Tomorrow we are heading further north to Lizard Island and then on to the top of Australia, make a left turn and sail downwind in the trade winds to Darwin. We have been in Cairns for the last 5 days doing a combination of boat projects, provisioning and waiting for appropriate weather. Kim has been busy restocking the boat with the necessities and indulgences of the upcoming passage and preparing passage meals. It should take just short of two weeks to get to Darwin. I have done a few maintenance projects including replacing a steaming light bulb half way up the mast, rebuilding the sump pump in the forward head and solving a saltwater leak in the forward head. (Luckily the latter was just a leaky seal in a water strainer that some silicone and tightening fixed.)

The weather here has been less than ideal with frequent showers, overcast skies and plenty of wind.

It has not all been work as we have explored Cairns both by foot and on our folding bikes. Cairns is a busy place with cruise ships, a busy airport and helicopter tours leaving from a pier 200 yard away from our boat every 15 minutes! Yesterday we had a great ride along the esplanade and ended up at the botanical gardens. Unfortunately it was late in the day and so we planned to return this morning to explore. However we woke up to a downpour today that dampened our enthusiasm. I guess the gardens will have to await another trip. Instead we went for a walk around town when the rain settled. and realized the best place to stop for a snack and a drink was right at the marina where we started.

The forecast for the next few days looks good so it is time to leave. The water tanks are full, we will pick up fuel on the way out and hopefully enjoy a short 24 hour sail to Lizard Island.