Windana

On Friday, we motored across to Rosslyn Bay Marina and arrived at 0730. Put the glad rags on and caught the bus to Rockhampton for some serious shopping (Sarah's birthday coming up and Nathan had birthday money burning a hole in his pocket). With all we had to do and Sarah's friend Michaela coming up from Gladstone on the train, we decided to hire a car. While the boys collected it, we girls hit the hairdressers! Once Sarah and Nathan had spent every last cent, we headed into

Farewelled Yellow Patch and its inhabitants and enjoyed a nice sail in flat seas. The kids and I did school most of the way and Tony enjoyed coaxing Windana to do 5 knots in only 9 knots of breeze - good girl. Passing Fishermans Beach, it was sad to see the resort closed down and fenced off. We had many fond memories of previous visits. Anchored at Leekes Beach amongst a dozen other boats, then went ashore to stretch our legs. It was very grey and overcast, but Sarah took som

As usual, it is very hard for us to drag ourselves away from this paradise. But, in the end, we will leave tomorrow and head further north. Have had an awesome time here and met some truly lovely people. Met Hugh (INYA Dreams) who very generously gave us a huge flathead to devour and who cooks an awesome steak on the barbie. Also met Fergus and Robyn, who were giving a short cruising trip a go. Spent most of our time in the company of Mal and Carol and their foxy Jess (Compad

Awoke to a beautiful glassy morning. Who would have thought a muddy bottomed mangrove creek could look so gorgeous. Motor sailed round to Yellow Patch as the wind was on the nose. Only one motor running, as the fuel pump on the starboard motor kept leaking fuel - much to Tony's frustration. I can't believe we cruised for so long in the past with only one motor. Thoroughly spoiled now. Finally managed a temporary fix and anchored in Yellow Patch with only two other boats ther

Had a farewell cuppa with John and Jan then headed off up through The Narrows- always a pretty trip. Anchored at Sea Hill so that the kids could go ashore to the beach. There was no breeze at all, so we decided to stay put. Enjoyed another pretty sunset. As with decisions such as this, there soon follows a moment of regret. By about 10pm the wind had picked up and the swell began to roll in. Eventually it built to a point where we decided to up anchor and find the shelter of

After returning our keys, passes and swipe cards, etc it was time to officially head north - but not before a quick trip up the mast. A chance glance upwards, revealed that our wind instrument was dangling upside down. A hoist, quick repair and some strategically placed cable ties, then..... oh yes, we were leaving the marina. Once again, didn't go very far today - just up towards the Narrows and into Targinnie Creek where we hoped to catch up with good friends John and Jan o

Our first step to freedom was really only a baby one - all the way to Gladstone Marina. We untied the mooring lines from our buoy and motored out of the Boyne River at 0830 this morning. Caught the last couple of hours of the incoming tide to help push us up the harbour towards the marina. We left my little "jellybean" (our purple Mazda 121) at Bray Park for Keith to retire to Tucker's Farm. I wonder if we will be back for her..... Very hectic day at the marina, doing tons

Been a busy couple of weeks getting ready to sail off on more adventures. The kids filled their weekends catching up with friends. Nathan had a few sleepovers and Sarah organised a farewell "party" which started at Breezes Cafe and then graduated onto the beach. Tony spent much of the afternoon ferrying and towing assorted teenagers across the river from Boyne to Tannum and back. Not sure how many locals arrived home with clothes dripping wet. We managed to catch up with mo

We have really enjoyed being moored back in the Boyne River. Tony left early July for his last month of work in Sydney. The kids loved being in the Boyne for the last week of the school holidays and being so handy to all their friends. Sarah flew down to Brisbane to stay with her best friend Bec for a week. We then got stuck into the home schooling routine again - much to Sarah's disgust because she has to work twice as hard than when chillin' at school. Nathan got into the g