Magnetic Island

We all gathered at the Marlin Tavern for dinner and more prizes. We are not doing to bad with the point system! There was live music and more dancing. See photos. Samantha ( my oldest) joined us here to do the rest of the rally with us. We spoke to several others boats, who told us of there experience of the Cape Bowling Green anchorage, and their trip across to Magnetic Island.

Most weren't happy in the conditions, and had seasick crew. the 2 boats that did end up on the beach are now free, and one has joined us here at the anchorage. The other we heard went to Townsville to check for any damage. In hearing how many boats dragged their anchor I am glad we most always chose to anchor on or own away from most of the crowd, as some of the boats dragged across others. we are going ashore in a few hours to a resort that has a pool, and we will have a bbq there. More competions and more prizes, and more points to score. By the way we got points last night as Steve the director said the first person up here with red knickers and can show us will win 9 points. Guess who was the first up..... Bruce as he pulled his shotrs down on the side to show his red knickers! hahahaha we laughed so hard. Won a bottle of wine. Now we have won a bottle of red ( I won 1 of 5  best pirate costume), and a bottle of white. Bruce will update map later. More to follow. ;o)

Next Stop Cape Bowing Green

Cape Bowling Green was a our next stop for an anchorage. There is a picture of our follow companions at sunset. The day was magic a glass out (not good for a sail), but the seas were calm.

We met a couple of locals there fishing off the point, and they told us about the tiger shark, crocodiles, sea snakes, and we saw eels. Also were greeting with dolphins. The magic anchorage turned a bit hellish about 2:30 am in the morning. The winds turned from the south and were howling in. The anchorage is very shallow, so the waves didn't take long to build. We woke and stayed dozing on and  off as we were watching to make sure we didn't drag anchor. We finally left at 5 am. Still very dark, but the conditions were getting worse by the minute. As the tide was falling and we were only in 7 feet at 5 am. Later we were to hear how many boats had dragged anchor, and 2 ended up on the beach. We listened on the radio as the boats were being assisted by Coast Guard. The conditions are ones we would normally venture off in, but we had no choose. The winds were as strong  as 36 knots at times, but average was 25 to 30 knots. The boat handled quite well. We were taking the wind on the side and the waves on the side so we had a lot of water coming over the boat. We were very impressed to see how well she handled the conditions, and feel comfortable enough in her to know that we an handle those conditions rather well. There is a photo here of another boat as it was passing us you can see the conditions.

Cape Upstart next stop

We left Gloucster early in the morning to make our next stop Cape Upstart. There is a photo of sunrise as we are leaving the anchorage. It was a calm day so sailing wasn't much. The Cape was on fire and it was quite a sight to see as we arrived, and a bit erie to see at night. We anchored just behind the point as this was the place with the least amount of smoke, but we we still had ash falling on the boat.

Theme PIRATES @ Gloucster Eco Resort

We've been looking forward to this event. Everyone that knows me knows how much I LOVE the pirate theme. There were so many good costumes! I'm sorry I didn't get more photos. Here are a few photos from the night.

start of the rally

Well finally we have a lay day @ Magnetic Island. We are having such a good time. The race/rally started on Saturday the 13th of June.  Leaving out of Abel Point Marina. There are 42 yachts in the rally. First stop is Gloucster Eco Resort. A few photos of the start.

Abel Point Marina

Well not exactly where we would like to be sitting for a week, but we are taking advantage of it. The boat is now clean. We gave her a good washing and what I would call a spring clean inside and out. We are here to pick up 2 of our daughters, that are on their way tomorrow. They are on the Sunshine Coast presently visiting their older sister and their mates. Kendra & Jerrica flew in on Friday from Florida. The other reason we choose to come to this marina is it is the host of the rally called Dent to Dunk. We will all meet here on Friday for the start for the rally on Saturday. Saturday we sail around to Glouster passage. We are looking forward to this adventure!

Meanwhile today we will rent a car and head away from Airlie to do a bit of a restock on our fishing gear, and a few items for the boat. Along with more groceries. It will be a busy day.

Signing off for now.

Stonehaven

We moved from Nara Inlet yesterday. Made our way around to Stonehaven where we got in the water for a snorkel. Left there this morning on our way to Butterfly bay, but winds weren't favorable for that anchorage, so we came to Macona Inlet. Another beautiful spot! Haven't taken any pics here will do so tomorrow. We will stay here tomorrow night, and head to Airlie Beach on Friday morning. Time to refuel, restock, and give the girl a good clean! We will stay there for a 8 days. Two of my daughters are coming from Florida to join us for a couple of months! We pick them up on the 10th. So excited!!!!