The last day dawned fine,we had a light breakfast,the catering was spot on ,not much left.
We motored out of the bay on the way to Rat Bay,after the muddy anchorages in Port Davey the crew had offered to run all the anchor chain out and clean the anchor well.Well I could not refuse an offer like that,getting down in there is a bit of an effort so all contributions gratefully accepted.
We ran the chain right out and they pulled the mats onto the deck and hosed the mud off,there was not as much as we expected but now slick and span.The counter was being affected by it also so now that works well again.
They then turned their attention to the rest of the boat,the old saying of many hands make light work is definitely true.They had been working on it for a couple of days now and then.Masterpiece is cleaner than when she started the trip I think.
We arrived back at the club about one and got the gear off,people coming and going for an hour or so,Biggs dog Bill arrived and took up reisidence on the marina to supervise.
We got the dinghy off in the pen before Jerry arrived and eventually finished our chores.
This Circumnavigation was a bit challenging as far as the weather went,quite a few days lost to adverse winds,some on the east coast and more after leaving Beauty Point.
Masterpiece travelled 1298 miles
Used 5026 liters of fuel which worked out at about $648 each person per leg.
Along with food and a little grog it is a cheap holiday well under $100 a day.
Interesting to note the cost has been under this amount for the last ten years or so.
Crews
Hobart to Beauty Point
Bruce Craw
Ralph Wells
Ron Neave
Tamar to Strahan
Tony Rowell
Chris Michael
John O’Rielly
Strahan to Hobart
Tony Chamberlain
John Chorozy
Peter Holmes
All in in all a good trip,thanks to all involved.
Regards Perk.
Friday 22 March 2019
Cygnet to Barnes Bay.
As with most crews there is someone who is an early riser,on this leg it was Pete,the dinghy was in the water so he went up to Cygnet for a few things.We had finished our second loaf of homemade bread and needed some for the ashore BBQ in Quarantine Bay tonight.
The rest of the crew struggled up ,the skipper being last after finishing another day on the blog.Had the cuppa and juice when Peter arrived back.
Choroz cooked up all the leftovers for breakfast.There being no hurry we slowly got going,the two skiffs with lady crews rowed past on their morning exercise,chattering away as usual,we see them each year,the Cygnet seemed to be an addition from two years ago.
Motored slowly ,10 knots towards the channel,Biggs and the crew in command while I did another day on the blog.
Arrived at Quarantine about three and anchored in a good spot.I had a nana ,the rest reading and contemplating a clean up of the boat.
Slowly the boats trickled in and anchored,about fifteen I suppose by going ashore time.The cruise ship Coral Discoverer was in the bay with people ashore at the Quarantine Station,they departed late in the afternoon.
The function ashore was well attended ,three of the club BBQ’s going flat out.Interesting to note two filled with Peppers and Zuchini,not to my liking!
As we had assisted with lighting the fire we felt a bit responsible towards putting it out but it was obvious some people were going to kick on well after dark we retreated to the boat for a coffee and left them to it.
As Jerry said the last night is a bit nostalgic but I am sure we will get over it.
Louisa to Cygnet.
The morning dawned grey ,the weather a typical Easterly with clouds right down over the peaks of the mountains.Got going to pull the pot,only one small cray.We had nine in the freezer so would have some for the crew to take home.Our ships allowance in the eastern zone was ten so not so bad,the thing which was missing were the scale fish,only a few silver Trumpeter,no Stripies and no flats.
Thought we might go along the coast a bit for breakfast, had a look at the Cyclade Island anchorage but the swell was in there,next was Lousy Bay,still no good ended up in the little nook in Deadman’s Bay on the western side for our last breakfast before civilization.
Had an hour off before getting under way again,Prion Bay the next on the list ,a popular anchorage on the eastern side,not today as there was a big sea in there breaking well out off the shore. Along past Surprise Bay to Shoemakers Bay and South Cape,I had not been right into South Cape Bay so we did a tour,a fisherman friend of mine had a week fishing here once so I was interested to see what it was like,there was one bay off a creek he described,it was one of the better anchorages we saw this morning,he would have been comfortable there,plenty of bottom along both shores to fish.
Around South East Cape and Whale Head,the crew keeping a keen eye on their phones as we were about to come into range ,no reception since clearing Sloop Rocks on the west coast.
Eventually the pings started,no major news however,just connecting with families and associates.
Up past Lookout Point and around Fishers Point,giving it a wide berth as it has a deceiving reef on the end ,and into Recherche Bay,saw a couple of boats in Cockle Creek and as the Pigsties were straight ahead went in there for lunch.
Saw Michael Vaughan enjoying his recent retirement with his yacht,paddled over after catching his lunch.
