Saturday morning Bluglass and Arkaydes headed off to Gloucester Island to get away from Airlie and the up coming Southerly blow. I wanted to watch the V8 car races Saturday and Sunday and could not remember if TV coverage was OK up there. So stayed put at Airlie Saturday. The report from the advanced Party was reception good.
Sunday morning at 0230 the wind got up to 30 knots and had us dancing around at the end of the anchor chain. I went back to bed at 0330 as it seemed to ease a bit but was back up at 0530 with it blowing again. The reports from different boats in the vicinity told of shall we call it some exciting times through the night as the wind in a marina at Mackay had built up to 52 knots.
0800 decision made to move, we needed to refill our water tanks (so we needed to be in some deeper clean water to run the water maker). We also had for loads of washing that needed to be done, so we started the generator and got ready to depart. The strong wind was from behind us as was the swell, so as soon as clear of the mooring field we unfurled the head sail and turned the motors off and away we went at 7.5 knots. Water maker making, washing machine washing and generator generating. Toast and OJ for breakfast as we speed towards Gloucester Island. 3 1/2 hours and 24 nautical miles later we decided to back track to the Monte's anchorage as it was way calmer than out front of the resort where the others where anchored.
We arranged to meet at 1300 for some music and lunch on the beach, the only problem was the reef was at low tide so Kathy and me had to take the dinghy around the outside of Shag Islet to get ther from our anchorage. Lets just say it was a very lively ride where one passenger (not me) spent more time in the air than with their bum on the seat.
Burgers, Beer, Red and White wine was all sampled through the afternoon and was not found wanting. Back to the boat this time the short way across the now flooded reef in time for a good Sunset, while watching the Sunday car race, I had recorded while ashore for the afternoon.
Probably as good a day as one could wish for chores done, socializing ashore followed by a calm anchorage to sleep in for the night.
What will today bring.