Current position is in the lagoon at LHI 31:31.43S 159:02.99E

 

After our first night at sea which was pretty tough with winds peaking at 40kts and a very uncomfortable short sea running the second day was still brisk with winds ranging from 20-30kts but good progress was made and much more comfortable on board.  It is amazing how everything is relative to what came before!!!  The wind continued to abate and by 9pm on the second evening we were motor sailing but luckily we had current assist so progress was still good.  On the third morning (Friday the 13th for all of you superstitious folk) we were back to sailing with all the gear up running before a 15kt south westerly breeze, sun shining and it was champagne sailing all day until evening when it was back to motor sailing for the rest of the duration.

 

Land Ho! Lord Howe Island was sighted at dawn 30NM from the entrance to the lagoon.   1 hour before arrival it is requested that you radio the LHI Port Operations Manager, who just also happens to be the islands local policeman,  confirming our ETA and then on arrival at the entrance it is necessary to contact him again for final approval and guidance through the passage into the lagoon.  This may all seem like a lot of palaver just to get into a lagoon however, the deep water and navigtable part of the entrance is extremely narrow and the lagoon is very shallow so the locals are keen to make sure you have a safe entrance especially as there are wrecks on both sides of the entrance and many a yacht has come to grief in this lagoon.  However, once inside and safely attached to the mooring you very much appreciate the beauty of the lagoon which has crystal clear water and a host of fish hanging out at the back of the boat.  All this and then there is the natural beauty of the island which has been described as one of the most beautiful places in the world and achieved world heritage listing in 1981.  Would love to show you some photos but will have to wait for internet..

 

We forgot to mention that just outside the lagoon we were greeted by boobies, dolphins and then escorted into the entrance by three sharks – obviously they heard we were coming.

 

First thing we did was take a dip into the 25 water and thoroughly enjoyed the swim – hopefully the sharks didn't follow up all the way in.

We enjoyed a couple of celebratory drinks and a spot of lunch on the back deck and basically sat on on board and soaked up the pleasure of being in such a special part of the world which tastes even better when it takes three days to get here.

 

Sunday morning and the dinghy is down and we go in for a shore party which includes a wander around the main drag.  We have ordered in 50lts of diesel to top up the tanks and hopefully it will arrive before we depart as we are working on island time out here.  We got to JOY’s shop (local general store which has everything) and bought the obligatory LHI souvenir t-shirt and have also booked in for dinner ashore tonight.

Apparently they now have Wi-Fi hot spots around the island so will check out the latest on the weather situation while having our pre-dinner drinks.   On our last stay we had to pay a daily visit to the museum as it was the only place on the island that had any internet coverage at all.

 

Plan for tomorrow is a kayak and snorkel in the morning and then into the admin office in the arvo to sort out and pay our mooring fees.

 

Be in touch soon – before we depart which is looking like Thursday 19th May.