18:13.68S 146:12.75E

We departed Orpheus Island (Pioneer Bay) this morning in search of a good fishing spot.  We had been anchored in a Green Zone (NO Fishing allowed) and Guy was getting star drag fever!  Cruising around the boat eating bread that we had been throwing over the side was a gigantic Diamond Trevally – GT!  A monster of a fish that we guess as at least 20kg.  So we anchored at nearby Pelorus Island and set about fishing for the morning.  A bit of a dud morning really.  Simonne was the only one to catch anything (2 only) and one was poisonous!  So again we set off for bluer waters.  We stopped for a quick reckie at Zoe Bay, Hinchinbrook Island but decided it wasn’t the spot for us for an overnight stay.  Zoe Falls were visible from the boat and were quite a sight.  Again we were off for our piece of paradise – we found it at North Brook Island.  It’s a gorgeous Island with a white sandy beach and plenty of reef to snorkel over.  The Island itself has a bit of a chequered history.  Brook Island was the site of the notorious Brook Island Trial in 1944.  The Allies carried out the secret trial, about 120 bombs containing four tonnes of mustard gas were dropped from aircraft onto North Brook Island.  The effects on captive goats in Japanese-style  bunkers and foxholes were then assessed.   Tests continued later that year when American bombers dropped another 60 gas bombs on 50 volunteers from US military prisons.  All 50 prisoners exposed to t he mustard gas died in the underground bunkers on the island.  Not a very proud history!

The mooring at North Brook wasn’t that great so we headed off again for a quiet anchorage to see us through the night.  One thing we haven’t been able to get used to on the yacht is the rolly motion of some nights.  When Laroobaa really starts rolling from side to side it is difficult to sleep, so we always look for protected anchorages.  We dropped the mooring but unfortunately the rode became wrapped around the prop!  So Guy and Maddy jumped in to begin the task of cutting the line free.  We finally got underway with no damage and anchored at Macushla Bay, Hinchinbrook Island.  Not our most delightful day on the water but still good. Tomorrow we head out for Dunk Island, (13nm) to catch up with our friends on Sol Maria.