Having almost reached Lizard Island, and then discovering our leak and regretfully having to turn back, we again set out from Cooktown on Lizard Island Voyage II. After an early start and a fairly painless nine-hour sail, we finally pulled in to Watson’s Bay to join about 15 other boats. Though our time there was short we managed to snorkel, make new friends, visit the research station, and do some walks, including aloft to ‘Cook’s Look’, the highest point from which he found his escape route through the reef.
There was the whiff of excitement while we were at Lizard Island as the research vessel Alucia, along with David Attenborough, also visited for a few days. We are eagerly awaiting the release of his new series on the Great Barrier Reef!
The wind was kind and allowed us to visit the reef for a few days. We sailed beyond the outer reef breakers and into the Coral Sea. As a result the Matey may have to reconsider her view of ocean sailing. Admittedly the conditions were particularly good, but the deep blue hue and the long, gentle swells were most pleasant. A pod of eight chatty and playful dolphins, emissaries from the deep offering friendship, convinced her ocean sailing might be a future possibility …
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| Watson's Bay |
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| Eagle Cay is visible in the distance |
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| View from Watson's Bay. Err, nice cheeks! |
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| View of Lagoon at Lizard Island |
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| Matey points out Cook's passage |
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| TC hugs beach |
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| Alucia |
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| View at Cormorant Reef |
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| Breakers show the edge of the outer reef, where the depth plummets by up to 2000 metres |
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| Ahhh ... |
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| Poor old Captain has another difficult and challenging day |
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| Dodgy neighbour back in Cooktown |
