A Chance Meeting With Old Friends and Back to Horseshoe Bay 26th - 30th May

Dunk Island is such a gorgeous island and on discovering we had another perfect day on our hands we decided to walk the Island Circuit Walk, a 9km track which climbs almost to the top of Mt Kootaloo and then heads off towards the eastern end of the island and returns via the southern beaches. This track was not as well maintained as the Kootaloo part of the track, but it was OK. The worst problem was that in several places the 'Wait-a-While' vine had slumped down over the track and getting past that without it attaching it's sharp little hooky spurs into the tee-shirt or skin required the moves of a contortionist. We came across a fresh water tortoise on the track near Coconut Beach, a little way from the creek. It appeared healthy so we thought it might be on it's way to find a place to lay eggs. Maybe??

Fresh water tortoise Coconut Bay Dunk Island

We decided to have lunch at the beach café before going back to Olivia for a well earned rest. A large catamaran steamed into Brammo Bay late in the afternoon and I watched it anchor close by as Peter checked Olivia's engine and did one or two small maintenance jobs below. The 'cat' people waved and I waved back - friendly types. After a while they came over in their dinghy to say hello. We recognised each other as they came alongside. It was Brian and Marie on Urchin from our days in the Mandurah Marina. Their boat was docked on the same pontoon as ours and we developed quite a friendship, discussing plans for the Aussie trips we all dreamed about. They left around the same time us, but spent 18 months in Port Lincoln, Marie working at nursing. We knew they had moved on, but did not expect to catch up with them at Dunk. We all went ashore and had a celebratory drink at the beach café. They are going over the top and back to WA this year and we are heading south, but it was great to catch up with them.

We found a 'washing machine' in the back locker, unfortunately hand operated, but it works quite well.
 Peter had a go too.

Peter checked out the weather forecast and we still had several light wind days before stronger winds were predicted. It seemed best to take advantage of the calm weather to make our way south again with relative ease before I needed to check in with the doctor and physio about the progress of my injuries from the bike accident. My shoulder is going well, but my fingers on both hands are still very sore and I have to be careful not to knock them. Some tasks like unscrewing lids, turning on taps etc I leave to Peter. Too hard!

We motor sailed to the northern end of the Hinchinbrook Channel after an early lunch and anchored for the night at Scraggy Point, almost opposite the Hinchinbrook Marina, just south of Cardwell. The night was absolutely still and the next morning we enjoyed a pleasant motor down the channel admiring the mountains which were almost clear of clouds. From the southern channel exit we sailed over to Orpheous Island, but instead of stopping there thought we might take advantage of the mild weather to anchor at Havana Island for the night as we had not been there yet. Havana Island is at the southern end of the Palm Island group. We anchored for the night with another 'cat', but they were not very friendly so we both kept to ourselves.


Hinchinbrook Channel, early morning

 



Sugar Sheds at Lucinda

A favourable day was forecast for a slow trip to Magnetic Island so we pulled the anchor just after 6am and motored out of the anchorage around the northern side of the island, just as the sun rose over Albino Rock, on the eastern end of Great Palm Island. What a sight! Albino Rock sat right in the middle of the rising blood orange sun providing it with a bright corona. I didn't look for long, just briefly enough to catch the dazzling sight.

Another gorgeous day! We tacked out to the east under sail, so it was slow at 4-5kts. The wind did not reach more that about 8kts all day, so in the end we motor sailed into Horseshoe Bay just after lunch. Now we will stay here for a couple of weeks until I fly back to WA for three weeks and Peter's friend Bob comes to keep him company. After that we intend to venture south eventually ending up at Lake Macquarie or Sydney, with Olivia settled there for the summer.

Relaxing on the way to Magnetic Island

A Fast Trip To Dunk Island 24th - 25th May

This boat eats miles!

We dropped the National Park courtesy mooring in Little Pioneer Bay at 7.30 am in calm conditions with the idea that we may anchor in Zoe Bay on the eastern side of Hinchinbrook Island for lunch, go ashore and explore the creek and waterfall in the southern end of the bay. This bay is open to the prevailing trade winds so calm weather is necessary to contemplate such a move. By the time we reached there the wind had piped up to about 15 - 18kts and a lumpy swell was rolling into the bay. I decided that I wouldn't be even trying to get off in those conditions so we sailed straight past. The waterfall in the southern end of the bay was tumbling over the rocks and we had a great view of that through the binoculars. Would have been nice to see it close up as it was flowing over the cliff face in several different places.

