saloonpassage

It’s Christmas eve today, we’re sitting back lamenting that we should be on our way to Darling Harbour right now, getting ready to party away the next 2 weeks there. It’s been 3 weeks and 3 days since that day our boat was towed back here to d’Albora Marina, we’ve been staying on Just Chill’n, John and Sue have gone back home and have very generously let us stay on their boat while we sorted things out.

Just Chill’n sustained considerable damage to the hull and running gear, parts have been ordered and will be going up on the slip on January 3rd for repair.

Saloon Passage has been written off by the insurance assessor and we were paid out a few days ago. We have mixed feelings about the outcome, we know Saloon Passage would never be the same if repaired, but (being a little under insured) the payout could never replace what we had. We also lost most of our clothes, household and personal items also all of our personal and business papers. We know we have to move on but we’re not sure what that move will be, a business, a house or maybe another boat to live on?

When we went to Broughton Island we knew we’d never forget it’s beauty, it’s was the experience of a lifetime! What we didn’t realize is that it would be so life changing!

Tuesday November 27th:

Yesterday (Monday); We were all a little lethargic today after our adventures on Sunday but John & Garry gathered the energy to take the dinghy out beyond the rocky outcrop to do some fishing in the morning, promising to bring back snapper for dinner, (haha we wish 😊) needless to say we ended up having a small flathead that John had caught earlier and a couple of leather jackets John Staples had left with us, but they had fun anyway! After lunch we took the dinghies out again to explore some more of this beautiful place…………..

It’s Thursday afternoon (November 29th.) now, I had started to draft that post on Tuesday morning, intending to finish it by the end of the day, detailing our activities for the Monday & Tuesday. Well, that was the intention anyway, but Tuesday night went like this;-

John and Sue came over to Saloon Passage bringing along the ingredients for John to cook up a storm, though that might be a poor choice of words considering what was to come!

After dinner we sat around discussing whether we should leave early in the morning or spend the day here and go back to Nelson Bay late on the Wednesday afternoon, (we’d given up the idea of calling in to Lake macquarie – we were having too much fun here and didn’t want to leave) we needed to fuel up for the trip back to Brooklyn on Thursday.

The wind started to blow a fair bit, but we weren’t worried about it, we’d checked the weather report, as always, throughout the day, and the prediction was around 10 knots. The guys checked our position anyway and we were fine, after all the anchors had held for the past 3 nights here – everything was fine. We went back to our discussion, waiting for the wind to slow down before John & Sue headed back to their boat.

Then in the blink of an eye there was a roaring sound, like an explosion in the distance. It was pitch black as we looked out the back of the boat, we could just make out the beach when we realized we were heading for it. Garry raced to start the boat, winching up the anchor and driving forward, then more roaring sounds, John was peering out the back, watching the shore getting closer, yelling directions to Garry, who couldn’t see where we were, because it was so dark and with wet clears it was impossible to see anything! I was trying to open the front clears so he could see ahead, we’d spun sideways and I could see we were heading for the rocks which seemed to be looming at us, I started yelling to reverse he kept trying to but the boat was still heading that way (it seemed that the wind was more powerful than the motors!) we were all yelling directions at him, we could hear the rocks crunching underneath – it was sickening, then the wind got us on the side with such velocity pushing us back again, off the rocks, towards the sand, then we stopped! dead, and started to lurch over we could hear the waves all around us.

We could see John and Sue’s boat out there, they’d left lots of lights on for Missy (their little dog) who was still on board. John wanted to go out but Sue & I pleaded not to go, it was too dangerous, the wind was really blowing, an their boat, at first glance, appeared to be secure, then we realized how close it was to the rocks on the far side, Just Chill’n had dragged too! There was no stopping John now, he jumped in the dinghy with Garry intending to go too, we begged him not to go as we were still lurching around with every wave that hit, we were at about a 30% angle, having to brace ourselves against anything solid. We watched the dinghy as it went over it was being fiercely tossed around, when John got to his boat he had to dive onto their back deck. We thought we saw the dinghy turn over (we found out later it had) but didn’t know if John had made it or not as we couldn’t see him straight up, then breathed a sigh of relief when we saw his silhouette heading up to the fly bridge.

