Feast or famine

Sandy Straits to Rosslyn Bay
Saturday, 26 July to Monday, 4 August 2014
After a week of very light winds that the power boats in our little fleet loved, we have now been tied up at the Keppel Bay marina for 3 nights (including tonight) due to a strong wind warning. We will probably have another one or 2 days here before we continue our journey north.

Sunrise over Tin Can Inlet

We had little wind up the Sandy Straits though we managed to get the spinnaker up for a couple of hours. Same on the legs to Bundaberg and Pancake Creek with the wind dying out around lunchtime each day. Lots of social activities though that allowed us to make new and renew old friendships.

Warren with his best friend in Bundy

Two days in Pancake Creek included a tour of the Bustard Head lighthouse and stories from the lightkeepers that called it home from 1868 to 1986 when the light was automated. The small museum on site told tales of drownings, suicides, abductions and murder - a hard life that took its toll on many of the people living there.

View from the top of the lighthouse

The Gilligans Island party was a great success with everyone getting into the spirit of the night.

Some scary Gingers!

Our final couple of days at Great Keppel Island were in crystal clear water that made checking the anchor a breeze.

A southeasterly change rolled through about 3 am Saturday and we all made for the marina at first light. The first boats in the Brisbane to Keppel Race had already finished and we watched the rest come in over the next 24 hours. We have washed, cleaned, provisioned and now just need the wind to ease a bit so we can continue our northern adventure.

Panorama stitch a bit short but you get the idea - beautiful GKI

Thanks to Ian and Dawn and their many helpers for another memorable Keppel Cruising Yacht Rally.


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