Gone Cruising

We decided to stay another night at Bryans Bay after hearing the Retour was turning up and wanted to say hello. With perfect NE winds we anchored tight into the corner overnight. Early morning the wind swung to SW making the anchorage vey uncomfortable so at 5.30 we pulled anchor with lots of other boats to head across to Morey's Bay for protection. Waiting for the wind to change to the predicted NW we headed off in a strong wind warning for Triabunna.

The wind was strong 20-25 knots gusting to 35 knots, we motor sailed and had the genoa up as well. Nearing the fascinating Lle des Phoques island(see photos) the lower fuel tank ran out-so taking about 2-3 mintues to drop some fuel from the upper tank and bleed the air out with 35 knot winds as the island came nearer thankfully the motor came to life.

As the winds became more consistent we reefed the genoa to number three until the winds subsided. As we neared the entrance to Triabunna the wind swung to SW-on the nose so we headed into Prosser Bay to anchor and have a much needed sleep.

Terrance J was the sail on the horizon we saw behind us-they tore their main sail on the way over. Calling in on them later that afternoon we offered to get fish and chips from the township of Orford (pop. 400). Travelling in on our tender up the river we called out to some revellers on a beautiful power boat called "Bar Runner" if we could tie up on their jetty. Asking directions to the fish and chip shop, the owner handed over his car keys and told us the directions. Finding the car - a mercedes (oh la la) we drove in style and picked up our meals. Having a few drinks with Keith and others on Bar Runner our way back. We were invited to go fishing with them near Maria Island with them.

Arriving back at our boat Janelle and Michael (Terrance J) came over and we enjoyed our fish and chips and wine in company. All heading off to bed early-this sailing is very tiring (or are we getting older?).

We have been told by the locals that water supplies in Triabunna suitable for drinking-are best at the sailing club or where the tugs moor is the best water-the other water supplies are marginal and have quite an after taste.

Leaving at 1pm Bar Runner collected Paul and I from Cockatoo II on a beautiful sunny day with Karolyne, Leith, Wayne and Keith heading to the southern end of Maria Island. Karolyne set a cracking pace catching most of the flathead, there were also a lot of red gurney(a mallot was the best way to deal with this fish) as well-most horrible looking fish and quite poisonous.

Later called into Chinaman's Bay to have lunch- entree -gurney and flathead sashimi (yum). Lunch-Keith cooked a delicious meal of flathead whilst looking over the white white beach and blue waters in this pristine bay.

Arriving back to Prosser Bay -Bar Runner tethered to Cockatoo II (not often a powerboat does that to a yacht) until the tide rose enough to get into the river. All came abosrd Cockatoo II for avo drinks. We had a great day. Paul was blown away travelling at 40knots and I think secretly he now has "the need for speed!" He will get over it I am sure.

Monday night we were kindly offered (with Chris and Lilly) to attend dinner at Keiths place. We did borrow Keiths car to travel to Triabunna to provision and check the post at the Post Office, having a beer at the Spring Bay Hotel with Ken from Dolphin III who we saw in the marina at Triabunna.

Dinner was a very swish affair with lobster, abalone, Roast Pork salads, cold meats and lots and lots of drinks. The people who we met on Bar Runner(whom are now friends) were all there. IT was so lovely to be in a beautiful house, overlooking the bay, with great company it made me quite homesick for friends back home. It was quite sad to say farewell, get back into our little dingy heading out across the bay at 11.30pm-thank goodness for Chris and Lilly lighting our way (I had forgotten to pack our torch).

Early morning (very, very early-who gets up that early??) saw a delivery of four lobster -thanks guys! (two went to Azure-Chris and Lilly) and a call from Chris and Trish going out to fish with thier dog Milly. Sailing off to Maria Island soon after-it felt sad to go but we will see them and keep on touch.