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Published: February 1st 2014
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I have been a little slack in writing an up to date blog and although I left off with us at Hummocky Island we have been back at Yeppoon marina for the last week.
After the last entry, we spent another uneventful night at Hummocky and by early afternoon the next day, as predicted, the wind shifted to the northeast. We lifted anchor and sailed slowly out of the shelter of Hummocky to be met by the 12 knot breeze. This built to the high teens, giving us a great sail back to the Keppel Islands in under 4 hours.
We used the engine to drop anchor in Monkey Bay, closely followed by Neesea. We all met on the shore for a swim and stroll. Alex got to try his floaty ring that we had found at the marina - he loved the independance it gave him in the water.
The next morning I went for a walk over the dunes while Naomi made muffins, down into Long Beach and found some turtle tracks. On my return we followed Neesea around to anchor at the resort bay and Don & Cheryl joined us for
morning tea.
Had a couple of pleasant days in the bay - swimming, snorkelling, strolling. Cheryl and Don joined us Friday night for the inaugural meal out of Naomi's new pressure cooker - a lovely meal marred only by the disappointment of Andy Murrey being knocked out of the Australian Open in the background - I am still British at heart!
The forecast showed a strong southeasterly blow picking up on Australia Day and we considered staying out at the islands but as it looked to be lasting a while we thought the probable uncomfortable anchorage and windy docking with a dodgy engine when we did return was unwise and followed Neesea back to Yeppoon on the Saturday afternoon.... and glad we did. We saw on the news that a large 6 meter tinny was capsized returning from the islands on the Sunday.
The wind became stronger and wetter than expected, and unrelenting as it merged a few days ago into approaching of Cyclone Dylan which passed over land near Bowen - about 200 miles north of here. So we have stripped the boat down a bit and put down lots of lines.
We have been going to the boat almost daily to do some jobs- discovering new leaks with the horizontal rain. Getting to the boat is a struggle, carrying Alex down the pontoon as the wind tries to blow you into the water, while yours legs get spattered with sea spray.
I've added quite a few extra pictures of the whole trip from my camera now that I can upload them at a computer.
On Monday we are driving south as I am flying to Europe on Wednesday out of Brisbane. We have been making some big purchases for the boat.... just got a sat phone via eBay and we will be picking up a new water-maker and life-raft. Hope to catch up with friends on the Gold Coast and visit the chandleries we are deprived of up here in Yeppoon. May make a stop at the Hope Harbour Marina on Tuesday or Wednesday to see who's about.
After that I'll be jetting about for 6 weeks to Italy, California, and UK/Ireland leaving Naomi and Alex back with her parents in Yeppoon. This is my "Paternity Leave Trip".
Luke
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Wayne Wills
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All sounds good safe travelling Luke. Was a great trip to Yeppoon from Burnett Heads Will be monitoring your blogs Anything on the "sea sickness" yet Nah? Regards to Don and Cheryl Wayne