Boat bums and road chums

At Cardwell we ‘parked’ in the marina that is no more. Port Hinchinbrook Marina was destroyed in Cyclone Yasi. We’re told though that at some point before the cyclone the tops of the piles were chopped off as they were spoiling the marina owner’s view. Then when the surge from the cyclone came through all the pontoons floated up the pylons and over the tops, taking the boats with them and creating chaos. Hmmm. A cursory glance would tell you that the piles are particularly short …

As it’s no longer dredged, entering and leaving the ‘marina’ should only be attempted at high tide. One would imagine that some of the owners of the surrounding McMansions might be a tad miffed that their nice real estate now ain’t looking at a functioning marina. Those with boats may not be able to get them in and out for much longer …

Having said that, we’re quite nicely tied up to two of the remaining piles; much more comfortable than anchoring outside in the south-easterly swell.

We met up with Klaas and Jetty in Cardwell. Klaus kindly chauffeured us around and we spent a lovely day with them visiting Murray Waterfall. Next day we all went to Gould Island, another pretty island off Cardwell …

The once-upon-a-time marina

At Murray Falls

Pool above the waterfall

At Gould Island

Tree-hugger

Beautiful paperbarks indicate fresh water

Hinchinbrook Island

We visited JCU’s marine research station on Orpheus Island and discovered they accept volunteers — a possibility for the future. Maybe a good opportunity to learn more about our amazing marine environment …

We then sailed to Zoe Bay on Hinchinbrook Island. We now understand. The skyline is dramatic and it is beautiful. On our first night there was a south-easterly swell so first thing next morning we moved into north Zoe Creek, which was comfortable, though we had to create fortress TC at dusk if the wind dropped to keep the sandflies and mosquitos out. Needless to say some scouts found their way in and feasted on the Matey mainly, with a few snacking on the Captain too.

There is a lovely walk to the waterfall at the southern end of Zoe Bay. At the base is a swimming hole: one of the things we most enjoy finding. We also found a ‘bath’ via a dinghy trip up a branch of north Zoe Creek. We found the ‘lake’ described to us by another yachtie. We are now on ‘croc alert’ and refrained from swimming there as we couldn’t see the bottom.

We met several groups of hikers. Permits are issued for only 40 campers for Hinchinbrook Island at any one time. This explains why it is still so pristine.

We reluctantly left Zoe Bay and continued north towards Cardwell, via a night at pretty, tiny Garden Island. It’s so lush it has a fresh water bore.

Giant clam shell at research station

Approaching Hinchinbrook Is.

Zoe Bay waterfall and swimming hole

Blue moon

Zoe Bay beach

Bath time at the top of the waterfall

View from top of waterfall

Tarzan

View from our second anchorage

The lake

The other bath