Hamilton Island- Whitehaven Beach and Border Island.
Made passage from Thomas Island to Hamilton Island Marina to
give our young crew sometime on land, resort style.
We got a fantastic
berth right next to the yacht club in amongst the rich and famous luxury
yachts. We did look a bit feral, crew
and boat. So after a restful night and
long showers for the crew we had a polish and scrub of the boat.
Made passage to Whitehaven Beach, a great smooth gentle sail
which I enjoyed on the helm.
Whales in the distance breaching and of course the usual
Turtle that pops its head up every time we anchor as if to say “hey Dude” which
makes for interesting hand signals from the anchor wench back to the captain.
The weather warm and sunny, the seas calm, no swell and no
wind we were able to anchor off the beach along with about 30 other yachts and
boats, who also took advantage of the great boating conditions.
It’s great to have the young crew on board with David and
Jacqui keeping us entertained. A bonus is
a chef on board with David happy to whip up some gourmet treats.
In the evening we caught some fish and entertained by the
squid catching by Terry and Jacqui.
Of course, the usual mayhem with black squid ink all over
the cockpit, helm and my cushions after we had cleaned everything in the
morning.
David and I prepared the squid and did a cook up. I think it might have been a little wrong to
be cooking and eating salt and pepper squid whilst we were still catching them
but life on the seas is about making good opportunities with what you have at
the time.
The next day we headed to the Border islands. We have never been able to get to these
remote islands off Whitehaven beach as they are notorious for being difficult to anchor off as they are unprotected from about every
condition. The depth of water is up to 40 meters, less than 10 meters off the
shore with menacing cliff faces beckoning for you to come closer if you dare.
Seas clam no wind and no swell we made an opportunity to
anchor in the small bay on the eastern side of the island to be rewarded with
fantastic coral gardens full of all species of tropical fish with crystal clear
visibility.
Leisurely lunch prepared by Chef David, and then we made
passage through Hook passage to Stonehaven Bay which is just around the corner
from Blue Pearl Bay.
In all our times coming to this area we have never seen the
water and conditions so smooth.
As I write this blog, all crew still in bed a sleep, the
first sleep in we have had, so I am making some apricot and apple pastries for
breakfast.
Another day in paradise.
I keep grounded in the knowledge that it’s not always
cocktails at sunset. I count my blessings for having wonderful weather, good
crew and “Sens de la Vie” still performing with no major problems.
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