Into the tropics

Sunday, 25 July to Saturday, 31 July 2021

We left Bundaberg early on Sunday morning in a light W/SW breeze for a nice 2 sail reach to Pancake Creek (or so we thought).  Most of our fleet had decided to leave on Monday for Lady Musgrave Island and a route up the reef to the Keppels. We decided on the inner route with an extended stay at one of our favourite anchorages. After the wind went to the north, it was slow going tacking the 20nm to Pancake Creek and 1730 when we finally dropped anchor. There were about 25 boats there and that number remained the same as boats came and left over the coming days  

We spent 5 nights at Pancake Creek and enjoyed the rest after a hectic few weeks (months?) leading up to our departure. 

We enjoyed walks on the exposed sandbanks at low tide and a 7km hike to Bustard Head lighthouse. 

Aircraft beach

One day we kayaked to the outer anchorage - poorly timed as we battled the tide both ways. It was good exercise however and a beautiful beach for morning tea. 

The rest of the time, Warren fished while I read my books and finally finished this challenging jigsaw puzzle. 

On Friday it was time to leave as the wind finally came from the SE and we enjoyed our first day under spinnaker to Great Keppel Island. 

When we passed Cape Capricorn, we were now in the tropics. It might have been my imagination but it felt warmer that evening.

A walk on the beach Saturday morning and then the short sail to Keppel Bay Marina at Rosslyn Bay to rejoin our RQ friends. 

Trying to keep the sea from eroding the beach

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