Its now late afternoon, Monday the 18th of July. And Im probably going to be heading out in the early morning, perhaps as early as 2 AM, headed for the very tip of Australia. Tomorrow's plans calls for either starting in the dead of night in order to make 100 miles to Cape Bedford before dark tomorrow. Or, head out at first light, head for a coral anchorage known as Low Isles only 30 miles ahead and hope I meet reasonable winds such that I can get Shearwater anchored.

This darned 'high' that has kept me here for over a week is apparently weakening and with it the winds. Unfortunately, right inline behind it is another. So Im going to take advantage of the classic marine 'weather window' and scadoodle - sounds Australian!

My plan calls for getting to the top in about a week with 4-7 stops in sometimes questionable anchorages on isolated islands, all part of the Great Barrier Reef. I have to be honest, this is not the leg Im looking forward to. Highish winds, bad anchorages and big wing-masted catamarans don't make for tranquility. But, I cant stay in Cairns forever and maybe this week is about as good as its going to get.

I will be traveling up the inner side of the Great Barrier Reef and, in fact, sharing it with the 'big boys' - it's a major shipping channel that takes them and me alike to the top and back. Navigationally, one has to be very awake, as the shipping channel is quite narrow at times and an oversight will put one on an unexpected island or reef rather quickly not to mention, staying on right side of the 'road'.

I will be reporting as I needle my way up this circuitous inner barrier reef channel. Now, as I look out my windows from the galley, Im heartened to see the winds, perhaps, only perhaps...slowing!