weather is as good as we have been getting. Dawn is heading back to Brisbane by train later in the week to catch up with her daughter and we will drop her off at Urangan probably spend a night in the marina and then head back out to Fraser and await her return. So it will be just Pip and me for a while. I may have forgotten how to cook. I suppose there is always baked beans. Next stop will be Bundaberg, where there may be some work and will probably give us a chance to slip the boat and antifoul.

Double Island Point

Norm D. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:21:00 +0200

Left Noosa this morning on the high tide. Once across the bar the wind was from behind at about 20 kts., so we had a good run up to Double Island Point in about 5 hours. Sea was probably about 1m on a 2m swell. Once we came around into the bay behind D.I. Point the water was calm and very clear. Fish and birds were working everywhere. First job was to launch the dinghy and take Pip ashore. She had the usual nervous start but found her sea legs about an hour out. She was glad to hit the beach though and used up a lot of energy running around like a puppy. After that job was done I went and hooked a tailor and used it to set the crab pots. We’re hoping for crab sandwiches for lunch tomorrow. As I write this there is a gentle low swell causing waves to splash onto the beach, giving us a gentle rock. It won’t be hard to get to sleep tonight. We’ve looked at the weather and it looks like being kind for a day or two, so we may work our way into the lagoon tomorrow on the tide and spend a day in there before crossing the Wide Bay bar which leads into the Great Sandy Strait, behind Frazer Island. The beach is clean and hard and easy to get to, so there will be lots of stress free walks no doubt. This would have to be put on the "Top Spot" list in anything from the south to south west. Will probably have a quick trip through the Sandy Strait as we’ve seen most of it before. Probably be in Bundaberg some time next week.

Made it to Noosa

Norm D. — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:47:00 +0200

We made our first open ocean voyage for a while on Wedensday. We were up early and had a look at the bar at Caloundra. It was quite calm and looked good for a crossing, so we took Pip ashore for a walk, made the boat ready and then headed to the entrance. There was about a meter swell still breaking in places across the bar, but it didnt look like something we couldn’t handle. We radio’d Mooloolaba VMR and let them know of our intentions, waited for a quiet patch and headed out, crossing at 06:05. The sea outside was quite confused on a 1 – 2 meter swell, which made travel a little uncomfortable. Pip definately didn’t enjoy the first hour or so. Peggy – Ane performed beautifully and we decided to bypass Mooloolaba and head straight to Noosa Heads,finding ourselves off the bar at 12:00hrs. Noosa has a very shallow and changing bar and as it was low tide we anchored and had some lunch and then waited for a bit more water with the incomming tide. We figured that there should be sufficient depth by 15:30. We up anchored and had a good idea of where the deeper water was and as the wind had dropped slightly managed to cross without incident, a couple of other cats who were waiting, followed us in. We have anchored in 4 meters of water in Noosa Sound. We sit on the fordeck each night and watch the lights go on in the 9.5 million dollar mansions shareing the same view that we have. Noosa is a great spot for a stopover. Plenty of shops (expensive), Lots of restaurants (expenpensive) Great parks and BBQ facilities (no charge). We’ll probably be here for around a week before we get the right conditions to leave

On our Way

Norm D. — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:02:00 +0200

We left last Saturday and travelled to Bribie Island again. Back at Bongaree for the second time in less than a week. At least the systems on our boat are working as they should. We caught up with some friends and had a graet meal at the Blue Anchorage Restaurant. Said all our goodbyes and they headed their boats back to Redcliffe and work and we headad north up Pumicestone passage in search of adventure. We spent the first night at Gallaghers beach, it was very calm and we had a peacefull sleep. From there as we cruised further up the passage the water became shallower and shallower. We had to stop a couple of times to let the tide rise slightly and spent a fair bit of time in the RIB with a lead line sounding for deep enough water. Lucky we only draw about .6 of a meter.We got just past "The Skids" and had to anchor again for the night. This morning we were up early to catch the top of the tide and still found ourselves in very shallow water. We took it slow and eventually anchored off Caloundra. We intend to try to cross the bar tomorrow morning if weather permits and make for Noosa Heads. It will be good to be back at sea again and not have to worry about the depth.