Johns own ordeal was just beginning. His boat had dragged a lot more towards the rocks, he had the same problem as Garry did – not being able to see his location (I’ve never seen a night so dark). But we could see his boat (all lit up) quite clearly and Garry tried to direct him over the radio. His boat had already gone over some rocks and incurred some damage, and seemed to be going every which way. He got clear of those rocks and got the anchor up after much difficulty. He needed to get out a bit so his radar & gps would pick him up, but ended up going towards the rocks we’d just been on, he seemed to be stuck there for a while, meantime Garry got on to marine rescue & informed them of the situation, they were sending the water police out but wouldn’t be there for at least 90 minutes. John finally got free of the rocks & started going out, again going in circles at one stage heading towards another reef a lot further away from us. If his boat hit out there & broke up it would be way too far to swim back to shore & his dinghy was overturned, Sue & I secretly wished he’d get beached like us, firmly stuck in the sand at least we weren’t going anywhere.

After what seemed hours John was in a clear spot (pretty much where we were at the start of the day) he was going to try to hang there for a while till the police arrived, then after a while decided to drop the anchor and hope for the best as his boat was not responding, nothing was working properly. We all felt pretty defeated at this stage but thankful to be alive at least for the moment. Johns anchor seemed to be holding and the wind not that strong now, the police arrived and made sure we were all ok, there was nothing they could do tonight, and promised to return in the morning. Sue was frantically worried about John and also Missy, we didn’t know her fate, but we were expecting the worst. After another hour or so the wind eased even more and Garry said he could take Sue over to John. It turned out that Missy was ok, but pretty shaken up, Sue found her hiding but dripping wet. I have no idea what time it was but probably about 3am. Garry & I tried to close our eyes & rest, but no matter how exhausted we were, could only lay there listening to our possessions falling about as downstairs filled with seawater.

Wednesday morning finally came & we could assess the damage. It all looks pretty gruesome, a big hole in the bottom, broken glass all over the galley floor, our stuff (clothes, household appliances, etc) floating everywhere, water in the back cabin and engine room. Another high tide in a few hours so we’re expecting more damage.

The police arrived with 2 water pumps but that wasn’t enough and they called for maritime to bring another one. The idea was to pump the water out patch the hole if they could then tow us back. Meanwhile John had dived down under his boat to check it out, there didn’t appear to be any leaks but the props were a pretty knocked about and there was rope tangled around them (from his upturned dinghy) which explains him not having any control over the boat the night before. He thinks he can limp it back to Nelson Bay when we get towed. However, the police gave up on our boat as they couldn’t pump out as fast as the water was coming in. They assessed the damage was too great and the boat needed to be salvaged by professionals. We could be stuck here for a while, we could leave the boat there and go back with the police they said, but Garry won’t leave the boat unattended and I won’t leave without him – he’s liable to get himself into trouble without me! 😍.

John & Sue wanted to stay with us but we insisted they go back to Nelson Bay, as we were ok & quite safe (just uncomfortable) and they needed to get back to see Johns mum, who wasn’t well, they also needed to tell their girls before they heard about it from someone else. So with heavy hearts they set off, we knew they didn’t want to leave and were very upset to do so, but there was no choice.

The bilge pump had run all Tuesday night so the boat batteries are dead, to my utter horror I realized that this means no working toilets, no fresh water for a shower and no two way radio, we still have our mobile phones but not sure how long those batteries will last for.

After Just Chill’n left we spent a couple of hours on the beach picking up some of our stuff that had been washed ashore. The water had risen to waist deep in the bedroom and clothes & cosmetics etc had been floating around the cabin everywhere most of which got washed out when the police were trying to pump out the water.

Later that afternoon we saw John & Shelly’s boat coming toward us, John & Sue were aboard with them. Just Chill’n had made it back ok, told John & Shelly what had happened, they all came straight back out to us. They took us over to their boat for a shower and something to eat. They’d bought us out supply’s of food & ice, we ended up with more more food in the fridge than normal, they’ve all been such good friends.

After a couple of hours they headed back to Nelson bay leaving us to our first night on the island alone. We toyed with the idea of sleeping on the beach but ruled it out as the March flys, which are enormous, would eat us alive! So we bedded down on the fly bridge but we barely lost consciousness as every time we started to doze off we’d slacken our grip & crumple into a heap – sleep is impossible with the boat at this angle!

The salvage guy (Des) had been out to have a look saying he’d return to patch the hull Thursday afternoon, at low tide, then try to re float us on Thursday night on the high tides if possible.