This was one of the best sails we have had on the east coast, with a glorious breeze on the starboard quarter until we jibed outside the northern end of the Brook Islands at midday to take the inside path between the Family Group of islands and the coast. We had thought to anchor for the night behind Goold Island, but the going was too good for that. Olivia has a big powerful feel as she slices through the waves on the jib alone, so we continued on and were anchored at Dunk Island at 3.25pm. The tide was with us most of the way and on the jib we were clocking between 6.5 and 7 knots continuously. Lily tethered on her painter to Olivia's stern revelled in the conditions, gleefully surfing down the faces of the waves, resting momentarily at the bottom, self satisfied, before being jerked into action for the next ride. 48nm under our belts in less than 8 hours. Wonderful!

Olivia anchored at Dunk Island with beautiful little Purdaboi Island in the background

Dunk Island

The resort here is still in the same condition as last year when we were here. The buildings along the front are still derelict apart form a couple in the eastern corner. We came across a worker who told us that the café was open for business on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from about 10am until 5pm. They have an inviting looking menu attached to the front of the café so we might indulge ourselves while we are here.

Last day of sling. Six weeks tomorrow. Summit of Mt Kootaloo

This morning Peter and I decided to walk to the summit of Mt Kootaloo. It is a good walk and the path is well maintained. The rainforest canopy makes for a cool walk free from the blazing sun and the undergrowth is lush and green from having enough rainfall this year. We chose the alternative path for the descent.  This path is more overgrown and animals have dug and scratched in the compost and leaf litter on the path and as such more concentration is required so as not to trip on the uneven surface. In places the path follows the edge of a precipitous drop that is camouflaged by rainforest growth. Tomorrow we intend to take the trail that circumnavigates the island, about 10kms

Blogging

Peter and Liz's Maiden Voyage on Olivia 20th -23rd May 2017

A Night in Maud's Bay, Magnetic Island

After a leisurely breakfast with Clive, Andrew and Wayne at an outdoorsy little café on The Strand, Peter and I visited Coles for our last minute fresh food stores. We should now have enough food on board for about three weeks. Water, fuel, Lily fuel, gas and food - time to depart the Breakwater Marina for a while.

We motored out of the channel in calm conditions and continued to motor all the way to Maud's Bay on the northern side of Magnetic Island, next to Horseshoe Bay. This secluded little bay was comfortable enough during the calm weather we were experiencing, but during the south easterly trades a swell rolls along these northern bays which sends most people back into Horseshoe Bay. Maud's Bay is surrounded by the steep, rocky hills prevalent on Magnetic Island, with a golden sand beach and several shacks obviously used by locals as weekenders. Care is needed when entering the bay as there is reef and coral bombies close in throughout the bay. Nightfall came and we enjoyed a peaceful night by ourselves. Amazing that there is such a large city just around the corner.

The "Captain" steers Olivia out of Townsville for our maiden voyage

The Palms

Juno Bay Fantome Island

Last night I slept in my own bed for the first time. Jessica slept there while we had the younger Scott's on board. I will have to get used to the feel and sounds of this yacht with it's all chain anchor warp, stainless steel water tanks which 'gloop' quietly as the boat moves at anchor and all the other creaks and slapping sounds that are different from Rene.

An early start had us motoring across The Paddock towards the Palm Islands. The weather was still calm so we decided to try North East Bay which has a long, lovely beach to walk on, but is usually too rolly to stay in. We anchored as close in as we dared and settled in for lunch. Although calm there was still a rolly slop making it's way right into the bay. I didn't like the idea of trying to lower the dinghy motor, with the hoist Peter has set up on the stern, into it's place on the dinghy. Getting myself into the dinghy was another matter as I didn't want to risk causing myself an injury to an almost mended broken shoulder and three broken fingers. Reluctantly we made a decision to motor around to Juno Bay on Fantome Island via the Calliope Channel between Great Palm Island and Curacoa Island. This narrow channel had my eyes glued to the chart plotter as we motored through with the tide. At one stage we were doing 8.5kts.

Great Palm Island 

Once out into Coolgaree Bay we were able to appreciate the view across to Great Palm Island sleeping in the sun with her patchwork quilt of light and shadow playing across the landscape. A crest of cotton wool clouds adorned the high hills completing this lovely view. Locals fishing from runabouts waved as we passed and the Aboriginal settlement at Palm Island glistened in the sun.

We anchored well out in Juno Bay avoiding the extensive reef offshore and the many isolated coral bombies lying in wait for the unwary sailor. After we settled into our anchorage we readied the dinghy for a trip ashore. This time we explored the beach not the derelict ruins of the old Leper Colony. Then it was time to go back to Olivia for dinner. I suppose we motored about 20 meters from the shore when the dinghy motor stalled and coughed to a stop. Nothing would get it going and we drifted for 5 minutes while Peter worked on it to no avail. Luckily we were drifting vaguely in the right direction.

