Days 134 to 136 The trip home begins, Gloucestor to Mackay

The trip home begins. A departing shot of Gloucestor passage at 630am as we head south for Shaw island. The only problem was, the wind went east and we were making great ground with ease, so we decided to press on to Mackay. We arrived in Mackay around 10pm with an easy 90miles up our belt. If we can keep pulling this off, the trip south will be too good to be true. (touch wood!!)

Whilst passing near Hamilton and Dent islands, a whale and her calf decided to give us a great farewell. These pictures were taken without zoom and the whales were running a muck with jnr able to do everything mum could, only boat lengths away! WOW!!!!!

We are so lucky to be a part of this!

Days 124 to 133 Airlie to Gloucestor passage (near Bowen)

After all the excitement of race week, we were after the quite cruising pace again before the trip back to Sydney started. We ambled our way up the coast, away from all the backpackers and charter boats, into new territory, Gloucester Island. The plan was to check out most of the bays and islands along the way, with a big day being 10 miles. Also, to try and catch a mackeral. This was all achieved with pleasure!

We had the pleasure of being joined by Angela and Stefan from "La Dolce Vita" and also meeting up with Pat and Phil from "Aquavista." We were lucky to have the great fisher king with us, as he kept us all fed with giant queen fish and makeral. Also a special mention to Phil's garfish fry up and very special mention of Pat's oysters kilpatrick!!!! yum yum.

Times were spent in Woodwark Bay, Olden island, Jonah Bay, Dingo beach, Bona bay and Cape Gloucestor having beach bbqs, pub dinners and resort lunches. We also went hunter gathering in packs with the tenders to get fresh oysters and fish. (i mostly just burnt fuel) THIS IS CRUISING!

Our last cruising day (before we are in go home mode) was spent by the pool at Gloucestor Eco resort with breakfast and lunch, topped off with dinner and beers with our new great friends at Monte's resort just up the beach from our anchorage. A very fitting end to our time here. We sure are going to miss this!

Days 109 to 123 Hamilton Island Race Week

Well..........WHAT A REGATTA!!!!
We had a fantastic time changing the pace up to do a great week of racing. Our home for the last few months was being transformed into a speed machine! The thought of this was a bit daunting at first, but thanks to a great team it wasn't a problem for us and Tania and I are greatfully appreciative for everyones help.
The UNREAL crew was all thanks to the following: Rick, Greg, Pete, Little Jim, The Don, Skolsie, Richie, Big Bruce, Mel and Katsie, Tania and Hayden. The boat went like a rocket and all had a fab time. Skill, strength, determination, persistance, guile and cunning got us through on the day to give some great results and a fun time. Many said that they have never seen the boat go so well. It was all too good to be true and it will take a long time for it to be topped by us. Thanks again to everyone!

http://www.topyachtsoftware.com/results/2008/hammo/series/cruz-spin/SGrp8.htm
The above link will take you to the series results, giving us a 5th in our division. As usual our handicap didn't do us any favours giving all boats but a 50ft carbon boat time at the start of the regatta. This was out of our control, so we just did our best and copped it on the chin.