Day 5 Esperance.

Was up first for a change at 7.30.played dead when we arrived last night so had not seen our new location.

I was quite surprised to see quite pleasant harbour with a modest Marina and a five or so wharf for unloading with a couple of fishing agents establishments.

Greg a local shark fisherman was unloading his catch with his mate on the other side of us ,a very friendly bloke came along and had a tour of the boat Rod went along to have a look at his.Take my truck if you want,Biggs and Mick went off to get some fittings for putting the extra fuel into the tanks and some washers for the taps.

We pottered around doing a few small jobs I checked out the engine rooms.Had breakfast and a shower ashore with new clothes.

Better wander down to the fuel berth and fuel the boat up.Quite interested to see the result and work out the consumption.

Filled up and worked out the numbers,we got a pleasant surprise,7 liters a mile at an average of 13.5 knots.Should make Port Lincoln on the tanks alone,we have 1400 extra as insurance.

All jobs done so called a couple of taxis and went into town to the Pier Hotel for a light lunch,a good meal not large but just right.I had Bronzie fish and chips ,it was nice but have no idea what it was.

Went up to the supermarket for the cooks to buy more stuff and of course the bottle shop.

Called a couple of taxis and back to the boat.

Cooks fired up the new BBQ and got dinner under way,salad and steak finished off with ice cream and chocolate sauce.Some had coffee and sweet biscuits.

During the morning Rod sat down and formulated a voyage plan based on the info we had on the weather and fuel consumption Clouds recommended we take the scenic route again which adds 100 od miles but should be a lot smoother. It also gives us the option of going into Ceduna if required.

The best departure time is mid morning Saturday but the later the better even Sunday would be good but imagine this crew with a whole day with nothing to do !.

Rod and I had a go at fixing the Radar,almost seemed too easy,followed instructions and it seems to reflect what is in the bay ,we will see tomorrow.

The locals told us how to get out of the bay whi ch seems to have a hundred islands.If you Google Earth and look at Esperance you will see.Again almost too easy,told a couple of things to avoid but basically follow the shore and keep at least 8 fathoms all the way to PL.You will be right.

8.45 and all the crew are in bed,some light snoring so better finish up.

Boys on the job. 

Red night at night shepherds  delight,(we hope so) Bugger snoring quite a bit louder !