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.
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| 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.
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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.
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| 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.
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| Approaching Calliope Channel |
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.
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