Bowen Strait
06 July 2012
June 20, 2012....We left Valentia Island and had winds over 20 knots and steep wind waves as we approached Bowen Strait. Other cruisers in our 'Darwin' group were going around Crocker Island to avoid Bowen Strait--not us 'cause we like excitement or we're nuts--you decide. The strait is wide but has some shallow areas in it. It does cut off alot of distance to travel--and we are cuckoo for cocoa puffs anyway--so we went for it. As we entered the strait it was nice and wide and the rough wind waves died down. It was really not too bad--until we had to pass the large reef in the center of the strait. We were following the recommended passage staying close to Crocker Island when the bottom started coming up fast. We had 0.1 foot of water under the keel for about three minutes before we found deeper water. We made it through the strait without any other problems--although Sherry and I needed fresh underwear! We passed down the coast to Port Essington bay where we found our friends on Sea Eagle II anchored at Black Point. Ian on Sea Eagle II was very happy as he had beaten us here-- we usually leave them in our wake. Ian had pulled a two night 'overnighter' to get here first. We will leave tomorrow for Alcaro Bay and our prep to cross Van Diemans Gulf, Beagle Gulf, and into Darwin.