To Horn Island
Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Wed 13 Jul 2016 22:57
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To Horn
Island
 We got up this morning for the sweetest 21.4 mile journey, our last in Australia. We
have had the most incredible time, seen the most amazing creatures and found the
people to be straight talking, kind and generous. We will miss their humour –
similar to our own and their lack of ‘posiness’. But, a new AT-Venture awaits.
First this journey and some housework, book work and prep work to be ready to
leave on Friday – our favourite day to begin a passage.
   Deb and
Bruce (Matilda) had their picture taken by ‘the sign’ yesterday morning.
Our plan was to get up at day break – tick, launch Baby Beez – negative, the
chop was horrendous and the constant twenty eight knot wind was howling through
the rigging and the gusts were rampant. The American yacht we had anchored near
yesterday dragged badly during the night (later on the radio the skipper said he
had frightened himself and the crew too, his first experience of
Australia........). Sadly, all we could attempt this morning was a poor selfie (must get the hang of where to look). The ‘sign’ with Eborac Island beyond – yet another borrowed
picture.
 As we pulled in to the anchorage in
the haze and rain yesterday afternoon, we both both noticed a flat rock near the beach. Thought nothing more of it
until chatting to Bruce and Deb later on, they told us of a chap resting on said
rock.
 Said chap,
who would credit it, we clearly should have been here yesterday.
Wow.
 No sooner than the anchor was up and
we had cleared the Cape than the wind settled to seventeen knots and the current
with us to hoof Beez along at seven and a half knots, we both heard her
say “wwweeeeee”. We were soon entering Flinders
Passage and looking out for the zig-zag of buoys rounding the reefs and
shallow bits.
 I was just admiring this lighthouse behind us
when................
 ...............a
chum, faint on the horizon appeared. Incredible to think these huge
ladies can wiggle in between the reefs of the Great Barrier and spuddle along at
reasonable speeds, not that much water below them.
 Well marked
channel.
 Round the final corner and we could
see the anchorage ahead.
 Passing Sea
Swift busy at work.
 Captain
Roberts at rest.
 A little
lady.
 Then a set of lovely surprises.
First, Anne, Brian and John (Hybresail)
waved as they ferried across to Thursday Island. As we searched for a place to
anchor amongst the fleet heads popped up to wave, cheers from Agnes and David of
Gostoza Tu and waves to a great spot from Val and Richard (Kereru).
 Anchored next to Kereru, many rally boats resting until the ‘big
off’. A little while later Deb and Bruce (Matilda) popped by to
introduce their new member of crew, Lana. Gin and Michael (Wishful
Thinking) were next over for a chat. Then it was down to chores, Bear
launched Baby Beez, I did the first half of the washing, Bear went off
to fill the jerry jugs, I made a steak and kidney stew for the skipper, posted
blogs, answered emails, Bear stayed busy until shower time and we both fell into
bed shattered. More of the same on the morrow.
ALL IN ALL THAT’S IT FOR
AUSTRALIA, NEXT STOP TUAL, INDONESIA
FANTASTIC |