September 13th 2007

Well, here we are still at Kawana Waters Marina, Buddina, Queensland, Australia conveniently located to Linda's work, shopping centre, boatyard, our house (with Liam and boys renting it) the beach etc...



It's a pleasant change here from being moored in the river. Linda was not used to the vigorous exercise rowing ashore in freezing July weather (it did get down to 1 degree!) getting wet landing avoiding sharp oysters as well as hurting her back dragging the dinghy up. Putting dry clothes on in the park like a hobo trying to look respectful for work was not amusing. So the marina is luxurious! No rowing, hot showers, no noisy pilot boats going past in the night etc etc. I guess it makes one appreciate things that are often taken for granted. Bill is mostly in Ipswich working and staying in the house there. We've spent the last couple of weekends there doing a few renovations before we instal tenants. Linda has enjoyed the TV and usual conveniences found in a house. The problem is now that Linda's back and hip are needing physio. We better get going before she needs a hip replacement or needs a wheel chair!



Many friends and family have been asking about PIRATES! Rest assured we are fully prepared. Linda has an assortment of costumes with false beards etc so it looks like Bill has a crew of several men. We will also try to acquire some form of pepper spray . I believe it has been used to scare off grizzly bears in Canada so should work quite weel in the event of unwelcome visitors. This should do the trick. Flares are handy too especially those parachute ones!



We are rethinking very carefully the need for a lot of electronic gadgetry. Yachty friends of ours lost theirs twice during lightning strikes. Insurance seems such a waste of money - you can buy an awful lot of food, beverages and entertainment for $5000. A new mainsail and storm jib are being made so Valiam will be sailing at her best. Other purchases will include another big anchor, spares for the engine and anything that might break. A quick haul out for a final clean and antifoul and we'll almost be ready. A trip to the travel doctor is also booked to have any vaccinations we need plus lots of drugs for any kind of ailment or emergency. (and also loads of sea sick medication for Linda) A few more jobs on the boat include shelving for books and 'things' as well as extra fuel tanks. (we will probably have to do a bit of motoring in the tropics and the Red sea)



Linda has been buying interesting tinned food. Bill can't wait to try the cottage pie! This will be supplemented by the many fish we will catch and fresh food traded with the indigenous people. Linda's surplus clothes will be good for trading as well s torch batteries, elvis cds and anything else we find we wont need. (eg shoes)



Our plan is to head for Townsville as soon as the winds are favourable. Townsville has the added advantage of being where our adorable granddaughter Caylan lives (oh yes and daughter Vashti, husband Craig and their delightful dogs Belle and Charlie. Belle and Charlie were so helpful last time taking my clothes off the line and leaving them in the garden beds so I wouldn't have to reach up so high. So thoughtful)



It should be around a 4 day trip to PNG (Samarai, Louisaides) if we wait for the right weather. If we successfully arrive in PNG we will head for Palau - great place for diving and snorkelling. (If for some reason the weather is unkind to us we may have to wait until after the cyclone season and go across the Indian ocean instead........keep fingers crossed)



We've started stocking up on Lonely Planet guides, pilot books etc. We will probably get electronic charts as well a some paper ones. The laptop will be very useful for logs, photos, movies, charts, emailing (when we get to port) etc. Lets hope it keeps going and doesn't get wet and refuse to work.



Hopefully these last few weeks will be stress free. I have a case of champagne - that should help. Looking forward to catching up with everyone around here before we go.



Until then..................all is well on board Valiam!