Thursday morning came and we started to lean over even more as the tide had washed away more of the sand under us. It was getting too hard to move around, and not sure how much further it would lean, so we decided to abandoned ship, take some food supplies, blankets and chairs ashore. I’d found some citronella candles and (miraculously) a dry box of matches so if necessary we might be able to sleep on the sand tonight.

The tide is quite high this morning & with the boat leaning over even more, every cabin inside the boat is underwater. Possessions we had stacked on the port side (the high side) to keep dry, just keep sliding down into the water, there’s nothing we can do. Garry went back on board to take some photos, incase we need them for insurance purposes. When he bought the camera back to the beach (we don’t want to lose that too) he told me he could smell sewage on board he said the holding tank must be backing up because of the water level. We can’t leave it like that, the valve needs to be closed off before it leaks otherwise pollution will be all along the beach, Garry went back on board, dived down into the engine room & closed the valve – my smelly hero! 😘💕💕

So, as i said, it’s Thursday afternoon right now, I’m sitting on the beach (staying out of the way) watching the salvage guy, Des, and Garry, trying to float what was once our pride & joy. I wish to god I’d asked John & Shelly if they had any aroguard because I’m ready to go mad with these flys biting me, the only repellent we have is some lavender oil (from our bathroom cupboard) I’d found washed up on the beach, and also, unfortunately, couldn’t find the sunscreen and its a beautiful hot, very sunny, day. I’m thinking (to myself), I’m acting like a bit of a princess (worrying about sunscreen) but I know I’ll be sorry in the days to come! At this point both our phone batteries have died, the iPad won’t be far behind, the only thing that’s keeping me from having a big panic attack is knowing we have the eperb in the case of an emergency.

Thursday night: Des managed to partly patch the hull, we’re still taking on water but at a slower rate. He also got a balloon under the boat to help lift us more upright, it will deflate by morning, so we’ll go over again, but at least for the moment we can spend the night on the flybridge again and maybe get a little rest. Des finished up at 11pm and said he’d be back first thing in the morning to finish the patching, he’d bring more balloons and another boat to tow us back. It’s important they get us off the island on Friday because there’s a big southerly predicted as well as super high tides, if we’re still here we’re likely to be washed on the rocks and our boat will break up, which could pretty much mean an environmental disaster and, if we stay, none too good for us either. After Des left, Garry & I were laying on our makeshift beds listening to the Mutton birds (who inhabit the island) making the weirdest sounds, it’s a full moon & it sounds like a satanic ritual going on – I’m glad we didn’t have to sleep on the beach tonight after all!!

Friday morning: As promised Des arrived with his team, just ahead of them was John, Shelly, John and Sue, they’d bought more supplies (& moral support) in case the salvage efforts didn’t work. All went pretty much the way Des planned it, 4 large airbags were attached under the boat to refloat it, the hull was patched but he still had to run water pumps, as the boat was towed, because seawater was still coming in. Gaz & I had a bit of a disagreement (I was cranky as all heck!!) because he insisted I go back to Nelson bay on John & Shelly’s boat instead of coming in on Saloon Passage with him. Saying it was too dangerous for me – I guess he bloody well thought I’d been having a picnic for the last 3 days!!!! 😡

Anyway, John stayed insight of the towing entourage, having to double back to check on them on a couple of occasions when we saw the tow rope break! The wind was starting up & there was was at least a 2 meter swell, that southerly wasn’t far away! Garry has since told me that the pump also stopped a one point, apparently a pair of my pantyhose had got stuck in it (such embarrassment!). John eventually headed back & left them to it. Saloon passage was towed into Noakes shipyard about 2 hours after we got back.

A little poem composed by our mate Gary Hewes

We had a great day today (Sunday) it went something like this:-
Woke up after a very restful night (with no rocking n rolling) and felt fantastic. I laid in bed putting together the post for the day before’s blog, while Gaz tidied the boat (even vacuumed) and brought me tea and toast in bed – such a sweetheart 💖 it’s a real treat!After that, we were to join the others and go on a dinghy cruise around to the south edge of the island, John (Staples) had seen a small channel that went in through the rocks, it was suppose to be the place to catch lobsters (not that we had any gear required to do so! 😄). But first we wanted to go ashore for a very quick swim, the quick dip turned out to take nearly 3 hours! We discovered the little cove we’d gone to had great areas for rock walking and lots of pretty shells plus interesting bits of driftwood that needed collecting (to add to the copious amount we’d already gathered), ignoring the boys protests. Then found a sort of cave that went from the back of the beach through to the waterside, at high tide the sea would gush through it. The walls of the cave had amazing colors, it looked like an oil painting! Sue reckons the cave was a fossilized dinosaur skeleton and it kind of did look like it – maybe we’ve had too much sun, haha!

