The rich tapestry

We linger on in Brisbane River, getting to know the locals and surviving a sweltering scorcher (just) – good practise for the tropics when we finally get there (though Matey doesn’t feel any need to rehearse surviving mosquito bites, which she is also becoming well practiced at). Sadly though the crew was struck down by pestilence while languishing in the heat, which made it slightly more difficult to bear. Captain initially suspected scurvy (induced by too much plonk and not enough fruit and veg) but it turned out to be just a cold. Matey then insisted on garlic rations, despite Captain’s protestations and attempts to pull rank.

We are enlightened by other boaties’ theories on each other (have some of them been here too long? Have we perchance been here too long??) Apparently a couple of troglodites who rarely emerge from their hulls are chuffing away quietly. With numerous lone blokes, tales of ex-wives are bountiful. Captain’s theory is that the number of ex-wives relates to the health of said boatie’s state of mind. Captain suspects mutiny on one of the newly arrived boats as the water police paid a visit and Ms Boat (ex-wife to be?) was removed with baggage. Matey suspects a grumpy old Captain finally got justice …

Our lovely ‘rough diamond’ neighbour informed us that we lurk at the seat of Queensland power, beside the Stamford, where prime ministers stay when they visit the northeast and only a few hundred metres from Qld’s Parliament House. Last night we were treated to the Artic Monkeys, who played a gig at the Riverstage nearby. Party central across the river has returned, almost to its pre-xmas glory, with ABBA and the Bee Gees on rotation last night. Could be (and has been) worse – e.g. karaoke.

The barge taking soil surveys/samples for a future tunnel under the river continues working away and was parked a wee bit too close to TC for the Matey’s pleasure - only metres away with the joy of machinery noise, diesel fumes and spotlights at night. A recent all nighter (to speed things up for a tunnel that’s many years away yet) resulted in some constructive complaining and put a stop to night-time work – yay!

The Captain of Many Talents had a busy day installing the wind generator, but he’s experiencing a spot of post-purchase dissonance. Clearly it needs strongish (10+ knots) and consistent winds to do much in the way of power generation – and maybe Brisbane River ain’t the best place to get that. Matey thinks the Captain needs to give our new friend a chance to prove its worth in the bay …           

It was great to have a visit from Susie, Mick, Gemma, Damien and Sam on their way through to Mooloolaba! A record was broken as this was the first time we’d had seven people on the boat simultaneously.