Bundaberg 30/06/2017

As I sit here in the cabin and type, we are anchored in The Burnett River, opposite Bundaberg rum distillery. We have been anchored here since 21 June.

Just a quick recap, after our Germany holiday, I went to Derby and had a 3 month working stint in the Dialysis Unit. Gerd stayed upon Kestrel, berthed in Bundaberg Marina, where he stayed until 2nd May. On departing from the Marina he motored up the Burnett River to Bundaberg Slipway where Kestrel was hoisted out onto the dry stand. During this time Kestrel got below the water line sand blasted and repainted, also a new paint job above the water line. We used cork chips for an anti-slip on the deck areas then painted over these. The wheel house roof also got a new paint job. Gerd also replaced our broken head pump, fixed a diesel leak and painted inside the diesel day tank. It all sounds such easy tasks typing it, however, trust me it was not the case, one said good-bye to $10,000 overnight. I guess that was the reason I was away working.

After my 3 month contract in Derby, I returned to Bundaberg to find Kestrel looking a million dollars after all Gerd's hard work. I was only back for 1 week when a much needed trip to NZ was required to visit our first Grandson, Cole James Graham, proud parents Scott and Laura. We spent 5 weeks back home visiting family and friends. This time went really quick and before we knew it we were returning to Kestrel on the dry stand in Bundy.

On returning to Kestrel, we were heartbroken to discover Kestrel covered in bird shit as hundreds of lorikeets had taken to roosting in the evening in the gum trees she was parked under while we were away. 30 mins into returning, a water blaster was borrowed and the cleaning job begun. So much for Kestrel looking a million dollars. Washing down the boat became a morning chore for myself, despite setting up a sprinkler system on the main mast and leaving the anchor light on overnight, the lorikeets refused to move on. Oh well that's life.

So after one coat of primer and 2 coats of anti-foul on below the water line, Kestrel was all set to go back in the water. On 21 June we were back in the water and anchored in Burnett River. We didn't have any luck with fishing, however we were successful with crabbing and very much enjoyed crap for dinner one evening.

Tomorrow 3 July, we plan to lift anchor and motor to the river mouth and anchor overnight, ready for departure Tuesday morning to Fraser Island. The weather predicted for Tuesday is Westerlies 10-15 knots, with Wed & Thurs much the same. I have my new motion tablets "Stugeron" all ready to go, bring it on :)