Well, there was a ferocious Westerly that howled through Port Stephens for a couple of days, but we finally managed to get away on Tuesday morning as it came around to the SW and moderated a bit. We had a sled-ride for the first 24 hours, managing 6.5 to 7 knots in relative comfort with a full main and a couple of turns on the genoa. The Coursemaster autopilot handled the conditions well, and with the cockpit clears down we were nice and dry. The wind died off a little North of Nambucca Heads so we motor-sailed the last little bit which got the fridge extra cold for the celebratory beer on arrival at Coffs after 36 hours sailing. Peter Walduck came down to catch our lines and to make sure the beer was at an appropriate temperature to consume; he wasn't sure on the first one so had another one or two to make certain.
Then on Thursday our friend Peter Carter ("Byamee") drove down from the farmhouse he and Ruth are building up at Kalang. Pete took us up there for a day of bushwalking and relaxation. They seem to have hatched a plot to corner the world market in Jap pumpkins, having amassed a good 3 million or so from their very productive land. We had a lunch spread fit for an emperor, but with a pumpkin tendency - including a fantastic pumpkin salad and the best pumpkin pie we have ever tasted. After walking up hills, down grassy slopes and along crystal-clear Kalang River (which runs through the property) we were ferried back to "Destiny" by Pete, with a few pumpkins to see us off. Peter and Ruth have achieved energy self-sufficiency with a remarkable solar system that allows them to run lights, fridge, power tools and even a welder, without being hooked up to the 12,000 V cable that crosses their acreage. Their property is really spectacularly beautiful and they are generous hosts. Unfortunately, they are going to sell "Byamee" as the farm is now a full-time project for them.
Today we are catching up on some boat maintenance and doing some washing (courtesy of The Duck). We have bought some dive tanks from Mike Davey at Jetty Dive and may take them out for a couple of dives early next week, to the Solitary Islands.
We'll post updates regularly until we go, and when possible after that. Cheers to all!