Windana

Once we were all up, it was off to the sand hill again for those willing. After everyone was exhausted, we went to pump yabbies for this afternoon's much anticipated fishing. Jennifer had never seen yabbies before and was quite delighted with the creatures (although possibly saddened to know their intended fate - as bait). The fishing wasn't quite as exciting and successful as the yabbie pumping! I think the anticipation was better than the event. We all had fun trying. Our s

The hardest part about post-Christmas was finding places to stow the new presents. This year, that included new boogie boards for the kids and a home brew kit for Tony. At least I kept the size to a minimum - a necklace. Spent a few days relaxing and catching up with friends. Ashley and Jennifer flew in from Sydney to spend a week with us. We had intended to sail up to Yellow Patch the next day, but the weather wasn't particularly pleasant for novice sailors, so we delayed

Had a busy few days catching up briefly with numerous friends in the midst of the Christmas rush. Max and Marion invited us to join their Xmas Eve gathering last night, which was great. When we eventually made it home and put the kids to bed, Tony and I still had the task of doing the Santa thing before we could get some sleep. Do you know how hard it is to remember where we stashed all those presents about the boat when it's rather late and we'd had a drink or two! Christm

As high tide was due just after midday, we upped anchor and headed "home" to Boyne Island!! The channel hadn't changed much since our last visit two years ago, possibly a bit shallower at the last port mark before the entrance. Once inside, we headed up past the rocks to the usual spot where we tend to anchor. We found it a bit of a squeeze this time, as the river seems to have silted up somewhat, with the muddy shallows extending further out into the river. We eventually fou

A pleasant and easy sail up towards Gladstone Harbour. Counted 23 ships at anchor, waiting their turn to come in and load/unload everything from coal to bauxite to alumina. Always makes me nervous when we nip across the shipping channel ahead of one of these huge ships (some weighing up to 90 tonnes)!! We anchored at Gatcombe Head, near the SW corner of Facing Island. A little uncomfortable at times when the swell rolls around the corner, but a quick run across to the Boyne R

Enjoyed a beautiful couple of days here, swimming at the beach and fishing. Also ran into Mal and Jo (formerly of the yacht Eagle). We had met them back in 2004 at Pancake Creek and then spent a little time together here in 1770. What a fluke - especially considering we had spent the last couple of years in Brisbane and they working on Hamilton Island. They have seen the light and opted to trade one hull for two! They now own the beautiful Prout catamaran Omazey. Had limited

Upped anchor at 0630 and departed Burnett Heads at last. Forecast was for NW 5-10 but it ended up being more like N 10-15 on the nose. Horrible lumpy seas which turned all of us green. I was looking back through our old logs and noted that we have never enjoyed this section of the coast and always end up feeling queasy. Next time we travel this area, we might head out to sea for miles before turning north. Arrived at the entrance to Round Hill Creek (1770) at 1430 to face a

We were hoping to head up to 1770, but the forecast had changed to SE 20-25 knots for a few days, making the bar entrance impossible. In the end, rather than stay in the marina at Burnett Heads, we decided to go up the Burnett River to Bundaberg Town Reach and rent a pile mooring. Spent the days catching up on washing, cleaning the boat and generally emptying our wallets about town. Even got all the Christmas cards written and presents posted. Today, we moved back out to Burn

Arranged a berth at Bundaberg Port Marina so that we could catch up with friends and also do our Christmas shopping (a better town to shop than Gladstone). Keith & Patty (Speranza) helped us tie up and we had a quick catch-up over a cuppa. Hired one of the local rent-a-wrecks and took off to Sugarland Shopping Centre. On the way, managed to spend quite a few pennies at BBQs Galore, Good Guys and BCF (I actually thought we were very well restrained!) Absolutely shopped-till-w

Farewelled Fraser Island and sailed north-west to Burnett Heads. Well, I say sailed, but it was more of a motor because again there was virtually no wind. At one point the seas were dead calm and flat. As we neared Bargara, we considered anchoring as it is such a lovely area, but the wind decided to kick in a little and the shore looked a bit too rocky. Instead, we pulled out the screecher (quickly becoming our favourite sail!) and in 9-10 knots of breeze, Windana was sailing

Spent the day at Moon Point as it also offers good shallow waters across the sandbanks. More windsurfing - Sarah's looking like a pro! We have all had plenty of sun, so spent the afternoon playing Monopoly and Uno. Got into the Christmas spirit and put up the tree and decorations as we pretended not to sing along with the Christmas music. Since we were in the mood, I also rounded up the family, made them don their glad rags and got them posing for our annual Christmas photo.

Farewelled the Resort and headed north past Big Woody Island and straight for Moon Banks. This is a huge sandbar which is all but covered at high tide, with only a sandy cay showing. But at low tide (when we arrived), it has extensive shallows all around it and crystal clear blue water. Ideal for a spot of windsurfing on the Aquaglide! Once we were worn out, we returned to Windana and were preparing to up anchor, when we spotted three sharks feeding along the edge of the shal

Spent yesterday at Ungowa, but the wind was slightly westerly so it was a bit of a rolly night. Consequently, we were up at 5am, so headed off early to Kingfisher Bay. We thought the early start would beat the northerly wind, but murphy's law prevailed and it kicked in ahead of schedule. Anchored north of the jetty a couple of hours later and packed our beach bag ready for a day at the resort. Day visitors can make use of the Sand Bar, which has a gorgeous pool area, plenty

Definitely slowing down to cruising pace, as we didn't get moving today until mid-morning, when we toddled off up the Sandy Straits. Tide was turning so rather than fight it, we decided to stop at a little spot that took our fancy. The chart shows it as Coolooloi Creek and it looked perfect for a lunch stop. Went ashore for a swim, but as we landed the dinghy and started off along the beach, we saw several shovel nose sharks feed in the shallows. Didn't stop us getting wet

Headed up to Tin Can Bay and arranged to get fuel at the fuel wharf, where we were met by good friends Merv and Maggie (Ngkala). Fueled up and moved around to the marina so that it would be easier to catch up. Got the all important washing started at the laundromat and walked along to the yacht club for lunch with Merv & Maggie, Ian & Cath, and Bret & Deb (Swanning Around). Wiled away a terrific afternoon chatting with good company. Afterwards, we got a lift up the road to t