Choroz was getting our lunch when I heard an aircraft just as I got a message from my son James,where are you?I called back to the North East,my wife had flown down along the coast yesterday looking for us in perfect weather but as we were out at the Mewstone had missed us.James suggested she had another try today and so here they were,the cloud was a lot lower so they had to be spot on to find us.
We were tucked away in the Pigsties so they did a good job to find us ,with a waggle of wings they were away before the cloud closed in on them,the Par Avion planes were a lot lower along the South Coast heading for Melaluca earlier today.
Had lunch and got under way for Cygnet,called up Napea to confirm they could take the inside Passage out of the bay as they had been delayed after doing a rescue of a small tinny out of fuel off Fishers Point.Towed him into the launching ramp the last bit with their dinghy.
Motored up to Cygnet to get ready for the dinner at the Cygnet Sailing Club which is always a great event,Tracey came down to represent the yacht club ,Peter was glad to see her,came on board for a while,My Lesley ,my wife drove down also for the dinner,good to see her after five weeks away.
As usual on these trips you meet people even on the last night and this one was no exception.
Had a nice meal,the deserts are the highlight as the volunteer ladies produce a mind boggling array,I saw some pigs going back three times!
Well all good things come to an end,I saw Les off and we went back to the boat,I had my customary cup of tea and some of the crew a little stronger nightcap.
Photo South Cape from a different angle most people see it from.
Thought we might go along the coast a bit for breakfast, had a look at the Cyclade Island anchorage but the swell was in there,next was Lousy Bay,still no good ended up in the little nook in Deadman’s Bay on the western side for our last breakfast before civilization.
Had an hour off before getting under way again,Prion Bay the next on the list ,a popular anchorage on the eastern side,not today as there was a big sea in there breaking well out off the shore. Along past Surprise Bay to Shoemakers Bay and South Cape,I had not been right into South Cape Bay so we did a tour,a fisherman friend of mine had a week fishing here once so I was interested to see what it was like,there was one bay off a creek he described,it was one of the better anchorages we saw this morning,he would have been comfortable there,plenty of bottom along both shores to fish.
Around South East Cape and Whale Head,the crew keeping a keen eye on their phones as we were about to come into range ,no reception since clearing Sloop Rocks on the west coast.
Eventually the pings started,no major news however,just connecting with families and associates.
Up past Lookout Point and around Fishers Point,giving it a wide berth as it has a deceiving reef on the end ,and into Recherche Bay,saw a couple of boats in Cockle Creek and as the Pigsties were straight ahead went in there for lunch.
Saw Michael Vaughan enjoying his recent retirement with his yacht,paddled over after catching his lunch.
Choroz was getting our lunch when I heard an aircraft just as I got a message from my son James,where are you?I called back to the North East,my wife had flown down along the coast yesterday looking for us in perfect weather but as we were out at the Mewstone had missed us.James suggested she had another try today and so here they were,the cloud was a lot lower so they had to be spot on to find us.
We were tucked away in the Pigsties so they did a good job to find us ,with a waggle of wings they were away before the cloud closed in on them,the Par Avion planes were a lot lower along the South Coast heading for Melaluca earlier today.
Had lunch and got under way for Cygnet,called up Napea to confirm they could take the inside Passage out of the bay as they had been delayed after doing a rescue of a small tinny out of fuel off Fishers Point.Towed him into the launching ramp the last bit with their dinghy.
Motored up to Cygnet to get ready for the dinner at the Cygnet Sailing Club which is always a great event,Tracey came down to represent the yacht club ,Peter was glad to see her,came on board for a while,My Lesley ,my wife drove down also for the dinner,good to see her after five weeks away.
As usual on these trips you meet people even on the last night and this one was no exception.
Had a nice meal,the deserts are the highlight as the volunteer ladies produce a mind boggling array,I saw some pigs going back three times!
Well all good things come to an end,I saw Les off and we went back to the boat,I had my customary cup of tea and some of the crew a little stronger nightcap.
Photo South Cape from a different angle most people see it from.
Wednesday 20 March 2019
A day on the South Coast.
Pulled the pot from the dinghy,only one cray a bit of a disappointment,one imagines the place would be crawling with them.
Had breakfast,decided we would potter around the south coast today,first up was the Maatsuyker group of Islands,went over to the North side where the view of the light and houses is.This is where the fishing boats anchor behind an island,they can have it.
Next we moved around the back to where the landing is.There was an AB mother ship anchored there,the divers off somewhere else. On the way we passed Walker Island which looked a bit more friendly Anchorage.
Heaps of seals on the landing.Flat calm in there.
I had not been to the Mewstone Rock so as it was a top day we motored out the extra six miles or so.
