Whitsunday cruising 2

Monday, 11 September to Tuesday, 19 September, 2017
We left Airlie after topping up the water tanks at the public pontoon inside the marina. This is a big improvement on the one that was here last time we visited and allows 2 boats to moor for up to 30 minutes free of charge.

We then had a good sail in a 15-20 kn SE to Caves Cove, just south of Stonehaven on Hook Island, where we picked up a mooring. On Tuesday, we went arround to Stonehaven after a few boats had left to grab a mooring and go for a snorkel.

Busy Stonehaven

We explored the reef just south of our mooring which was in quite good condition. The charter boats were bringing their guests here so I assume this is the best reef in the anchorage.

Some colourful coral but lots of fish and some clams. We had a turtle visit our boat regularly - I assume the charter boats feed it as it was not shy at all.

On Wednesday, we went around to Macona Inlet where we spent 2 nights. Unfortunately no fish caught but we did catch up with Second Wind and enjoyed sundowners aboard their Seawind with their friends. We watched several charter boats nearly come to grief as they tried to cross the reef to the south of us as they trusted their electronic charts and didn't have a good lookout.

Golf rangefinder useful in an anchorage

On Friday we headed back to Airlie as we had booked a night in Abell Point Marina to attend a reef and beef night they were putting on. We had a quick trip with a double reef in winds up to 28 knots. Beach House was with us and we watched the Broncos beat Penrith afterwards.

Beach House heavily reefed to cross the Passage

Saturday was at Woodwark Bay then on to Bona Bay for 3 nights in the strong SE winds. It is school holidays so we knew it would be quieter over here!

More cyclone damage

Whitsunday Cruising

Saturday, 2 September to Sunday, 10 September, 2017
On Saturday we had a good sail over to Cid Harbour, then a 8nm motor to Hamilton Island on Sunday morning to pick up our son, Ben. He got off the plane in jeans and with a heavy coat as it was 9 degrees when he left Melbourne. We managed a short sail before the wind died and were anchored at Whitehaven Beach by 1500.

The beach and water are still beautiful but evidence of the cyclone is all around.

Stagnant lagoon and dead trees not on the postcards

We enjoyed several walks on the beach before the crowds arrived and the water was crystal clear.

The day trippers still come in large numbers which is good for the local economy but we did prefer Whitehaven in the quiet early mornings and late afternoons. 

On Monday a light northerly made for perfect conditions to visit Chance Bay. We kayaked and swam and Ben relaxed (easy as there was no internet).

Tuesday we moved around the headland to Turtle Bay and another picture perfect anchorage. South facing bays such as these did not suffer as badly in the recent cyclone as those facing north.

On Wednesday it was time for Ben to fly home. After dropping Ben off, we had a gentle sail to Cid Harbour where we spent 2 nights. We climbed Whitsunday Peak which was a challenge as most of the canopy has been destroyed so it was very hot.

On a previous walk before the cyclone

However, the views are still spectacular although it took a rest and a cup of tea before we could appreciate them.

On Friday it was back to Airlie to watch the football and do some washing and shopping. A win to the Cowboys but the Broncos down - lucky they get 2 chances. 

Shaggers Rendezvous and Gloucester Island

Thursday, 24 August to Friday, 1 September 2017
Shaggers was once again a great opportunity to catch up with fellow cruisers, have some fun and raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. All 3 objectives were met - we made some new friends, attended a party or 2 and helped raise over $100,000. This year there were several events at Cape Gloucester Resort and the pirate party was at Montes.

Hands across the Blue dinghy formation

What we hope it looked like from above!

All was great except for smoke from fires lit to back burn but which got out of hand when the wind changed (as predicted!). We actually motored around to Bona Bay on Saturday night as the fires were coming down the hill and we didn't want to suffer the fallout.

After the pirate party we headed for Bona Bay on Gloucester Island for 3 nights. It was perfect weather and Beach House joined us as we all recovered from the Shaggers Rendezvous. Warren caught some fish and we paddled every day.

There is lots of cyclone damage evident - trees stripped of foliage or uprooted, shelter shed blown down and the sad looking vessel below.

After 3 days we headed back to Airlie to get ready for our son Ben's visit while several boats headed across to Bowen. We stopped at Woodwark Bay on the way back and after a quick walk ashore we have added it to the list of places to explore further.

Woodwark Bay