Coffs and Yamba - Clarence River

We left Port Macquarie a couple of days ago overnighting at Coffs Harbour where we anchored beside the old jetty. We are currently at Yamba which is a little town at the mouth of the Clarence River. We planned to travel down the river as there are some really interesting stops but the bridge over the Pacific Highway which we would need to get opened is closed for 6 months while they do repairs :( We can still travel 8 nmiles up river so will spend a night at the bridge and do some walking.
Travelling up the coast from Coffs we passed the Solitary Islands which are environmentally protected and span for about 40nmiles, very popular with divers. The first picture shows South Solitary Island - there are several others dotted around.

Reaching Yamba in the Clarence river was a challenge as we had to navigate through a convoluted, narrow and shallow channel, to a marginally wider bay which was already quite full of boats. We eventually found somewhere to lay anchor from where the second picture was taken. As this shows we've had some slightly stormy weather while here, apparently side effects from a tropical depression up in Queensland.

Just as we were thinking we can do this everything is getting easier we managed to gaff (puncture) the dingy when coming up to an old wharf. The picture below shows David cleaning (which was overdue) and repairing it which took a while. The other pic shows me sporting an eBay purchase which I thought would come in really handy: a fold-up bike. This is the first time we have used it and could be the last as its a bit of a palaver getting it off the boat and set up.

Australia Day - Port Macquarie

A short hop, 15 nautical miles up the coast to Port Macquarie. We were slightly more anxious about the bar crossing at the entrance than usual as we read in the cruising guide this bar can produce more rogue waves than most, thankfully it was really calm so no drama's. In true Aussie fashion we flew the flag on Australia Day only to be out done by a group of parachutists that gave us quiet a fright landing right beside us on the beach. The day got pretty busy as small boats jostled for position to watch the days entertainment which was raft racing down the channel and bands. Just as we were taking in the sights along came party barge anchoring right in front of us. We must be getting old as we decided to head back to the boat for some peace and quiet, really sad! Next stop Coffs Harbour in a couple of days.

Camden Haven

This photo shows a two mile stretch of water known as Camden Haven Inlet which is part of a delta system. We are anchored bottom right opposite the town of Laurieton unable to proceed into the system due to a low bridge. We certainly can not complain we have 10+ pelicans flying around, dolphins swimming past and pubs, cafes and shops just up the road. This is certainly a very beautiful part of the country.
The first night we experienced two thunder storms and reasonably large hail which sounded like bullets hitting the boat, another reason to buy steel as no damage was done :) we also have been able to see Avatar in 3D which was brilliant! We plan to head off at the weekend as want to see a few bands on at the local hotel tomorrow night. We have been told its going to be a sell out - how exciting, a big night out!

Beautiful Port Stephens

Port Stephens is one of our favourite weekend getaways so being able to cruise around the bay looking for dolphins with no specific agenda was a treat. We had one surprise on our first day here. Though we planned our route through the channels carefully we ran aground when passing to the south of a south cardinal marker! Luckily it was just sand and our engine reversed us out after a few tense minutes. Phew!, another lucky escape, and a good lesson that sand banks can move and in this area it pays to give channel markers a bit of leeway.

Overall this has been a cruisie stop. The weather has been very hot for a couple of days then changed to drizzly today giving a nice relief to the temperature. We have also been able to pick up the tennis which is starting to get addictive. This week has been the run-up tournaments to the Australia Open which starts next week - a luxury having the time to watch.

The pictures show use leaving Port Stephens, not a very nice day. The other shows a rescue we witnessed at Broughton Island as we were travelling up the coast: looked like their engine wasn't working so were getting towed in.

Lake Macquarie wrap

Had lots of fun in Lake Macquarie. First night we anchored at Wangi Wangi and headed to the RSL for a couple of well earned beers, where we ended up winning the meat raffle. Archie was very happy to pose next to our prize; unfortunately he's just had a very bad haircut.

Next day we did a very slow 4 hour sail down Lake Maccquarie averaging about 2 knots with just the yankee out. A very relaxing way to enjoy the scenery. It is by and large a beautiful area, though there are several power stations around the lake that make for good landmarks.

We had an early start next morning in order to get through the channel at the 6am high tide. Then through Swansea bridge and out over the bar en route to Port Stephen's. The picture shows Swansea bridge and gives a good idea how narrow it seems when passing through. We were certainly concentrating on staying mid channel at this point.

We had the best sail so far up to Port Stephen's with little swell and 15kts of wind just aft of the beam. We passed the port of Newcastle on this leg which must have 50+ tankers waiting outside. Must be a strange job waiting on board one of these monsters to head into port.

Arrived at Lake Macquarie

On leaving Sydney we took down our only Chrissy deco (thanks Karen for the pressie) in case it got broken and headed to Pittwater, anchoring at Brisbane Waters. We can't believe this is the first time we have been here! We have had Samurai moored in Pittwater for the last three years and never explored this area and will definately be back.

This morning we woke to a grey day at 6.30am ready for our next jump to Lake Macquarie, 40 nautical miles up the coast. Being back in familiar waters and the experience gained sailing to Eden and back had lifted our confidence and we now intended to cross two bars, navigate a narrow channel and pass through a bridge! No problem!!
I'm writing this in Wangi Wangi a small bay in Lake Macquarie: we never imagined how huge the area was with several sailing clubs, RSLs and Marinas so we won't be spoilt for anchorages.

Below is Swansea bridge that we called the coast guards to open for us in order to get through to Lake Macquarie.

Happy New Year 2010

Happy New Year to everyone following our blog. We have spent a very relaxing few days with friends in Sydney and are now back on the boat heading to Pittwater later today.
Over the next 5 months we will be sailing to new destinations and reaching our ultimate goal, the Whitsundays, around 1000 nautical miles up the coast. Our rough aim is to do two moves a week which should see us in Brisbane by the end of February.