This blog is becoming a bit same, same. Forecast was for 10 to 15 knots from east, and small swell as good as forecast as we have had in many a week. Started out at 0540 with it rough out the front of Pancake Creek, but with easing conditions and the wind finally went from South to South East to East. Not perfect conditions but enabling us to motor sail at 8 knots which was as good as a win at this point of the journey.

2 hours out of Bunderberg the storm clouds started looming, the wind went back to the South East and started to pick up. By the Time we turned for the Entrance channel at Bunderberg it was approaching 30 knots and pouring with rain, with very confused lumpy seas.

Clear Horizons, who had a sleep in, were half an hour behind us, they managed to slide in behind the rain that hit us, but recorded over 33 knots of true wind.

Once we turned down wind for the marina we where surfing up the shipping channel at 8 to 9 knots. With all the motoring we had done since Townsville we needed to get fuel, Don and Suzy with a hand held VHF were at the Fuel wharf to grab a line. After docking we proceeded to spend $1050 on diesel to re-fill the tanks.

We had booked a berth which was on the other side of the fuel dock for the night to catch up with the crews from Storm Dancer and Vamonos and was going to be free as marina guest are given an 11.5 cent/lt refund on fuel purchases.

By the time we had finished refuelling, the wind now up around 25 knots blowing straight into the marina, had lines of waves coming in tossing the dock and boats around like so much drift wood.

This was when I had an attack of the sensibles and abandoned the idea of trying to get into the marina pen and made the call to head up river and anchor. Dropped anchor and showered, jumped into the dinghy to head back to the marina, of course it started raining on the way just for good measure.

Fresh seafood platters from the local fish co-op had us enjoying a very pleasant evening aboard Vamonos with Suzy and Don.



Del and Craig from Storm Dancer also joined us.



A good night was had by all.



Off at 0600 today to head down into the Great Sandy Straights. Radar already showing rain squalls - this trip just keeps on giving. NOT.