Morris Island - 22-23 September
Moonshadow of London
Peter Mantle
Sun 26 Sep 2010 10:12
The wind came up to about 30-40 knots and ran along with headsail and reefed main at 8-9 knots until David's watch at midnight around Eden Reef when the wind calmed to 10-12 knots. Peter started the engine when he came on at 0300 and we hummed along under a full moon in 74-75 degree air temperatures. Orion was visible in the early hours but is upside down here in the southern hemisphere.
We arrived at Morris Island at about 0900 after a 21.5 hour sail. We had averaged 7.4 knots for the 160 mile trip. We dropped the anchor with the resident crocodile watching wishfully from his regular position on the beach. There are two palm trees on Morris, one tall and one short which are a landmark that is identified on the chart! One of the trees has at it's feet the grave of a shell fisherman that is festooned with giant clam and nautilus shells as well as a curious collection of momentos. Five boats from the rally were there and we waited bravely for some others to go ashore and come back before we launched our dinghy and explored the island. The croc had slipped into the anchorage but had left tracks to show something of his size and weight, shortly after our departure he reappeared in his familiar spot.