Day 72, Depart for Airlie Beach

Well........what a stuff up. We have run out of gas on the boat. With all the excitement in leaving Mackay, I forgot to fill up the bottles. So it is time to pull up the pick and head for all the action at Airlie. The breeze was up around the 20-25kt level so it was quite a quick sail through the Whitsunday passage, between long and sth Molle islands, past shute harbour and around Pioneer rocks and up the bay to Airlie. We were to spend the next few days in Airlie doing all the choirs and getting ready to head out to all the islands.

Days 69 to 71, Thomas island

Kicking back on Thomas island was very very relaxing. We were hanging around as long as possible so as to avoid the crowds further north. Thomas is just far enough south to keep all the bareboats away. We only had the pleasure of 1 other boat in the bay with us, however we had the entire beach to ourselves.

An umbrella was set up with a few chairs and this was to be the spot for the entire day. A few supplies were brought to shore to keep us going for the day including some very refreshing beverages. We were in paradise! The most energetic thing performed was walking down to the water for a cool down swim. Unfortunatley, we had to return to base when all the beer and the bottle of gin was gone to keep our fluids up. The tide had also come in and we were sitting in a foot of water. It would have been too much effort to move camp in the condition we were in.

Days 66 to 68, Goldsmith island

We sailed late yesterday afternoon to Goldsmith island, a small run of about 10 miles. The island has 2 very peasant bays on its northern side offering good protection. The first bay has a little nook in the reef in which you tuck the boat into to get away from any swell wrapping around the point. This proved a little difficult to define, so we ended up in the next bay.

We have a fair amount of fringing reef around the bay and it proved to be quite good snorkeling. It was a great surprise for Hayden and I to find a lobster in about 4m of water under a small ledge.

The sunsets just keep getting better and better! This can be our highlight of the day. Kicking back in the cockpit of the boat, having a nice red wine or 2, waiting to see what is dished up. Nothing special, but a very special time.

Days 63 to 65, Brampton island

The resort at Brampton isnt very yachtie friendly so we spent little time in there. Most of our days was taken up doing the spectacular walks on the island. We walked the island loop the first day, which was a 9 klm circuit. Discovery of several southern facing bays and beautiful bush senery, varying from big hoop pines to maiden hair ferns. A very worthwhile walk.

The next day we took the walk up to Brampton Peak. A moderately steep walk and Hayden found it challenging. He was most upset if we opted to continue past a rest stop. The view was Awesome and well worth the effort! A height of 219m was reached which is much higher than my usual height of being flat on my back.

We also met a couple, Andy and Donine who had travelled on there boat Rose, from Alaska. It had taken them 5 years to reach Australia and were in their second season. As they pointed out, their boat is Much tougher than them and i think this applies to most.

Day 62, Mackay to Brampton island

A pleasant sail for 14 miles in good following conditions put us in Brampton island easily. We were unable to head out to Scawfell island, but hopefully we can pick it up on the way home. It was great to leave the marina behind us and to save some money by not buying 7 icecreams a day for the little one.

Days 55-61, Mackay

Repairs are being made on the winch and we are taking in the sights of Mackay.
Thursday was pull apart the winch day.
Friday check out the marina and relax day.
Saturday we ventured in and around town on the bus and by foot.
Sunday was spent at the botanic gardens with a relaxing stroll and refreshments at the cafe.
Monday was a shopping day for Tania whilst i did boat cleaning duties.
Tuesday was a lazy day around the marina.
Wednesday was a marina wall walk day and start of winch assembly. As well we had a beautiful indian meal at the yacht club and watched a bad game of footy. (Qld won again!)
Most days at 5pm you could find us at the bay with happy hour drinks and bad sailing conversation with the other travelling yachties.
Too many days here, but things could be worse!



They breed them big around here. This little 37m superyacht dropped in from England. "Unbelievable"