WALKING THE AISLES
17 July 2011 | Cairns, Australia Day 31
david
Today, I walked the aisles in the local chandlery, slowly, studying the many pieces of equipment that were sitting before me on the shelf, easily in reach now but wondering which of those many crucial parts would I suddenly and desperately need when far, far out of reach. My somewhat uncomfortable train of thought was then interrupted upon hearing two fisherman lamenting the weather: "Its too damn strong and too damn endless this year." Just my sentiment, I thought, being glad I was not the only one cursing the never ending strong tradewinds and the commensurate warnings.
And it's all a little unpredictable. Just three days ago, I had 'packed' the boat and was ready for a early 3AM departure Then, just as dark hit, the 'weakening winds' were suddenly once again, upgraded to a 'strong wind warning', this time for the whole east coast of Queensland. Another high pressure had stepped into the arena on the southern shores of the continent and we, in the northern part, were treated to another 'high pressure ridge' and, once again, 25-30 knots.
So, today it was back to the books, studying the charts and the difficult navigational challenges in the 400 miles or so to the top of Australia. Once again, I was scouring the charts for that one shoal I may have missed, that one rock or that errant depth.
But there's good news. Apparently, this last high pressure is now heading off shore into the Tasman Sea and the weather reports promise a 'weakening' in the next days.
And tomorrow? Well, I know one thing - I will definitely return to the chandlery and, as the wind howls outside, I will slowly walk the aisles wondering and guessing...what will be.