GOLDSMITH ISLAND TO THOMAS ISLAND

From Goldsmith Island we had a short sail (actually motor as there was no wind) from Goldsmith Island to Thomas Island. When we arrived at the island we anchored in a delightful sheltered bay and only the 4 boats from RPAYC plus one other catamaran (an really interesting guy from Alice Springs who has been sailing up the Queensland coast in this tiny trimaran that is only about 20' long).

We though we were in paradise and looked forward to a peaceful stay. Unfortunately we had chosen the same island that the Riviera club had chosen. First one motor boat arrived, then another and finally we had been joined by 17 motor boats.

We decided to climb to the top of the hill in the afternoon the take in the view of the southern part of the Whistsundays. You can see from these photos how spectacular the views are. Note the bay full of cruisers

And the obligatory sunset photo

BRAMPTON ISLAND TO GOLDSMITH ISLAND

Another great sailing day, we put up the mainsail and with a 12 knot south easterly breeze were able to sail all the way to our next destination - Goldsmith Island. Sailing along at 5 knots on a smooth sea, cruising does not get much better.

One thing you need to be careful of in the Whitsundays is the currents, even though it was almost low tide we still have more than 3 knots of current against us in the passage to get to Goldsmith Island

Interesting cloud formation this evening (instead of ABS)

MACKAY TO BRAMPTON ISLAND

Finally the weather was good enough to leave Mackay Harbour.

First stop was the fuel wharf to fill up with diesel. As most of the trip from Bundaberg was good sailing, Galadriel only required 63 litres. Even better after the refund from our marina key deposit, the total bill was $19.

There was still some swell left from the 2 weeks of strong southerly's so we decided to head straight for Brampton Island instead of going further out to Scawfell Island.

We were farewelled by the Canadian Navy (not sure if they have finished the joint exercises or just about to start)

Had a good sail with a 15 knot wind from behind with the conditions good enough for Sonia to even get some quilting done

When we arrived a Brampton Island we really felt like we were in the tropics with aqua blue water and coconut palms. It is strange walking along the beach looking at the deserted resourt which has been closed since 2011.

This is what it looked like in it's hey day

 

And this is what it looks like now

 

 

 
 

But the good thing is that you have the beaches all to yourself

But the best thing of all was while we were anchored of the resort we were visited by 2 whales, they were so close you could hear them breathing

 

And of course you finish the day with ABS



MACKAY MARINA

It has been a while since the last post, the reason why you can see from the two pictures below. For the last week we have had really strong SE winds (in the 20-30 knot range) as you can see from the yellow areas on the wind chart. On top of that there has been more than 50mm of rain in the last week (the red arrow indicates where we are)

Even put a spirit level on the companion way steps and the wind caused Galadriel to have a constant lean of 5 degrees.


Sonia was left on her own whilst David went back to work in Sydney. The team from Alfreds Cruising who made the rendezvous took the opportunity to visit the Eungella National Park and see platypi in the wild as well as taking a stroll though the park.

 
 On the way back from Brisbane to Mackay the pilot was even kind enough to fly up the coast, the photo below is the Hay Point Coal terminal just south of Mackay

However not all gloom and doom, the marina hosted a rendezvous BBQ on Wednesday night which was one of the few nights where the wind inside the marina was not more than 20 knots.

 

 

 

When you are stuck onboard your boat for 2 weeks you develop cabin fever so you look for anything to do to get out of the boat. Even with the strong winds we walked to the end of the breakwater at the marina which is more than a 3km round trip.

 



We also hired a car to drive to Hay Point and the Sugar Mill at Sarina. The marina has a great deal, only $59 for a car for the day. Not exactly the latest model but it gets your around. On thee way back we encountered some boats that are "moored" in the Pioneer River at Mackay, some are definitely abandoned but others look like they may be long term live aboards

And of course you need to buy supplies ready for your next trip. Note the food to alcohol ratio

Galadriel Route Map

 

Pittwater to Dunk

 

 

 

Magnetic Island to Dunk (12-18 August)





Airlie to Magnetic (26 July to 9 August)



Whitsunday to Airlie (12 July - 21 July)








Mackay to Whitsundays (9 July - 12 July)



Bundaberg to Mackay (14 Jun - 23 Jun)







Mooloolaba to Bundaberg (2 June - 11 June)

 

Southport to Mooloolaba (29 May)

 
 

Sydney to Mooloolaba (24 May - 27 May)