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Lady Musgrave Island

Conditions were far better than my last visit in 1991 when it was impossible to leave the yacht because of strong winds. I rowed out to the outer reef to snorkel and swim with the turtles whilst David cooked a roast dinner. Left on 6^th for Pancake Creek with a 20 knot wind putting the gunnels under water. At 14.00 hrs sighted the Young Endeavour. I last saw her in 1998 when I raced against her in the Tall Ships race to Tasmania. Left PC and tied up in Gladstone Marina in the afternoon.

On 10^th Aug we sailed the short distance Graham Creek to await the tide for the ‘Cattle crossing’ in the Narrows. Made it to Barkers Creek then on 12^th to Keppel Island where the Resort wasn’t operating. Good winds over the next few days had us making easy sailing anchoring at Pearl Bay, Hexham Island then South Percy Island where I was able to gather a few oysters.

On the 17^th it was a short sail to West Bay, Middle Percy where I met Cathyrin, the cousin of Andy. SEE STORY OF MIDDLE PERCY ISLAND ON LINKS PAGE.

On 19^th a 20 – 25 knot wind had us in the new MacKay river marina in quick time after sailing through 25 large ships, some moving. An obvious sign of the mining boom helping Queensland finances.

A lack of wind on 22^nd Aug. meant we had to use the engine to reach Brampton Island where we anchored and spent the afternoon at the resort. The next day we set off for Thomas Island but had to abort the trip due to very strong winds and anchored again at Brampton where the holding is good. Despite the strong wind we made Thomas Is. the following day in lumpy seas.

Sailing to Airlie Beach via ‘Unsafe Passage’ I was surprised how many new buildings, including high rise, had been built on Daydream Island. The Marina at Abel Point had been extended and the one at Muddy Bay was under construction. A very different picture to the way Airlie beach used to be.

The next week was spent visiting a number of Islands in the Group and collecting oysters which are still available despite the popularity of the area for yachties. The skipper had arranged for his son and grandson to join him so it meant a flight home after an enjoyable month.