A Week in Keppel Bay Marina 5th - 10th August

Rockhampton


On Monday we caught the local bus into Rockhampton. The gen-set part was expected to arrive on Tuesday and Peter had done as much work on it as possible, cleaning, checking it out and generally making sure that nothing else looked like it needed any attention. So there was nothing for it but a touristy trip with a bit of sight seeing.

The bus trip took about 50 mins and we relaxed and watched the scenery roll by. It is quite hilly and there are more of those ancient volcanic cores dotted about the countryside, easily recognisable because of their unusual rock structure. They are made up of hexagonal columns laying in various directions. We alighted in the centre of town hoping to see the Fitzroy River and some historic buildings. We saw both, but it looks as though Rockyites have only just begun to value their river and old buildings. The riverfront has a small, new, landscaped area for public use and another section under construction. It will certainly be an asset when it is completed. There are many old buildings along the banks and there must be a rich history centred around this wide navigable river. There is such potential here to entice tourists, so I hope they continue what has been started.

Fitzroy River, Rockhampton

The B@**#!*! Gen-Set

The part (raw water pump) did not arrive on Tuesday. Much grinding and gnashing of teeth. It did come on Wednesday. The gen-set is located under the floor, just above the bilge, on top of the keel. The space is very small, boaties will appreciate this. One has to be a contortionist to work on it and then work blind most of the time feeling for the parts you want to work on. The gen-set is a Kabota 10hp diesel engine. It runs the fridge, lights, hot water system and charges the battery when we are at anchor. It only runs for a couple of hours a day and when it works, does a great job. However, it had not been used for three years when we bought Olivia and of course sitting there meant that parts corroded and basically deteriorated as things do when they are not used.

Peter set to work with the new water pump. Finally the whole thing was back together and a trial run was initiated. It would not start! Shock! Horror! In the end Peter discovered that he had dislodged the fuel line and air had got in. He bled the fuel line all the way up to the injectors. Then away it went. Hooray!! Then, NO WATER! coming out the exhaust! Sh#@*! Some more stress and finally Peter decided he must have put the inlet and outlet hoses on the wrong sides. Fixed! It ran beautifully. We have both read the riot act to this little b**#@!! under the floor. If it does not live up to expectations it will become a mooring anchor!

Yeppoon & Rosslyn Bay - An Impressive Place



Fan Rock, Double Head, Rosslyn Bay

We have really enjoyed our stay at Rosslyn Bay. The marina pens are large and the alleyways?? between the pontoon fingers are wide. We feel we will be able to get out of here without causing chaos. The marina staff are helpful and there is a very nice café/restaurant here. Everyday we have walked along the beautiful beaches and bush walks. Looking to the east across the water we can see Great Keppel Island, an inviting scene indeed. Tomorrow we will fuel up and probably motor over to the island and join the others we can see anchored there. The NE winds mean that the boats are anchored on this side of the island. From there we will continue south and hopefully make a detour to Lady Musgrave Island if the weather permits. It looks good so far.

This is our walk that we have done every day. Along the beach, a circumnavigation of Bluff Point including to the top and back along the beach - a delightful walk of about 8  or 9 kms.  

Keppel Bay Marina from Double Head, Rosslyn Bay