saloonpassage

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

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