A member of the crew is AWOL, missing since last night. He was here at the marina about 1930 when we returned from shopping at Woollies. As we approached our dock, the two animals had escaped the boat and were excitedly waiting at the gate, some distance down the dock. It was exciting for them but alarming for us! They were so pleased to greet us. They had squeezed under the netting, even the large animal. We ought to have locked them in after that but we assumed with abundant food and fresh water available here, that there would be no more escapades. Coco left some time in the night and hasn't returned yet and it is now 1430 on Sunday. We had planned to sail north this morning to Southport up the coast, but we are waiting on the boat for him to return....or not. The rocks surrounding the Marina attract nesting pigeons. The noise and smell must have been too wonderful for Coco to bare. Hopefully he hasn't gone as far as Mutton Bird island, where there are chicks and where the park rangers could trap him and put him down. Exit one Coco De Mer. He may have used up his last life.

The last couple of days have been busy. My sister Rhonda and husband Richard came up from Port Macquarie, and my brother Ian and wife, Gai drove across from near Tamworth to visit. I presume Shonandra passed all inspections. What a great day. I returned to Tamworth with Ian and Gai to see my elderly parents, who are now 96 and 97 yrs. I drove back again to Coffs Harbour yesterday in a rented car.

Still waiting........John and Ginni