We then teamed up with John and Shelly for our dinghy cruise. John and Shelly took their dinghy, we went in John and Sues as our little 5hp outboard wouldn’t stand a chance alongside their 15 hps. The ride over to the channel was a little hairy (well I thought so anyway) as we had to maneuver the boats through areas of submerged rock. This large outcrop also had forests of kelp swaying around with the incoming swell. So glad we had the sense to take 2 boats for safety, because a small dinghy wouldn’t stand a chance if a motor died, it could quite easily be swept out to sea.

When we got to the channel it was absolutely amazing (worth every second of the trip over)! The water was calm, looked very very deep (even though you could see all the way down) and it was freezing, you’d need a wetsuit to swim. We’re all in agreement that John was right – there must be lobsters down there! But there wasn’t one of us brave (or stupid) enough to dive down to get any! On the way out of the channel we discovered large crevices in the rock face where the sea flowed through to big alcoves and deep rock pools (kind of like rock cathedrals), words can’t describe how amazing it was, pictures don’t do it justice either as it was a little shaky there.

We headed back to the big boats, to my (secret) relief – I’m much braver in Saloon Passage than I am in a little rubber dinghy! 😰. We gathered some food and drinks and spent the afternoon on the beach all of us gushing over how wonderful it is here. The four of us have decided to stay at least 1 more day (can’t seem to drag ourselves away). John and Shelly have to leave by 5pm as they’ve got some appointments on Monday morning back in Nelson Bay. We four stayed on the beach for a while longer (till nearly 7), then reluctantly dragged ourselves back to the boats for dinner. We’re starting to scrape the bottom of the barrel in the food department but think we can easily manage another couple of days, but the vegetables will be mainly the canned variety. A BBQ on Saloon Passage, entertaining ourselves with a slide show of the photos snapped throughout the day, it was the perfect way to finish a perfect day.

Photo

Saturday 24th. November:
Woke up to yet another cloudy day but by 10am the sky was clearing and sun shining brightly! We jumped in the dinghy and made for the shore. We all had a swim and a bit more of a walk around. Then Gaz and John went off to find the track leading to the rest of the island while Sue and I had a bit more of a paddle. Then when we got back to the dinghy we discovered John and Shelly (fellow boaties from Brooklyn) had arrived, small world – as they didn’t know we were there. Back to Just Chill’n for a bite of lunch and a quick drink then set off to walk to the other side of Broughton. John and Shelly were leaving for the other side (Coal Shaft Bay) by boat as we’re also planning to do later (the wind is changing direction and we should be protected from it there.

The track over was an easy walk despite the bush being a bit dense at times with a few steep hills, but easily achieved,even for an ‘over the hill / unfit / old chook’ like me.
We came to Esmeralda Bay first, which has quite a few private moorings and a number of fishing shacks (very well set up) over looking the bay. There were a few campers set up there as well. A very pretty bay, too rocky for us, but great for smaller fishing craft.

We then went on to find Coal Shaft Bay (about half the distance again). John and Shelly were just arriving, dropping their anchor as we got to the top of the hill, it looks a great anchoring spot, with a good swimming beach, if we decide to bring the boats around.

Got back to Providence Bay and couldn’t wait to take a plunge, we were all roasting from the heat at this stage. Still not sure whether to move or not but our decision was made easy when the wind started blowing stronger. So we up-anchored and headed for the other side, and very glad we did! The Bay is stunning, remote, and the water is crystal clear. A quick swim (a very quick swim! as it’s shark feeding time, 6pm) and catchup with John and Shelly on the beach, dinner on Just Chill’n, another sumptuous meal from the BBQ – cooked perfectly. After dinner John and Gaz had a fish, John gave Garry and me a few tips (Gaz and I know zilch about fishing 😕) I gave up after a few minutes (didn’t want to get all fishy after already having had a shower, haha!). Gaz and John caught a few bait fish, John “the great white hunter” got another little shark. John had turned the spot lights on and there were fish everywhere off the back of the boat.
3 Brooklyn Boats at Providence Bay

Esmeralda Bay

We arrive at Coal shaft just as John & Shelly get there by sea!

