Thursday 29 August 2013

Central Queensland Islands

Well we are lucky that Em keeps the boat well stocked with food and cooks gourmet meals because we haven't caught a crab or fish despite lots of trying. Not to worry, it's fun having a go.

We've covered a bit of water lately. First stop was Port Clinton where we deployed the crab pot to no avail. Lots of strange swirling currents in this part of Shoalwater bay kept us looking intently at the water ahead as we entered the Port.





Trying to catch dinner

Paddleboard in the anchorage
From here we went up the coast for a night at beautiful Pearl Bay where we enjoyed swimming off the beach and watching the scenery.

Next stop was Middle percy Island which was just amazing. We anchored off another beautiful white sandy swimming beach after a fast sail with a following breeze and numerous whale sightings. We also enjoyed some great dolphin action along the way with a pod including 2-3 young ones.

Dolphin Watching

Aratika 2 at anchor

Percy Island Coconut

The island was a great stop and we walked the 3 1/2 km up to the homestead where caretakers and leaseholders live. Here they farm veges, goats, have chickens for eggs and make honey. It is an island paradise and we really enjoyed the warm hospitality and cup of tea at the homestead.
Aratika 2 Crew


Percy Island Homestead
Ava and a local


Percy Island West Bay

Down at the beach there is a large A Frame structure with a BBQ and fireplace and small signs from thousands of yachts that have passed this way. The girls got motivated and we made an Aratika II plaque for the hut.
A Frame

From Middle Percy we sailed a short distance of 20 miles to Digby Island where we had a great afternoon ashore at the beach and were the only boat anchored in a lagoon ringed by three islands.
Beach to ourselves


The next day we sailed to Mackay, winding through many ships waiting to load coal at the massive Hay Point terminal, to arrive at the Marina and after 40 mins waiting for an oil tanker to depart we were able to enter the harbour and tie up.

Luckily this ship is at anchor!

The next few days will be a busy time of maintenance, washing, shopping and school before heading into the Southern Whitsunday Islands.


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