Nearly Ready to go Again

Norm D. — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:07:00 +0100

We have our dinghy back and are waiting for our electronics to be delivered.

Hope to get away this weekend.

Bit of a set back.

Norm D. — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:43:00 +0100

We thought we were off,Briby was great and had plenty going on over the Easter break. We unfortunately experienced problems with our chart plotter on the first day out. Also had a problem with our inflatable falling apart, which is dissapointing as it is only six months old. Anyway we returned to Redcliff and were helped out again by John and Sharon who have been fantastic in helping us sort out our problems and lending us transport. We hope to have all back and be ready to go by the end of the week. This time it will be a quicker trip up Pumicestone Passage then on to the Graet Sandy Strait by way of Mooloolaba and Noosa. Gotta stop spending and start relaxing.

Doing it Again

Norm D. — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:36:00 +0100

It’s great to be back on board. We are still at Bribie Island, unfortunately our chartplotter has let us down and we sent it away to Sydney a couple of days ago. Probably won’t get it back untill Tues or Wednesday next week, because of Easter. This is a good spot to be stuck at. Lots of walks, sandy beaches and shops nearby. We were up early this morning(03:00) and had to reanchor Peggy-Anne as the wind had swung around to an onshore breeze and was threatening to blow us onto the beach. All a bit tired now. Probably haed ashore soon for a walk and a cappacino. Tried to load some photos but the site would not allow it. Will try again next time.

Bribie Island

Norm D. — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 17:03:00 +0100

Our first anchorage will be at Bongaree on Bribie from here we’ll travel up Pummicestone Passage to Caloundra, We have an appointment at Mooloolaba to have our inflatable looked at in a week or two. Weather today not good so will probably depart tomorrow morning.

Back on board

Norm D. — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:50:00 +0100

Hi Everyone,

We’re back on board and does it feel great. Peggy-Anne is in great shape thank you for looking after her Sharon and John. We ordered some cryovac meat yesterday are catching up with children and grand children today and will complete some grocery shopping tomorrow. Once we have fuelled up we will head to Bribie Island to spend a bit of time cleaning the props and hull. We are looking forward to walking some beaches and exploring new places as we head north for the winter.

Heading south to head north

Norm D. — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:26:00 +0100

Only one day left. we are going to head south to Brisbane on Thursday. Hopefully we’ll be back on board and heading north early next week. We can’t wait to get back into the easy life style associated with coastal cruising. All we need is some pleasant weather and even if we don’t get that we’ll be happy to be back aboard. Should be some interesting journal entries in the near future.

Back a week

Norm D. — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:49:00 +0100

We’re supposed to be heading back to our boat later this week, but my employers have requested another week from me. I agreed under duress. Anyhow the weather is not all that great at the moment so a bit more pocket money won’t go astray. Hopefully we’ll be on our way some time next week. Can’t bloody wait. with a bit of luck we may even get some fairer weather.

One week to go

Norm D. — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:27:00 +0100

Dawn had to train up to Cairns last week to visit her family, after the sad death of her brother in law. I have been busy teaching but me and Pip miss her badly. Sheel be back here in Bundaberg this weekend.

Starting to get pretty toey. Only one week to go and we’ll be back on the water. Looking forward to getting back to Redcliffe and being aboard our boat again. It’s been over two months since we were on the water and we are really looking forward to heading out with no real time restraint or trip plan.

Afew more pics

Norm D. — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:43:00 +0100

Just a few more pics of a recent trip up the Brisbane River

First Leg

Norm D. — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:53:00 +0100

The first part of our cruise will be short. We plan to take an inside passage

First Leg

Norm D. — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:53:00 +0100

The first part of our cruise will be short. We plan to take an inside passage behind Bribie Island and cross the bar at Caloundra. we will overnite at Noosa Heads and then head further north to the Wide Bay bar, before exploring the Great Sandy Strait. The first part of our adventure will be quite quick as we have visited all of these areas before and are looking forward to exploring further north. As we will be retired and have no time constraints the cruise will take us to many out of the way places. The top of Australia is our focus and then we’ll have to decide if we go further or head back south. "I think the Kimberly is calling." We hope that many people can share our experiences through this blog site.

Cheers for now Norm.