Finally we thought that the current was catching us so we'd better start rowing. Audrey will appreciate how far we had to row. The shallow water extends a long way from the shore in this bay. My shoulder got a workout, but I took it slowly and with no pain, kept going with Peter until we eventually arrived at Olivia just in time for well deserved sundowners in the cockpit.

Next morning Peter discovered that there was water in the fuel, probably from the 160mm that had fallen in Townsville a few days before. He cleaned out the carby float bowl, which was full of water, and so far it has worked like a dream.  We explored the beaches on the south shore of Juno Bay and glimpsed a shark feeding in the shallows.

Golden sands in Juno Bay

The first night in Juno Bay was absolutely still, but the second was lively and bouncy due to a south west breeze blowing a sharp slop into the bay. We could hear the anchor chain scraping across a coral bottom all night long - a bit disconcerting. By morning we had had enough so made preparations for a short trip to Little Pioneer Bay and hopefully a quieter anchorage. It is still bouncy here, but not unbearably so. We have managed to take up the courtesy mooring in the most sheltered part of the bay behind the headland closest to the Research Station. A large Beneteau has tried to anchor near us, but couldn't find a good spot so has adjourned to the other end of the bay. The wind is dropping, so hopefully, so will these sloppy little waves by this evening.

Approaching Calliope Channel

Happy Birthday

Thank you for all the good wishes for my 64th birthday from family and friends. We were out of mobile range on the 22nd in Juno Bay, but could just access mobile coverage in Little Pioneer Bay on 23rd. You all made my birthday special. I hope I acknowledged everyone, but I think I may have cut a few messages short (Sorry Chris if I did). Had a lovely time scratching the scratchies Mum and ended up $5 better off. It was nice dreaming though. Your card did not catch up with me Judy, but it will give me a nice surprise later.

Mother's Day Pedicure 18th May

Beautiful Feet

I now have very beautiful feet. They have been clipped, scrubbed, varnished and massaged. Greg and Leisha, (and I know Leisha had most to do with it as Greg would not have thought of it himself!) presented me with a voucher for a pedicure for Mother's Day. Not far from the marina, in Gregory Street, is a lovely salon called 'Polished' and there I received the foot treatment. I came out feeling like I was the proud owner of a new set of feet. Gorgeous, glittery cherry coloured toenails completed the picture. I am very proud of them and am happy to recommend 'Polished' as a place for a bit of foot TLC. Thanks Greg, Leisha, Jess and Anna for such a thoughtful gift.

Happy Feet

Still Enjoying Magnetic Island 10th May 2017

Radical Bay 9th May 2017

Having spent nine days exploring Horseshoe Bay and the other bays on Magnetic Island that we could access by bus, we decided that as the weather was calm we would motor around to Radical Bay for our last night with the younger Scotts, before making our way back to Townsville. Clive and Andrew had advised us to anchor near the south east corner. A swell rolls around the rocks at the entrance to the bay and catches the boat side on so it can get uncomfortable there unless it is calm. No sooner had we anchored when we were surrounded by a bunch of fish waiting to be fed. It amazes me that the fish know where the Green Zones are and are not shy in showing up for food. On this occasion we had trevally, grouper and mullet surrounding the boat. Jess and Anna were fascinated. We gave them some bread to feed the fish which kept them amused for some time.

Anchored at Radical Bay

Greg and Jess paddled around the bay watching fish and exploring the rocky shore. The water is much clearer here than in Horseshoe Bay and it wasn't long before everyone (except me) was in the water. Greg found a coconut that was edible and he cracked it open and everyone enjoyed chewing on the lumps of coconut meat (except me - yuk!) Several other boats joined us for the afternoon, but they returned to Horseshoe Bay before dusk. Only one small craft remained with us and it was an interesting affair. It looked just like a caravan on water with very little freeboard. We found out that it was indeed a caravan/boat. Apparently the owner simply drives it onto a purpose built trailer and secures it and hey presto - he has a caravan. It would only be safe in lakes, rivers or close to the coast in calm weather.

The night in Radical Bay was beautiful and we didn't experience much rolling at all. We have discovered that our tolerance of rolly anchorages is higher than a lot of peoples though. Early on Wednesday morning we weighed anchor and made our way back to the Breakwater Marina where we had booked in for another week. Greg, Leisha and the girls stayed on board and spent much of their last few days at the Waterpark and playgrounds on The Strand.

Sheep On Holiday

Sheep is a much loved soft toy that Jessica's other grandmother, Linda, gave her after a visit to her family in New Zealand. Sheep has been Jess's constant companion ever since. It is amazing what that sheep got up to when we all went ashore and left her on board to guard Olivia. We didn't want any pirates sneaking on board and getting up to mischief.