On arrival interested to see boats everywhere,counted six or maybe eight in the general area ,a cray boat setting gear about two miles further SW and other small boats on the radar.There was a small one fishing half a mile from the rock and another larger one tuna trolling.Having heard there were plenty of stripies there we had a go,also trolled through a big patch of birds but to no avail.Spent four or so hours there.
One thing surprised me was the size of the rock,viewed from the route across the bottom it looks substantial but in real life it is a lot bigger.
Pulled the pot we had set on the way out and got a nice cray.
Motored in towards Round Top and Flat Top Islands for a closer look.
Anchored behind De Witt Island in Boat Inlet where a woman lived ashore for a year or so once.
Put the dinghy in and Pete went for a swim and go some abs.
As we were leaving the red fishing boat setting gear out wide showed up anchoring for the night,swap you for the weekend he called out to Biggs.
Left for Louisa Bay and put the pot in on the outside of the Island,saw a boat setting gear on the inside so tried the outside.
There had been a constant stream of fishing boats all day making their way to the West Coast,some having a shot on the way,the weather had finally come right after a couple of weeks of big SW swells.
Anchored in behind the Island with a couple of other boats for the night,only Napea and Charlie’s Dream around as the rest of the cruise had bolted.
Had breakfast,decided we would potter around the south coast today,first up was the Maatsuyker group of Islands,went over to the North side where the view of the light and houses is.This is where the fishing boats anchor behind an island,they can have it.
Next we moved around the back to where the landing is.There was an AB mother ship anchored there,the divers off somewhere else. On the way we passed Walker Island which looked a bit more friendly Anchorage.
Heaps of seals on the landing.Flat calm in there.
I had not been to the Mewstone Rock so as it was a top day we motored out the extra six miles or so.
On arrival interested to see boats everywhere,counted six or maybe eight in the general area ,a cray boat setting gear about two miles further SW and other small boats on the radar.There was a small one fishing half a mile from the rock and another larger one tuna trolling.Having heard there were plenty of stripies there we had a go,also trolled through a big patch of birds but to no avail.Spent four or so hours there.
One thing surprised me was the size of the rock,viewed from the route across the bottom it looks substantial but in real life it is a lot bigger.
Pulled the pot we had set on the way out and got a nice cray.
Motored in towards Round Top and Flat Top Islands for a closer look.
Anchored behind De Witt Island in Boat Inlet where a woman lived ashore for a year or so once.
Put the dinghy in and Pete went for a swim and go some abs.
As we were leaving the red fishing boat setting gear out wide showed up anchoring for the night,swap you for the weekend he called out to Biggs.
Left for Louisa Bay and put the pot in on the outside of the Island,saw a boat setting gear on the inside so tried the outside.
There had been a constant stream of fishing boats all day making their way to the West Coast,some having a shot on the way,the weather had finally come right after a couple of weeks of big SW swells.
Anchored in behind the Island with a couple of other boats for the night,only Napea and Charlie’s Dream around as the rest of the cruise had bolted.
Tuesday 19 March 2019
Schooner to Ketchem Island..The seals were about too so
Woke reasonably early,only a couple of boats still in Schooner.
Had breakfast and got under way,could see the cavalcade on the AIS once we cleared the Breaksea.Went inside Swainson Island which cuts off a bit and has a better angle to the swell than going around the Carolines.Set a course for the East Pyramid,Caught Molly and Jerry already.
Went around the Pyramid intowards the Mutton Bird Islands.I had not been in there before was interested in having a look,a lot bigger area than I had imagined,nearly no SW swell but not all that deep where they anchor.The fishermen anchor quite a bit further out off the shore than us amateurs tend to do.I suppose they are wiser after bad experiences and their fish like a bit of movement.
Had a cup of coffee and tried a fish but with the normal result.Moved on down to Island Bay and the Windowpane Bay.A beautiful bay but still a swell rolling in today.
Set a course for one of my favorite Strpey spots,Boneys.Six miles off shore on the way to SW Cape.
Arrived in good time to have a good fish,still a bit of sea on but still not too much drift,I had set my big reels up before we left so we were ready to go,tried all my previous areas to no avail,I had been back here at the cray season opening with the same result,I suppose if they are not here you can’t catch them there were seals about too so you could not guarantee landing one even if you got one on.
On the last VDL the result was the opposite.
Reluctantly left for SWCape ,quite a lot of bird life so we put the tuna lure in,not much happened until we rounded the Cape a couple of hundred meters off,Strike was the call!The boys played it for quite a while before it spat the hook out.We put it back in and before long had another one on ,got him up to the boat but the line broke so lost two,Put a new lure on but no more strikes.
Remarked we could have put Biggs ashore and got a photo it was so calm,regretted afterwards we did not,have not seen a person standing on SWCape.
