10:50.84S 142:21.81E

24/06/13

I put out a call for dingies to help move me closer inshore. SIX responded so I think that must more than ‘pay back’ any good deeds I’ve done whilst cruising.

Unbelievably we managed to get Trouters across the bar and into the more sheltered anchorage, right by the harbour. I say unbelievably because the chart indicated that we should have no more than around 1 metre of water at low water on the bar. The tides here are very unpredictable and although low water was predicted at 1100 it turned a good hour before that. With Maureen Calypso on the helm and some help I got the anchor up and away we went. Six dingies, nearly 90hp! We motored faster than I can get Trouters to move on one engine. Naturally the wind (head of course) chose to strengthen as we began the exercise.

The aim was to get as close inshore as possible and the wind did die down quite a lot and things smoothed out. On we went, Maureen steering for the deepest part of the bar and me waiting to touch and drop the anchor. On we went, and on, and on, and then we were in the other anchorage! Blimey Guv’nor!

Hook down in about 5 metres and 30 metres of chain out. That should hold it, the anchor dug in well with wind and tide assist. I’m going ashore in 30 mins to see if I can source a new fan belt or maybe somehow fix the Paul-manufactured one enough to get me to Darwin. He really did a good job but the stitching gave way in places, maybe cut by the metal grooves in the pulleys.

Oh yes, flat batteries again this morning. I have this sinking feeling that my Fiji-manufactured batteries have lasted a mere year. All water levels are OK and I can’t see any obvious shorts. The overnight load is the anchor light (non-led) and the battery which draws 2 A/H. Tonight I’ll switch off the solar controller in the vain hope that the blocking diodes are U/S but I seriously doubt it.

Wanda have kindly ‘lent’ me their Telestra connection to post these updates. Optus does not work here despite their claims to the contrary. I will only have a connection tonight so will not get around to responding to all emails. Sorry and all that. When I reach  Darwin Optus claim to work there as well.

UPDATE

Two new fanbelts ordered, they should be with me by Wed lunchtime at the latest. There is a mechanical shop here which didn't have the correct size in stock but measured the old one and ordered the new ones from Cairns then and there. No idea of cost but it has to be done. Arriving via express post and they seem confident of arrival by Wed.

With a bit of luck if tides and winds allow I should leave on Thu for Darwin. i anticipate a 7 or 8 day trip.

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