Magnetic Island
Simanderal
Michael Hughes and Ger White
Sat 21 May 2011 11:46
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We enjoyed our remaining days in the
Whitsundays--the north end of Hook Island was probably the nicest
anchorage--some snorkelling among the coral and fish, and I dived to clean off
the hull and check anodes.
Then a couple of days in Airlie--hired a
car for provisioning--and Michelle (Moran) joined us for a couple of weeks. So
now all 3 of our Atlantic crew have spent time with us in the
Pacific!
From Airlie, we sailed to Bowen--despite the
forecast of 25/30 knot winds--lovely fast sail up the coast, running with half a
genoa--seas reasonably flat as behind headlands--though challenging mooring in
Bowen in the strong winds. Met Bruce & Kerry on Haven for a drink--they are
on the Indonesia Rally.
We left Bowen on 18th on a 2 day passage to
Townsville, anchoring overnight in Upstart Bay. Winds continued strong,
but all aft of beam so enjoyable and fast passages. Very few other boats
around.
We have just spent a couple of nights in the marina
in Townsville--nice little town--and today crossed the short passage to Magnetic
Island--so named by Captain Cook (who else? he named pretty well everything in
these parts!!) because his compass had a fit as he sailed past in 1770. Lovely
bay anchorage with a long beach--and some shore life. We'll stay here tomorrow
as well, then continue our northward passage.
All is well
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