Cairns to Townsville - 3 POB

Sunday, 27 October to Sunday, 3 November 2013
Our eldest son Ben flew into Cairns on Saturday from Melbourne. On Sunday we tacked down to Fitzroy Island in a moderate SE breeze. As more south easters were predicted for Monday we decided to stay 2 nights and wait for more favourable winds on Tuesday. The water was very clear and we enjoyed a long snorkel off the resort. Patches of good coral and fish to be seen.

On Tuesday, with an easterly forecast, we headed off early to sail the 60nm to Dunk Island. The resort is still closed however there is a new jetty so boats can bring day trippers and the National Park camp ground is also open.

After checking out the resort on Wednesday morning we raised the spinnaker and headed for Zoe Bay in a welcome northerly. We chalked up a milestone on this leg - 10,000 nm in Phase2 since her launch in May 2011. Bubbles at Zoe Bay to celebrate!

Thursday morning we climbed to the top of the waterfall before breakfast to escape the worst of the heat.

Then on to Little Pioneer Bay on Orpheus Island.

Scrambled eggs on the go

Sad sight at Horseshoe Bay

On Friday we sailed the 35nm to Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island in a 15-20kn north easter.

Saturday we headed across to Breakwater marina. Dinner at Summerie's Thai restaurant was a great way to finish the week with Ben. He caught a flight back to Melbourne where the forecast for Monday was a chilly 6-14 degrees!!