Sue & I love a bit of a swim!

On of the many sharks John caught

Photo

Friday 23rd.
Still not a great day but have decided to head to Broughton anyway, after we mucked around for a little while in Shoal Bay. I had a dummy spit with the shop assistant (and I use the word “assistant” loosely) at the local IGA store, who needs to learn a little bit about customer service, needless to say I shot myself in the foot because, I didn’t get the extra supplies I thought we needed, but we have plenty and the cupboards will finally get a good clean out. John did some fishing and collected his crab traps which had 2 port jackson sharks caught in them, we’re now calling him “the great white hunter”. The sharks survived the ordeal and happily swam away when he released them.

We’re off!

The picture tells the story!

Harah, we’re finally at Broughton!
It really is lovely here, we’re on the northern side of the island at Providence Bay, which is protected from the south east swell and wind, which was a little strong when we arrived. We explored the beach, walking the length and breadth of it, we all marveled at how clear the water was, and generally Ooo’d and Ahhh’d 😯 about the views. We had dinner on our boat (Gaz and I finally cooked the pork belly we’d been promising and for desert we finished off Sue’s home made ice cream – yum!

Wednesday 21st: Finally left Peppers today, and as lovely as the place is, it’s now good to be on our way cruising again. The wind come up as we were leaving so after a good look around we headed for Fame Cove, a couple of the “live aboards” at Peppers (there appears to be quite a lot of people live on their boats up here) told us about this bay and to me it looks like the Refuge Bay of Nelsons Bay – without the private moorings. Got together on Just Chill’n for a nice lunch that Sue made, followed by a little fishing and Sue caught a baby shark which John unhooked (us girls weren’t going anywhere near it!). Then we took off for a couple of hours in the dinghies for a closer look at the adjoining bays. After being swamped by John doing doughnuts around us with their 15hp outboard (us with our 5hp) we laughed our way back to the boats for a shower with Garry vowing to “get you back one day John Platt 😡 when I get my 25hp!” as he waived his dripping wet fist around.
Another great dinner at “the Platts” and Gaz and I are now back on Saloon Passage worn out and ready to take off in the morning to check out more of the area.

Finally snapped the dolphins when leaving Peppers.

Cheeky!

Thursday 22nd:
Well the weather report was totally wrong about today! It was suppose to be a little cloudy with some morning wind then clearing. As it turned out the wind was so strong about 4.30 this morning we thought the moorings would break away, it’s been so overcast and blowy all day, it looks like night fall at the moment and it’s only 2.30pm. But we’ve had enough of Fame Cove and we’re heading for N B (Nelson Bay), we figured it can’t be any worse there. I need to post some eBay stuff anyway (business has been good lately, as soon as it increases by another 150% Garry could be a kept man 😘 haha!) plus we need to pick up supply’s because we want to head off to Broughton Island for a few days if we can, well if the weather improves that is.

Just gone 5pm now, we took our time getting around to NB and when we did there was only 1 mooring available so John an Sue continued on to Shoal Bay, we grabbed the mooring and pulled the dinghy into d’Albora Marina (we prayed the gates would still be opened when we returned) and raced up to the post office, just getting in as they were closing the door (my eBay customer will be happy 😊).
Caught up with John and Sue and were blown away at how pretty Shoal Bay is from the moorings, the water is emerald and so clear, even on this overcast day! Went to dinner at the Mod Thai, we weren’t disappointed, the food was still fantastic and great value! A couple of drinks back on Saloon Passage, talking about going to Broughton Island tomorrow, but if the weather isn’t right then we’ll stay here – that would be pretty good too!
Wish I had some new photos from today, but frankly it was too gloomy to take any, so will publish some from over the last week that I haven’t used yet.

Sunday (18th.)
We went to dinner at Peppers Restaurant “Merrits” last night, it was fantastic!! not hugely expensive but very good, the food was great and service was exceptional! Then a long sleep-in this morning, unfortunately, because John told us later that a few dolphins had come into the marina (about 7am) and were only meters away from our boat (again, another photo opportunity missed 😟).

Went into town (a quick taxi ride from here) and had breakfast at a cute little cafe, Gaz managed to end up wearing a cup of coffee in his lap (helping the waitress put the food on the table). After breakfast a quick trip to a menswear shop for a new pair of shorts – cause he looked like he had pee’d himself!!!!! – hahahaha 😄 – was very funny.

