Blown to Bowen

Matey has declared 2013 to be 'The Year of Fishing'. She simply must overcome her squeamishness and distaste for causing death and embrace the hunter–gatherer lifestyle. (Now after such a public declaration, the pressure is on. At some point soon she is going to actually put a line in the water and we’ll see what happens then. N.B. She was also inspired by Tiana's fishing talent, hauling in dinner for one and all at George Bay!)

With strong winds we explored new places to the north-west of Airlie. We visited Double Bay — wonderfully deserted apart from one other boat, who evidently would have preferred it to have been the only boat there. We spent a few days at Armit Island: beautiful, deserted and somewhat smelly due to being a ‘significant seabird site’. We also investigated Bluff Point, not far from Airlie and a potential cyclone hole. (With lots of mangroves, also a potential croc hole? Hmmm … death by cyclone or as croc snack? Which is preferable? The choices ...)

We spent a few fun days with Tiana and Gary and the fabulous Razzle Dazzle. Snorkelling was beautiful, at Blue Pearl Bay (Hayman Is.), Manta Ray Bay (Hook Is.) and then Bali Hai (Black Island). Mr Green Turtle meandered ahead of us, slowly flapping fins through the water like wings. Oh to be so relaxed, thought the Matey, trying to emulate his style. She suspects she did not look quite so graceful …

We contemplated going to the reef but it was decided the winds would be too strong. We will get there eventually …

We played a new card game but don’t ask the Captain what happened there. Sadly, Gary and Tiana had to leave us at George Bay. From there we made the quick trip east through Gloucester Passage and anchored outside the famed (among cruisers anyway) Monte’s Resort, with a spectacular view of Gloucester Island. We weren’t disappointed! In addition to a scrumptious dinner with a dramatic view, we were able to have showers (at $3.50 each) and Matey got to wash hair — always an event to celebrate!

As the wind increased so did the swell, so we retreated to an anchorage behind Gloucester Island, Bona Bay. We walked tentatively here, due to the 100 Magic Miles’s warnings of the presence of death adders on the island, but we didn’t sight any. Better to be cautious than regretful though.

After consultation with the weather gods, who were prophesying strong easterly winds for most of the next week, return to Airlie any time soon was not likely, so we decided to continue to Bowen. Luckily we were blown with the wind or it would have been a rough ride indeed! Going with the wind and swell and at the same speed as the swell made for a pleasant (and wonderfully brief!) trip, despite the strength of the wind. Here’s hoping the wind will reverse direction for long enough when we have to head back to Airlie or things could get ugly …

It was still ‘blowin’ in Bowen’ as ‘they’ say when we arrived and we arranged a pile mooring. Thanks to our experience in Brisbane River we knew how to approach this and despite winds of up to 25 knots we were able to manoeuvre our trusty steed into her berth successfully. Matey sighed a very deep breath of relief once TC was secure!

It's a sign of how life has become when the prospect of an easy and unlimited shower is a cause for great joy. Matey can barely express the delight she felt on the discovery that just near the dinghy dock at Bowen is a free public shower! Not only is it easily accessed, limitless and squeakily clean, it has shiny white tiles and a door that locks. It is undoubtedly the nicest public shower Matey has ever encountered. (The lack of hot water is no problem in this climate.) An additional source of joy is the resident green frog - had he been a cane toad Matey's merriment might have been muted.

Captain lands Mr Silver Trevally (we think), 
after Matey decrees the time has come to start catching our own fish.

Admiring the sunset at Armit Island.

Sunset at Blue Pearl Bay (Hayman Island)

With Gary and Tiana, preparing for sunset snorkel, Blue Pearl Bay

With Razzle Dazzle at Manta Ray Bay (Hook Island)

Dazzled (and overtaken) by Razzle

Butterfly Bay - the anchor was not long down due to the assault from March flies. 
Many met their doom, but they won the war as we retreated with haste.

Captain does the blues

The dramatic Gloucester Island

Delicious dinner at Monte's, with Gloucester Island in the background.
(The joy of eating out - a rare treat but more exciting when it's unexpectedly good!)

With our trusty steeds in the background

At Gloucester Island. 
With strengthening wind the sky became more dramatic and the water eerily blue ...

Leaving Gloucester Island for Bowen.

Luckily we were going with the wind and the waves. It was a quick trip.

TC safely in pile mooring at Bowen

Capt's latest contraption: hot water for washing up using the solar shower bag and hose.

Same as above with light focussed inside boat. Note the cheery Washer of Dishes.

Captain the Baker, with his latest offering

Captain looking his special self, as only he knows how

Kermit supervising the goings-on in the shower.

Matey wearing her new 'Captain's hat', 
presented to her by the Captain after she successfully acquired her marine licence.
Does he want to be usurped??