Palm Isles
04 August 2013 | Orpheus Island
Val
We had 5 wonderful nights in Horseshoe Bay before heading to the Breakwater Marina in Townsville for 2 nights. Because we only draw 1.15 metres we don't always take a lot of care when approaching marinas thinking they need to accommodate mono's so we will be fine. Both entering and departing this marina at low tide did have us travelling very slowly as we only had .2 of a foot underneath us for quite some way in the outer harbour.
Day one had us hiring a twin cab ute to enable us to transport the enormous amount of alcohol purchased from First Choice (hurray, at last a decent grog outlet) and supplies from the supermarket to last the next 10 days or so. We really did get excited having a choice of 3 Dan Murphy's and 1 First Choice and we kid ourselves that these supplies will last until Sydney!
KB and Carol dog sat one night and we had dinner out, a rare treat with Tiges on board. Townsville is a very pretty and tidy town and we are looking forward to another visit to explore more.
After a visit from "Grubb" to service both engines, we headed back to Maggie for another 2 nights and caught up with yet more Shaggers for drinks on the foreshore. KB and Carol only managed to sample 6 ice cream flavours so a return visit is required to sample the complete range.
We enjoyed an overnight stay at North East Bay at Great Palm Island with 3 cruisers for company. On arrival the constant swell was concerning, but to our great relief it completely disappeared in the evening and we all enjoyed a great night's sleep. Rick and I walked/jogged on the beach in the morning and could not believe just how beautiful it was. This beach rivals Whitehaven in the Whitsundays. We will return to this beautiful bay.
Today we motor sailed to Orpheus Island and are now on a mooring in Little Pioneer Bay. The tall ship "South Passage" has just anchored next to us; we were in the berth next to it at Rosslyn Bay. It is a sail training ship operated by the Qld Education dept. When we went aboard at Rosslyn Bay we were amazed at just how spartan it was - pipe cots, no privacy and very basic facilities.
Tomorrow we head towards Hinchinbrook, may stay at Zoe Bay or continue on to Dunk Island. At the moment we are having the most fantastic calm weather and will continue to push on to show KB and Carol as much as possible.