Matey's musings: Three years on a boat

Hard to believe it may be, but it’s three years since we moved aboard TC. While we’ve had some ‘land breaks’, Captain, Matey and TC have been together for most of that time. We’ve all had a few ‘moments’ and the odd hissyfit, along with highlights and lowlights. As with any dwelling, once lived in for a while, imperfections and irritations become evident with time. For example, low bridge deck clearance could be perceived as a design flaw in TC (it creates a slopping/slapping sound even when we’re in near calm waters), which Capt has ruminated over on numerous occasions. A somewhat exasperated Matey recently had to tell the poor old Captain to either end his relationship with TC or accept such imperfections lovingly. They do add to TC’s unique character after all.

We’re finally on the move again, heading north. At Port Douglas we spotted our first Crocodylus Porosus in the ‘wild’ — also our nearest neighbour. After so long with not a croc to be seen we were surprised to see one so close to human habitation. Matey attempted to snap this exciting new development from the dinghy but our new buddy coyly disappeared beneath the surface. As soon as it started to move Capt moved too — very fast — as he revved the dinghy engine and we were off. No good photos to be had that day. Our new friend was basking somewhere on our stretch of the inlet each day, so we moved nearer to the entrance as he was starting to look cute with just the top of his head and back protruding through the surface, reminding the Matey of an amicable dog. No doubt if teeth had been visible too the Matey also would have been reminded of the reptilian reality of our new pal. We’ve since reminded ourselves that in these parts inflatable dinghies such as ours are known as ‘croc teething rings’ so it’s best not to allow oneself to think any croc looks friendly enough to invite to scotch o’clock. Sigh. Matey would just have to look elsewhere for new friends …

Soon the opportunity arose. It was a quick trip to the Low Isles from Port Douglas. As soon as we were moored several turtles came by to say 'hello' and a group of batfish swam straight over and anchored themselves at TC’s rear. At dinnertime a large giant trevally and some other yet-to-be-identified, shark-shaped fish with what looked like suction pads on their ‘heads’ competed with the batfish for the occasional scrap. Clearly all associated boats with free food, and were happy to let us know. It was tempting to encourage a feeding frenzy, though we restrained ourselves as best we could from creating scavengers who presumably would be made unhealthy by unnatural food. With little wind, next morning was almost perfect for snorkeling, and several giant clams were spotted.

The one

It's essential to have a good ‘the one that got away’ story, so Capt celebrated our three-year anniversary by catching a big mackerel. A superb looking fish it was, and clever too, as it extricated itself from the line while poor old Captain was still admiring it and his own fishing prowess. Matey had resigned herself to the need for fishing while we’re in the remote north, and therefore the need to despatch some of her lovely fishy friends, but she secretly and silently cheered Mr Mackerel’s lucky escape. Poor old Captain is already lamenting how sorry we’ll be when we’ve run out of food …

Today we pulled in at the southern end of the Daintree and following a dinghy reconnoiter and depth testing we carefully entered a creek, where we’re now nicely protected from the swell behind a sand bar. The view is superb.