Current position is back at the CYCA in Rushcutters Bay – Sydney although we are now in a different pen!

33:52.46S 151:13.92E

Since our last report we have had a busy time while waiting for a suitable window to get on our way. 

Opportunities have been very thin on the ground although things are looking promising that we may escape early next week – fingers and toes are crossed.

We spent a lovely week up in Broken Bay and the Pittwater.

After spending a drizzly Saturday in America Bay with the only escape from the boat being an attempted walk up to the top of the waterfall which didn’t go all that well as we managed to get lost on more than one occasion but at least we got to stretch the legs.

On Sunday we motored around into the Pittwater and anchored off Palm Beach which was a lovely spot but was also pretty busy with all sorts of craft zooming by as it is the long weekend so everyone is out and about.

On Monday morning we walked up to Barren Joey Light which is not only a lovely walk but a great piece of our history especially as the light house and other buildings have been restored and are now being well maintained. It is also great to see that the old lighthouse is still being used.   

                               Barren Joey Light

After the walk we decided to motor across the Pittwater for at least 1NM and pull up a mooring in Coasters Retreat in the hope of a calmer night.  Luckily we didn’t leave it too late as by lunch time it was very much standing room only – with people waiting to pick up a mooring.   Mind you by Sunset we pretty much had the place to ourselves.

As the weather is nice and calm we decided to head over to Patonga for a spot of lunch at the old pub – not a bad way to spend a sunny Tuesday!!!

We ended up back in America Bay for the night.

On Wednesday (27^th) we left America Bay and stopped in for a coffee at an old favourite - Cottage Point before heading up Cowan Creek to Bobbin Head which is a beautiful spot and has a fantastic marina which we didn’t even know about.  As we approached one of the public moorings it was a bit like looking in a mirror as we spotted another Hunter 44DS – Perseides II  (SNAP) – we have never seen or know of any others in Australia so definitely a surprise for all.  After meeting the owner, Peter, and checking out each other yachts we headed in to have a bit of a look around Bobbin Head.

There are some great walks in the area so on the Thursday we did the walk along the Bobbin Head Trail and back along the Warrimoo Track which follows the creek back to Bobbin Head. 

As internet is not that prolific in these parts we head back up to Cottage Point to check out the weather situation and figure we should head back down to Sydney just in case some of the fronts going through Melbourne get this far north which will allow us to get a moving.

Friday morning and it is a pea souper as we head out of Broken Bay – very slowly before heading back down to the CYCA and luckily Michael is able to find a spot for us again.

Saturday we decided to do a walking tour around Sydney which just of kind of kept going.  We started with a bit of retail therapy in the CBD then down to the Rocks for lunch followed by a stroll around Circular Quay, past the Opera House, through the Botanical Gardens and The Domain then via Woolloomooloo and the Cross back to the boat.  Unfortunately with that much walking I blew out a thong so we decided to get the bus back from Woolloomooloo rather than limping one footed around the Cross.

On Sunday it is the first of the CYCA Winter Series Races so after doing the traditional breakfast at the club we go in hunt for a yacht looking for crew.  After asking around with very little luck we found Superfine – a Cavalier 350 which is the same as Mark’s previous boat – Windward II and luckily they were in need of some crew so we had a fantastic day out with George and his crew.  If people reckon there is boat traffic on Port Phillip then they should try Sydney Harbour with 140 other yachts in the same race, plus fleets from other clubs, plus the ferry’s, plus some cruisers out for the day!!!!  We ended up with a 4^th in our division which was a great result and is looking like we might be out for another crewing gig with George next Sunday!!! YAY

After the usual  drinks and banter at the club bar it is back to the boat in time for the grudge match between the Blues and the Bombers.  Despite making it looking very hard Carlton managed to scrape it in for a win which led to much excitement on board from at least one of us.   In a moment of weakness or stupidity I also ordered Mark a harmonica as the one he found on the coast in 2014 seems to have gone missing – not quite sure what was going through my head but anyhow it has arrived so we can expect hours of Blues Harp entertainment as Mark works his way through the “Harmonica Primer for Beginners” book.

Monday was a quiet day although we did get as far as Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach to buy some new thongs although there was no sightings of the Bondi Vet anywhere.

Tuesday we decided to explore a bit more of Sydney so headed to Circular Quay to catch the ferry over to Taronga Zoo and then did the walk up to Middle Head via Chowder Bay and then caught the bus home….  Another big day on the footsies…

                                       Sydney Heads

Today we have already had our Woolies on-line delivery to top up our stocks and after checking the weather looks like some good signs for early next week.

Think Mark is planning to give the bottom a quick scrub as is looking a bit grubby.  We also have a fellow Martha Cove yacht –Smooth Operator with El Capitano,  Russell, and his crew arriving in Sydney later today so may catch up with him if things go well although he is on a flight out tomorrow so might be a bit tight.

Will keep you posted before we head off….