Sheltering In The Susan River 18th - 20th August

Looking upstream in the Susan River Anchorage
(Check out the current!)

After our vigorous sail down from Lady Musgrave Island and then the next day from Bundaberg in a fresh NW breeze, a look at the forecast predicted a SW change. All the anchorages on the eastern side of the Strait looked dreadful, so we tried for a spot in the entrance of the Susan River on the western side. It has turned out to be a  delightful place to wait for more favourable winds to continue south. The tidal streams are very strong here and a look over the side almost induces motion sickness (perhaps a little exaggerated, but not much!!) We are now tucked in beside Separation Point in a deep hole in the centre of the Susan River. Behind the mangroves makes this very protected from NE to SW. East and SE could be a little lumpy, especially with an ebb tide. On the first night we anchored out further as we were not confident to enter upstream without exploring first. It was OK there.

Yesterday the forecast from Willie Weather was 10-15kn SW so we decided we could go over to the other side to South White Cliffs. Lucas advised that this was secure in westerly winds. What a wet, windy, unpleasant little outing. We did 21nm and ended up 300m further up the river from where the journey began. At South White Cliffs there was white water everywhere, lumpy and revolting. Peter said it would be quite safe. I vetoed that and we went back to the Susan River. We got gusts to 30kn on the wind instrument. So much for the forecast!

Getting a bit cold now. (8c this morning)

Todays forecast was for a strong wind warning for the Fraser Coast and Hervey Bay - 20-25kn S up to 30kns, turning SE late in the afternoon. We decided to stay put. Both Brisbane and Bundaberg had strong blustery wind forecast. We went ashore and walked for miles around River Heads suburb. It is mostly a new area with houses 10 years old and less. It is located on a hill overlooking the northern part of the Sandy Strait on the eastern side and over the Susan and Mary Rivers on the south western side. It is a lovely place. It also has a very good café. After our walk we decided we deserved fish and chips for lunch. YUM!! The café has a wonderfully situated veranda which affords a view up both of the rivers and over the Susan River anchorage. The lady who runs the café was friendly and stopped for a chat with us. The tables were beautifully clean. (Amazing how many don't bother to wipe tables between patrons!! YUK!!! 2/10!) This was a ten out of ten place. I had whiting, chips and salad. Peter had snapper. It was excellent. A great portion of fish, cooked well and top presentation. If anyone is coming this way we can recommend this café. There is only one small shopping centre at River Heads so you can't miss it.

 

Susan River anchorage from the café veranda. Olivia in the background.
The trees were full of Rainbow Parrots eating the blossom.

Tomorrow we are going to have attempt number 2 to go south to Tin Can Bay. We hope to stay there for a couple of days to do some laundry and get a few fresh stores. The forecast looks good - if they are telling the truth!