An anxious afternoon an evening spent in Hervey Bay dodging the thunderstorms and waterspouts. Must admit I was very nervous when we read the Higgins storm chaser weather post and realised we were very close to the predicted path. Pleased to report that we faired well and upon departure this afternoon didn't have too much river debris to dodge. Spending the evening at South White Cliffs before we start heading south tomorrow 👍

After a lovely couple of days anchored off Kingfisher Bay, today is definitely a stuck inside day! Not complaining too much as we know how desperate everyone is for rain. Plus side is Captain Chaz has a freshly made date loaf for morning tea and the boat is getting a fresh wash down. Looks like an afternoon of finishing a good book. Just goes to show you all that not everyday is perfect when you are on a yacht 😬🌨☔️

"Let's get away in September" says the Captain, winds are softer and weather will be kinder for the crew. Okay, so that hasn't quite worked as the northerlies are blowing at 20 plus knots and making sailing challenging for a reef visit. We have spent the last few days in Port Bundaberg and reacquainted ourselves with the town and surrounding areas. We are berthed next to the fuel berth so are also interested in the fuel bills of the big motor cruisers and both agree our fuel bills are much better at around $150 for a fill up! We have seen some cruisers take on $4000 of fuel, must have big credit cards 💳. My bird friend is even finding the weather a bit too much making it difficult for him to dry off his big wings. We have met lots of interesting people all in the same situation as us waiting for the winds to ease so we can get back out on the water. Off to botanical gardens tomorrow and then hopefully will be off on Wednesday. Fingers crossed 🤞

Well what a show we were given this morning as we departed the bay. A mother and her calf were very content circling the yacht and the little baby was very happy showing us her broaching skills. It's always difficult to catch on camera but did get a few good shots today. Had to motor most of the day but did get a couple of beautiful sailing hours as we approached Bundaberg. Will stay a few days and wait for the blow to pass and pray for the right conditions to get out to the reefs next week. Plus side is I get to go to the great Bundy markets on Sunday. Fish are being very tricky for the captain to snag so will have to get a seafood platter in port this week 👏😩

For those unfamiliar with sailing, "time and tide wait for no one" and the last few days have seen us up and moving early to catch tides. The up side of this has been rewarded with a couple of beautiful sunrises and an extra cup of tea on route.

We departed Mooloolaba on Friday and had a pleasant motor sail up the coast. We crossed the Wide Bay Bar without any issues and spent the night at Inskip Point. The following morning was spent watching hundreds of cars being continually loaded onto three running barges for their short trip across the point to start their 4WD holiday adventures. Was great to see so many people out enjoying life.

Early this morning we crossed Sheridan Flats and have anchored up at Kingfisher Bay for the evening.

Have had the toys out today, with the captain on the SUP and I have paddled the ski. Captain had an up close and personal with a whale and her calf in the bay and I snuck back behind the boat as it was a little close for my liking 😂😂🐳🐳. That will teach him for being over adventurous !

Ran into a couple of Kirra surf clubbies at the resort , as you do and we are now kicking back with a couple of sundowners 🍻. Got to love holidays ❤️.

Lovely to be out sailing again, and we are pleased to introduce our newest team member "Splash" the drone. Splash was a gift from Sam and Dan and we are hoping that giving him this name will be a positive omen and he won't end up a casualty of the Coral Sea 😬. After an extremely trying day on the water yesterday, with winds punching well above the forecast, we arrived safely into Mooloolaba, very very wet, exhausted and glad to tie up to a marina berth for the evening. Today is still very windy so we have opted to stay in port and dry ourselves and equipment out for another day. Hopefully tomorrow will see us back out on the water and able to relax a little more as we head north. Welcome aboard 2017 blog followers 👍