Back aboard: Leaving Qld and down the NSW coast

S 32⁰ 10’ 68’’, E 152⁰ 30’ 10’’ .

 

 Gold Coast  /Southport, Qld

to

Foster-Tuncurry, NSW

Mid January, and at last Kirra Kirra back in the water, and our dog Tasha from Melbourne had flown up and joined us.

We left Gold Coast and Qld, the very humid weather, and into NSW.  Have visited some good overnight anchorages - discovered on our way north in 2013, or for the first time now. Stopped at Coffs Harbour - the marina is still in an advanced state of decay, and anchored on the Clarence River at Iluka /Yamba. A great spot, where unfortunately the weather conspired to prevent a meeting with Don and Di in Yamba. The rain came down there in bucket-loads.

Tasha the wonder dog and self

Onto Pt Macquarie via Trial bay.

Convict built gaol at Trial Bay.

Stayed for a few days off the KK with my mother, with the boat shoe-horned into the Pt Mac marina. OK winds from the E, so sailed to the delightful inlet of Camden Haven, this time only for 1 night. Again tied up to the complementary jetty at Laurieton.

Pelican city along this part of the coast.
Hint: Never let a pelican roost on your boat.

Kirra Kirra at Laurieton



Leaving Camden Haven - this time the bar is placid.
Ain't always so.

Wise advice.



Perpendicular Point indeed

 

A lack of wind meant motor sailing onto Forster Tuncurry (F/T) – twin towns on either side of the outlet to  “The Great Lakes”. US based friends would have a very wry smile at these lakes -think large ponds. Very tidal and have really excellent oysters. And 5 days later we are still in F/T - the wind has been from the south and likely to be for a few days more, so holed up here until they go E /NE. Great swimming beaches, good coffee and they provide for visiting yachties with new and very nice pile moorings with individual little jetties to land. Could be a lot worse – we could be stuck say on Manus Island? For non-Aussies, that’s an island in New Guinea where the current government imprisons refugees.

Tied up at Tuncurry

Pelican City at high tide

Water nymph with hound Tasha 

Tuncurry after the  rain.
Unfortunately this time, the pot of gold
in the middle of a fast flowing channel

 

Now don’t let anyone tell you that Victoria has especially inclement weather, particularly a Q’lander.  We have endured some huge thunder storms and flooding levels of rain up there, helped along with 100% humidity.  Thrilling to watch the lightning as a spectacle, but it adds a bit of frisson when you know it can seriously damage your vessel. Saw one yacht that had been struck, with melted and buggered electrics – think everything including the wiring, needing replacement. Only 2 weeks labour in it apparently.

 

Highlights of the past few weeks:

·        Getting used to having Tasha the wonder dog aboard.

·        Some great wining and dining in Port Macquarie

·        Camden Haven –  an idyllic spot.

·        Great beaches – good to have surf again  - no surf where there is barrier reef.  

·        More a low-light. Tony Abbott again pleading that he will be more consultative. For &*#@ H&%$ sake.   HINT for Tony: How about acting like a Prime Minister. This blog refrains from political comment  - usually - but this poor excuse for a PM is a disgrace and a menace.

 

If you don't use it you loose it.
This couple invalids and only 62!