I thought I should update you all especially the non Facebookers on Bohemian, the 1977, 26ft Folkboat Bill bought on Gumtree. She was on a mooring in Port Stephens and a few weeks ago he went down to move her across to Albatross marina engineless, install the engine he repaired and lift her out for antifouling. After all those jobs were completed, he returned recently with youngest brother Chris to sail her north.

Bohemian has a mooring waiting for her in a Iluka. Unfortunately the winds weren’t favourable and with a stop at Hat Head the boys only got her as far as Coffs Harbour.

Yesterday Captain Underpants planned to sail her solo to Iluka stopping at North Solitary islands for a rest. Again the weather Gods decided to increase the strength of the southerly winds and throw in thunderstorms and heavy rain and lighting for good measure. So we drove back to Iluka. The plan is to wait for another weather window with nice weather with winds less than 20 knots. A crew member would be good as Bohemian has no self steering. Another adventurous bloke would be good because princess Linda prefers comfortable Valiam.

I remember when we sailed up the coast in 1980 in a 24ft Van der Stadt we stopped at Coffs for a while. We met a young man on a folk boat who is a dwarf. There was enough head room for him!

This was the 3rd Women Who Sail Australia Gathering in Nelson Bay, Port Stephens. And what a wonderful few days it was! I got to hang out with a crowd of warm hearted and funny women sailors in a 3 bedroom apartment on the waterfront walking distance from the Gathering. ( I think there were 9 of us at one stage!) So many inspirational women attended including Charlotte Kauffman who flew in from the USA of Rebel Heart fame. So honoured to meet her and hear her incredible story of courage when she and her small children and husband were rescued from the middle of the Pacific Ocean. And then our own Lisa Blair who sailed solo around Antarctica. I couldn't help remembering speaking to her live at last years Gathering then the shock of her dismasting in the Southern Ocean 2 days later. But with her determined spirit she soldiered on to complete her mission.
I also enjoyed early morning yoga each day with the lovely Leanne Hembrow feeling blissful and calm among so many wonderful women.

Meanwhile my darling Captain Underpants was preparing to sail his recent project boat Bohemian, a Folkboat with his brother to Iluka.

An eventful and memorable few days in Port Stephens. Pic is of me, Linda with Lisa and Charlotte

Bohemian is a 26ft Folkboat built in Australia in 1976. She is currently moored down in Port Stephens. This project is a Gumtree one this time! Bill has been down to work on Boho in preparation for her sail up the coast to Iluka. She needed a hip tow over to the boatyard as the engine was still in the car after Bill repaired it at home.

She had a large number of barnacles which he removed and with a day’s work painting on antifoul and back in the water to get her engine in and going. Still some adjustments to be made.

So soon she will head out to sea for the 200 or so nautical mile trip up to Iluka where a mooring has been allocated. Bills bother Chris will be crew this time while I, Linda will support and cheer them on from land.

I’m currently on holidays with my friend Jackie. We’ve been to Bali plenty of times so thought we would explore Lombok. And what a great decision it was too. It’s quieter, very few tourists where we’ve been and the scenery is magnificent. We have explored small guest houses and accommodation at the northern end right around to the east coast of Labuhan.

The first place was Rinjani Beach Eco Resort where we had our own bamboo cottage on a black sand beach. So quiet and good for the soul. Cheap and friendly with home cooked meals. Next was Pondok Siola on the east coast to go snorkelling with Enam. He filled the car and boat with his mates for the ride! I love the outrigger boats here. It was a great day out but unfortunately my snorkelling experience was spoiled by a nasty jelly fish sting. I eventually recovered and we enjoyed a picnic on a little island of Lombok fare of fried fish and vegetables.

The best thing about Pondok Siola was wandering into the village and chatting to locals. Our blonde hair stood out but it was too hot to wear a headscarf and I didn’t feel right doing it. Lombok is predominantly Muslim so every morning we are woken by the call to prayer followed by the roosters!