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| Morning tea at Tom and Viviens. What a wonderful view of Castle Hill from their front balcony. |
We motored into Townsville early on Monday as we wanted to arrive in there before any wind kicked in. A windy marina causes all sorts of stress, particularly in the crew, as we endeavour to berth without causing damage to ourselves or any other boat. We are getting pretty good at it now. However like Pavlov and his salivating dogs, learned behaviour, arising from one bingle with the marina in Albany, has seared itself on my brain and ever since gives me the cold sweats if the wind gets up. It didn't. So, all was well and Olivia was settled in to her marina berth without incident.
The folding bikes have come into their own here and we have ridden to Pallarenda several times. Having a bike track the whole way encourages me as well as taking a look at Peter's old family home. Peter had one problem when he picked up a thumb tack in the front tyre - puncture of course! Luckily it was near some shady trees and after half an hour or so we were on the way again.
Townsville Orchid Show
Amanda suggested that I might like to go with her to see the Townsville Orchid Society Annual Show.She is interested in growing these beautiful, exotic plants and although I have never been game to try them in Albany, I must say that I am tempted. I might have to take a trip to Bunnings and try one in the patio at home. The blooms were amazing and I and I thoroughly enjoyed the outing
It has been great to catch up with Clive, Virginia and Ross as well and we have had some lovely meals together. Peter will have plenty of time to see more of them as he will be spending more time here when Clarkeii leaves in a couple of weeks. He has to organise a new mainsail, boom bag and lazy jacks and also do something with the gen-set which has a burnt out alternator. Also one of the engine mounts broke when we had the rough weather going to New Caledonia. The gen-set will be a big job so I'm glad I will be in WA as I can only imagine the 'state of the air' in Olivia as he works on getting that out.
Cheeky Little Archer Fish
The Breakwater Marina is full of fish. One of the most common types are the Archer Fish. On the fourth morning here Peter informed me that they were lined up at the stern waiting for their daily breakfast of porridge scraps. I went to have a look. The fish are slightly smaller than a ruler length long and sure enough were lined up waiting. As I watched they all zoomed in ready for a snack and I was leaning over admiring their little spotty bodies. Suddenly, thwa-dack! A gob full of salty water hit me in the left eye! Luckily I was wearing my glasses. I am not talking a bit of salt spray, but a face full. The shock!! How dare they!! I swear the whole lot fell about laughing as I staggered down stairs to let Peter know what I thought of his cute little archer fish. Apparently they have caught others out in the marina because as we related the story they knowingly nodded and laughed.
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| Cheeky Little Archer Fish!! (Turds!!) |
My sailing season has come to an end and it has been an interesting one. Olivia will sit here for the summer and swelter in the heat, hopefully not in a cyclone, and wait for us to come back again in 2020.
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| More Orchids |