Then a relaxing day today wondering around Nelson’s Bay, bought some seafood for a bit of a BBQ on the back deck with Sue, John, Garry and me, think I might have knocked everyone’s socks off with my spicy chilly prawns, everyone going, 😱 whoooo-Hohhot-hot-hot! – but all the prawns got eaten 😀.

At the moment Gaz and I are sitting back looking at the view – wondering what tomorrow will bring.

You really work up a thirst around these parts!

Smooching in the park – ain’t love grand! 😘

Well, it’s now Monday night (19th.) and we’re are still here at Peppers Anchorage! Whilst it’s a wonderful place we are all anxious to go out cruising. A few issue have stopped us from exploring Port Stephens (by boat), the 1st has been the wind, which has gradually got stronger since we arrived, then John and Sue have had a small problem with their boat and need to make a minor repair (a part needed, but not available locally), then on top of that John has had a problem with his knee, which is badly swollen and very painful (but like most men he’s insisted it’s no big deal, saying “it’ll be ok in the morning” etc.) but it does need some medical attention!

Solutions were put into place today:-
* Sue took John off to the doctor this morning, if the treatment works he should start to improve over the next day or 2.
*John hired a car and Garry drove his “limping” mate to Newcastle to order the part for Just Chill’n (John and Sue’s boat). Sue and I did it tough and had to go sit in the resort spa – life’s so tough at Peppers 😉 ha ha!
*The wind should die by Wednesday and other issues should be resolved so hopefully we’ll be out exploring Broughton island by Wednesday or Thursday.

Meantime, here at Peppers 😊 — Gaz and I walked into Nelson’s Bay yesterday, google maps said 4.6k. by road, but, I think the route we took was more like 7k but we had a beaut walk – all along the shoreline.

We picked up a few supplies then a taxi ride back to the boats for an evening BBQ with Sue and John, along with a few drinks.

This morning we were treated to the sight of a couple of dolphins swimming about inside the marina area, sorry folks – I still couldn’t get a great photo but managed a semi decent one, they were wonderful to watch as they gracefully swam around the enclosure for about an hour.

Tuesday (20th.) We had to wait to hear from the the guy from Newcastle about the part needed for Just Chill’n. In the meantime John’s leg was a lot better so we went to have a look at Shoal Bay, mainly to check out the public moorings again as we’d like to stay overnight there in the next day or so, found a nice little restaurant (cheap too) the “Mod Thai” to have lunch, the food was sensational! Then got the call from Newcastle so the boys dropped us off at the resort and they took off for the 2 hour return trip to pick up the part. Sue and I did a few domestic chores, the guys got back, fitted the clamp and all was good. Celebratory dinner on Saloon Passage (any excuse for a celebration 😆).

Friday November 16th 2012
Tomorrow morning we plan to head off to Port Stephens for about a week and then back down the coast to Lake Macquarie for a week. We’ll be traveling with another boat named “Just Chill’n” skippered by friends of ours, John and Sue. The weather is looking good for the trip, the prediction is for light winds with seas less than a metre. We’ve just fuelled up at Newport and we’re now heading to the Basin for a good nights sleep.

Saturday 17th November
Left Broken Bay at 7.30, the day is so gloomy (overcast and drizzling rain) but the sea is pretty flat, just under a meter so the ride is quite comfortable. We’ve been traveling for about an hour and it’s been uneventful, though Garry reckons he saw a shark but I think it was BS 😃 he doesn’t like me ignoring him, “playing” (as he puts it) with the iPad.

9.30 now and the sky is looking a little clearer. We just went by Norah Heads where we came across a huge pod of dolphins (most I’ve ever seen in 1 pod), all leaping across our bow, very exciting 😊! They were followed by a couple of whales, just ambling along, unfortunately I couldn’t get to my camera quick enough.

1.15pm. We’re just going through the heads at Port Stephens. The last 1/4 of the trip (from Stockland beach onwards) was a real bitch! I was tossed of my seat at one point (Garry reckons he’ll have to Velcro me to the chair in future), swell came up and just made it a bit uncomfortable, but we’re here now.

4.30pm. Nearly wine o’clock! We’re berthed at Peppers Marina in a great spot with the best view (we always seem to luck out with good berths!), now if it would only stop raining 😒!

View from our berth