Lesley
02/23/2012, Laughton's Beach, East Kangaroo Island

Over the last two days we have started to make our way south along the west coast of Flinders Island. Last night we were at Roydon's Island where Phil dived with success for abalone, which we had with some fresh fish he had caught for our dinner. A pretty spot but the anchorage there is a bit shallow. The trip to Roydon's started out nicely with comfortable wind which died off a bit so we put the spinnaker up as the wind direction was just right, but alas it died off altogether and we had to motor for a few hours. The salt water pump which cools the engine (impeller), stopped working which required some quick work by Phil to replace it. A few minutes and we were under way again. Today we did a short trip to East Kangaroo Island, zipping along at 7 to 8 knots. Had a leisurely afternoon walking on rocks and baking bread, and intend to get to St Helen's by Sunday, via Preservation Island and Eddystone's Point.

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Lesley
02/21/2012, Erith and Deal Islands, Kent Group

We explored Erith Island, walking across to the other side for a beautiful view over where we had sailed through the previous day - could see as far as the Hogan Group. The anchorage was very pretty, although weedy bottom so again we laid two anchors. Very calm night in West Cove. Next day we motored across Murray Pass to East Cove, Deal Island. another weedy bottom but this time, thanks to another experienced yachting couple, we found a patch of sand in which to anchor. Had a swim and drinks with Gayle and Alan from Geelong Yacht Club. Next day was spent exploring Deal. A very steep walk up to the caretakers residence with a stop off at Telstra Corner (seat where one gets best reception) to check phone messages. Glorious views of our anchorage - white sand then green and blue water surrounded by red rocks, and Erith Island across the pass. Chat to caretakers and some other yachties from tassie, surrounded by very friendly wallabies. Walked up the even steeper path to the lighthouse (and I mean calf tightening steep) to fulfil one of phils's long held ambitions. Sensational views of Bass Strait and the various islands. Phil also walked down to the WW 2 plane wreck just near the lighthouse. When we returned, the caretakers had prepared tea and scones for us, would you believe. They do it for all their visitors. so we sat around their kitchen table and chatted for quite a while. Apparently there is a long waiting list to do a stint as caretakers, and we an understand why. Everything we have heard about Deal Island is true. It is just beautiful. We ended the day with a BBQ on the beach, using the facilities there- great wood fired BBQ with wood supplied and tables and chairs right on the beach in front of where we were anchored. This was followed by a port sitting out on deck enjoying the milky way before falling into bed.

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02/20/2012, Erith Island

TodAy was a day of milestones: we managed our first night at anchor in fairly windy conditions, passed the southern most tip of mainland Australai, and did our longest leg across Bass Strait. Winds overnight in Oberon Bay blew 20-25 knots as forecast, gusting up to 28 knts. We knew this was coming which is why we were anchored in there and had put in two anchors. These held very nicely. However it was a noisy night, so a restless sleep.

By 7am the winds had dropped,again as forecast, so we set off for the Kent group of islands as planned. We started off well with only the main up and had good boat speed. it was a milestone mement when we passed the tip of Wilson's Prom and saw the lighthouse in a bit of misty cloud and realised that is the southern most tip of mainland Australai. we were treated to the sight of a (smelly) herd of seals sunning themselves on a big rock.

Unfortunately, the wind dropped off and the afternoon pick up that was forecast did not eventuate and so we had to motor for 8 hours to reach our destination - Erith Island which is next door to Deal Island.Although crossing Bass Strait the seas were very cAlm and we were almost always in sight of some island or rock formation. The dolphins sent out the welcome pArty and we eventually anchored in West Cove on Erith Island, listening to the cricket on the ABC radiot would you believe. No phone or Internet reception - doing this a few days later where we have reception. So we end the day with a real sense of accomplishment. all the planning we hAv done and all the little things that Phil has done to the boat in preparation have paid off and so we have had a great start to our trip.

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Lesley
02/17/2012, Oberon Bay, Wilson's Prom

After a restless night in a rolling bay which conjured up nasty thoughts about the day ahead, we dropped off our mooring in Cleeland Bight at 4am and slid into Bass Strait heading for Wilson's Prom. Conditions were beautiful under a starry sky and light winds. That set the tone for a day of very pleasant sailing during which we averaged 5knts. We had visits from a pod of dolphins and large flocks of shearwater birds as the day warmed up and we shed our layers of warmer clothes. By 5.30pm we were snuggly anchored in Oberon Bay - a gorgeous spot with white sand, large rocky outcrops, and crystal clear water, and not a soul in sight. just Phil, me and Sandpiper.

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02/15/2012, Cleeland Bight (Phillip Is)

We had everything today. Calm conditions for traversing Port Phillip Heads early this morning, followed by a brisk sail on relatively calm seas. Wind came up as we passed Cape Schank and had to put reef in main. Wind speed instrument stopped working at about that point. Eventually wind died down and then out, so we had to motor for a while. But to finish the day we had a lovely sail approaching Cape Woolamai - it really was a magical afternoon. Now tucked in on swing mooring in Cleeland Bight which has nice sandy beaches - hopefully will get to walk on them tomorrow while wait for the right conditions to go to Wilson's Prom.

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02/12/2012, Yarraville

Food and wine are prepared, clothes are packed, Sandpiper is ship shape. On Tuesday, we go to Queenscliff and then off to Wilson's Prom on either Wednesday or Thursday. Our long planned for cruise to Tasmania will start.

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