We have been feeling a little like we did all those years ago when Shauna was 2 weeks overdue to deliver our first son – people were constantly calling and asking: “Haven’t you had it yet?”. So it has been these last two weeks prior to leaving Sydney. We had intended being away before now, but several things delayed us.
Most importantly, goodbyes to our two sons and their girls – Tom and Amanda in Canberra, and Matt and Jane in Sydney.
John has had to deal with some upheavals at the Foundation – this has been a real strain emotionally and did consume a couple of days with unproductive activity. In the end, he just decided to leave it. Good call!
A couple of last minute boat tasks added a day or two, in particular getting a cover made for our new liferaft (we have bought a new “Great Circle” raft from Brisbane – great service from a very motivated agent). People ask “Are you happy with it?” Well, let’s hope we never get the opportunity to form an opinion!
Then, the weather! Finally we got a forecast of good strength Southerlies to carry us up the coast. Today, we set off from the Squadron with a predicted 15 to 20 knots from the South. What we got was 5 to 8 knots from the North – on the nose! So we did what any self-respecting cruisers would do – we motor-sailed to Barrenjoey Head and ducked into Coaster’s Retreat for the night, and we hope for something more suitable in the morning. We have a full moon at present and this will be nice to have for the rest of the two days to Coffs Harbour.