Sheep and Dorrie get into the fruit

Sheep cooks dinner for herself

Sheep radios her friends



 

A Family Day at Muntalunga

 

 

Peter, Virginia and Jess having fun with Tess

Muntalunga is Virginia and Clive's property which is about 30km south of Townsville. They invited the Scott clan out for a barb-e-cue lunch and family 'get together'. Virginia has several horses on the property, one of which is a Shetland pony called Tess. Tess was bathed and groomed (she probably wondered what that was all about!) and saddled up for pony rides. She is the perfect pony for little people rides. The girls loved it, even 1 year old Anna. We had a lovely day out at Muntalunga. The weather was mild and sunny and we all relaxed under the large shady trees at the back of the house. Thanks Virginia and Clive for giving us all a memorable day at Muntalunga.

Jess and Anna double up for a ride on Tess

Greg and Leisha and the girls have now gone back to WA and Peter and I find it very quiet on Olivia. We strolled along The Strand today and there was no Jess and Anna at the Waterpark or at the playground. We miss you guys. You must come again soon.

Greg and Jess enjoy a ride on the quad bike

Three Generations of Scotts go to Magnetic Island 1st - 7th May

Beach Babes

The girls at Pirates Lair (Greg's name for the place)

 

I don't know anyone who spends more time at the beach than this family. I'm surprised they haven't all grown gills. Everyday begins with a swim at the Horseshoe Bay swimming enclosure and then we decide what activity we will do for the rest of the morning. Sometimes it is a visit to another beach or to one of the wildlife attractions or even just a 'chill' on the beach here. On Thursday we caught the bus to Arcadia and they enjoyed a swim in the surf at Alma Bay. I watched the baby as she slept soundly in the pusher under a shady tree with a steady breeze keeping her cool. Later we strolled over the road to the Arcadia Hotel and had lunch by the pool and of course the girls spent most of the time swimming there. We had such a lovely time there that we will do that again.

Anna and Jess enjoy the sunset at Horseshoe Bay

Today we took the bus to Picnic Bay and spent some time at the playground and then found a cool spot under the trees for a play. Jess discovered a stage there on the beach front and treated us to a performance of 'Frozen'. Several people passing gave her a clap and one dear lady even recognised that it was a song from 'Frozen'. Three year olds are not known for their tunefulness. Lunch at the Picnic Bay Hotel was delicious. We had the Sunday Roast special and it was a very good deal at $15 a head.

Talking to the Animals

Feeding the wallabies at Arcadia

On the day we went to Arcadia we walked out to the old ferry terminal and fed the rock wallabies. You can purchase a $2 bag of pellets to feed them at the newsagent, which we did, and Jess and Anna both had a ball feeding the wallabies. Anna didn't have much luck as she was a bit too noisy and excitable and the wallabies were highly suspicious of her.

Bungalow Bay Koala Park 

Jessica Kisses the Red Tailed Black Cockatoo

The visit to the Koala Park at the Bungalow Bay Resort turned out to be a 'girls day out'. Peter and Greg walked over the range to Nelly Bay to buy some glue for the dinghy as the bung for draining the water out broke and left a large hole which flooded the bottom of the dinghy every time we used it. The glue has worked so far. The girls arrived at the Koala Park and joined a group of about 30 people for a tour. At first I thought it was not going to be very good for the little girls, but as we progressed and more animals were brought out for handling things improved and it turned out to be a great excursion. Jess was able to hold and pat a turtle, lizards, a baby crocodile, a red tailed black cockatoo, a koala and a huge python. Anna slept through all but the last 15 minutes or so and that was probably a good thing as Leisha helped Jess with the animals and I was chief photographer. I couldn't believe that Jess let the cockatoo take a sunflower seed from between her lips, or that she was willing to let the python be draped over her shoulders.

The Snake lady of Bungalow Bay

The Kayak

Clive, Peter's brother, has lent us a blue kayak. Greg and Jessica have spent any spare time rowing it around the bay. It is now filled with 'treasure'. Treasure is any shell, coral, nut etc that Jess takes a shine to. No-one has yet figured out how to tell Jess that she won't be able to take any of this 'treasure' home to WA with her.

One overloaded kayak

Olivia

We have come up with a workable sleeping arrangement on board Olivia. Greg and Jess sleep up on the vee berth at the front, Peter and I are in the main cabin and Leisha and Anna are in the quarter berth, a double bed at the back. This allows the adults to put the girls to bed and we then haves a pleasant nightcap accompanied by family and sailing stories to complete a lovely day.

I can't believe that we have only two more days at Magnetic Island. On Wednesday we will sail back to Townsville where Greg, Leisha and the girls will stay on board Olivia at the Breakwater Marina and Peter and I will go back to Andrew's place. They will have three days in Townsville before the long flight back to Perth.

Who doesn't love a koala, Leisha and Anna