After several hours of officials being onboard Meander, they were cleared to enter Australia and the quarantine flag was lowered. Three people came on board - immigration, customs, and quarantine - and it was all very civilized and easy, no problems at all. When the quarantine guy was going through the cupboards he stood up puzzled and asked how they managed to cross without any food. Their reply was....the Vanuatu-Bundaberg weight-loss program and they were only lucky they didn't get a westerly that prevented them making it to Oz. In actual fact, Ray has scoffed all the remaining fruit and veg before coming into the dock because it all would have been confiscated.

Sam and I had to wait a couple of hours before the guys could come off the boat. Ray did a double take when Sam went up the dock to take his lines...Sam's a little larger than when Ray saw him in the Caribbean in March. All the guys were keen for nice long, hot shower and then we settled in at the marina cafe for lunch. Pete and Brian were already coming home with us but Ray had not committed, waiting to see what the requirements of customs was in relation to importing the boat. As it turned out, the valuer was on site and gave us a valuation that we were happy with and Ray decided to come home with us too. That's a good thing, cos there was a heap to do at home before his welcome home Halloween Party this Saturday.

Our 39 ft Prout Escale catamaran is now for sail. Go to www.boatpoint.com.au to check her out.

Meander is now nestled safely on a dock at the back of a private home in Mooloolaba having a well deserved break from her long voyage over the best part of four years. Sadly, she's for sale and is advertised on boatpoint.com.au but we'll be moving her over to the Mooloolaba Marina and holidaying on board for Easter. We certainly still carry fond memories of our life aboard.