Arrived in Dover

14 hour trip to Dover. Pleasant conditions, sun and wind!

Rafted up to a friendly cray boat.

Exploring Bathurst Harbour

After a night in Schooner Bay we headed off to Casilda Cove. A small but sheltered anchorage from the prevailing north westerlies. Nick and Sally walked up Mt Balmoral to enjoy the spectacular views of The Bathurst Harbour and Channel. A great night was had aboard The Secretary with Tom and Leanne- Beef Rogan Josh, Butter chicken, cauliflower and potato curry, pappadums and yes for dessert- ice cream and liqueur !

The next morning we departed for Claytons Corner. Lots to do and see and also a safe haven to ride out the forthcoming cold front. Not long after arriving we headed off to explore Melaleuca Inlet by dinghy. An hour journey upstream, navigated by a series of Melaleuca stakes to avoid the sandbars. We tied up at the jetty and took the Needwone Boardwalk, full of history of the local aboriginal tribe from times past. Beyond this is a track to the house built by the fabled King family. Further on is the airstrip, catering for around 5000 visitors per year- bush walkers and day tourists.

The next morning we headed to the jetty to explore the "Clayton's cottage and take the hike up Mt Beattie with fantastic views over Kings Inlet and Melaleuca Inlet, returning aboard to weather out the cold front- a busy afternoon with several boats dragging anchor and repositioning themselves.

Today we have made our way back down to Schooner Bay and plan to leave at first light for Dover with a favourable weather window.

Heading to Port Davey

Our planned overnight stay in Strahan after leaving the Gordon River was put on hold after some contact with the fleet as we made our way back down Macquarie Harbour. The weather pattern was moving faster than expected and an opportunity to leave on Saturday evening had opened. Our plans changed, we headed straight for the fuel dock at Strahan, arriving around 1630hrs. Nick and David refueled, filled the water tanks and the cellar whilst Mavis, Rosie and Sally headed to the supermarket to reprovision- something of a dash all around!

We departed around 1745 keen to make the most of daylight to exit Hells Gates. the visibility was poor, low cloud and rain. We were met with a souwesterly swell of 2 m and little wind, so motorsailed overnight in sloppy conditions and arrived at Port Davey,anchoring at Schooner Bay early afternoon.

The Secretary in Schooner Bay

Internet free zone!

For the past week we have had the freedom of no internet.

Our journey up the Gordon River was cold and wet,but what else does one expect in a cool climate rainforest! After entering the mouth of the river at the eastern end of Macquarie Harbour, we made our way up to Heritage Landing and had a brief stop to enjoy the short nature Boardwalk. Continuing on we navigated up to St John Falls and rafted up against Summer Wind and The Secretary with Ingenue joining us shortly afterwards. Wet weather gear was the dress of choice for cocktail hour. Great to catch up with Robyn, Julie and Shane from Da Sec.

Overnight the rain persisted and by morning someone had "turned the tap on" , the falls were thunderous and the river was flowing. We headed upstream against a 4 knot current and much large debris- significant tree trunks and branches- with the aim of seeing " Big Eddy", the first of the Rapids and perhaps even tie up to a tree and throw the anchor out for the night. However, we decided against staying upstream and made our way back to St John Falls. Most of the fleet were back in Strahan enjoying a beach BBQ, so we invited the Ingenues to join us for dinner. Delicious hamburgers cooked by Tom, steaks by Nick, mixed roast veggies ans green salad were enjoyed by all.

Pizza and champagne for lunch traveling up the Gordon

Heritage Landing

Rafted up at St Johns Falls

Off to the Gordon River

Spent last night in Mill Bay sheltered from the 40 knot winds recorded at Strahan. Yesterday Rosie, David and Mavis explored Strahan, weather is cool, wet and windy. Today we are off up the Gordon River. Currently making slow progress into heavy chop and winds of up to 25 knots in Macquarie Harbour. Looking forward to the river shelter!

Strahan

Waiting for day light to come through Hell's Gate and along Kelly Channel yesterday assured safe entry and enabled us to appreciate our surroundings in morning sunshine. We are all enjoying the scenery around this beautiful bay and viewing the old township as we swing at anchor. 

Strahan

Motorsailed most of our way to Macquarie Harbour- the vagaries of the southern ocean! Arrived too early to transit Hells Gates so spent a few hours in Pilot Bay catching some zzz's. Beautiful conditions through the entrance and up the Kelly Channel to Strahan. Lazy lunch, washing, refueling and provisioning was the call of the afternoon. Now planning our next few days in and around Macqarie Harbour and the Gordon River.