Toured around the shore towards Tolopea Point and into Ketchem Bay.Showed Peter the anchorage there.
Motored in behind Ketchem Island for the night,Biggs put the pot and net in ,we pulled for some Trumpeter and bait fish.
Had breakfast and got under way,could see the cavalcade on the AIS once we cleared the Breaksea.Went inside Swainson Island which cuts off a bit and has a better angle to the swell than going around the Carolines.Set a course for the East Pyramid,Caught Molly and Jerry already.
Went around the Pyramid intowards the Mutton Bird Islands.I had not been in there before was interested in having a look,a lot bigger area than I had imagined,nearly no SW swell but not all that deep where they anchor.The fishermen anchor quite a bit further out off the shore than us amateurs tend to do.I suppose they are wiser after bad experiences and their fish like a bit of movement.
Had a cup of coffee and tried a fish but with the normal result.Moved on down to Island Bay and the Windowpane Bay.A beautiful bay but still a swell rolling in today.
Set a course for one of my favorite Strpey spots,Boneys.Six miles off shore on the way to SW Cape.
Arrived in good time to have a good fish,still a bit of sea on but still not too much drift,I had set my big reels up before we left so we were ready to go,tried all my previous areas to no avail,I had been back here at the cray season opening with the same result,I suppose if they are not here you can’t catch them there were seals about too so you could not guarantee landing one even if you got one on.
On the last VDL the result was the opposite.
Reluctantly left for SWCape ,quite a lot of bird life so we put the tuna lure in,not much happened until we rounded the Cape a couple of hundred meters off,Strike was the call!The boys played it for quite a while before it spat the hook out.We put it back in and before long had another one on ,got him up to the boat but the line broke so lost two,Put a new lure on but no more strikes.
Remarked we could have put Biggs ashore and got a photo it was so calm,regretted afterwards we did not,have not seen a person standing on SWCape.
Toured around the shore towards Tolopea Point and into Ketchem Bay.Showed Peter the anchorage there.
Motored in behind Ketchem Island for the night,Biggs put the pot and net in ,we pulled for some Trumpeter and bait fish.
Last day in Port Davey
Up early to pull the pots,up anchored and steamed the couple of miles to Around Earles Point in Payne Bay.
I always ping them on my plotter to give the exact spot .As we arrived to a flat sea everything seemed in order,the two buoys with their white marker buoy and green blow up were where we had left them.
Pulled the first one ,only a rat so threw him back,all Hope now on the second one,Biggs threw the grapple and Peter ran the line through the pot hauler,Choroz tidied up the grapple line and buoylines.
Shock horror,the line came in with no pot on the end,bugger.The two places where the bridle was connected to the pot had chaffed through.We thought maybe they had a workout up at Hibbs as it was still pretty wild when we fished there.We had not noticed any wear and to think both of them had failed at once was an unlucky break,it looked like they had both been cut through but there was no one around who would do that.
We bugger again,better go and have some breakfast.Went up towards Fitzroy Point and anchored off the Islands.
During the morning we decided on a plan ,go back down and see if we could pick it up on my little down vision sounder,Biggs spliced a stronger line onto the grapple and we saw Molly steaming up after putting a pot down for a dayshot near Coffin Bay.
Gave him a call on the radio to see if he had a viewer,of course he had an excellent one which we borrowed.
Now we have everything for a shot at retrieving my newest pot.I steamed over the plotted spot and marked it with a sinker,fishing line and my Cold Power plastic bottle.
Biggs and Peter got into the dinghy and mucked about for an hour but no luck,the sounder was no help and the water had the brackish divide which only looked blue when looking through the viewer.
The long strands of kelp did not help either.(good to see them however as they are the endangered type ).
Gave up and decided to go up the bay where quite a few vessels were anchored exploring the Davey River by dinghy.
Saw my brothers boat anchored and went over but the were up the river.Returned Molly’s viewer to Nancy as she went past.
Tried to barter a pot off Andrew for a couple of crays but they upped the anti so no deal there.
Choroz had started making bread so we hung around ,a couple of the crew went part way up the river for a run.Left about three but Molly called up and said he would dive on it later on.I gave him the numbers but we decided if he was good enough to have a go we would hang around.
We remarked the spot with the Cold Power and anchored nearby.
Crispian showed up and he expertly anchored on the spot.He has a small DC Hooker compressor.
Got into his wetsuit and jumped in,Biggs and Peter assisted in the dinghy and Nancy was the dinghy boy in the hose.
After quite a while he was forced to give up,although the bottom was only five meters deep the visibility was poor with the brackish water and another hazard was the string kelp tangling his lines.
Everything was the same colour which did not help.
We were grateful for his efforts though and as it was now getting late it was time to go.
Molly was rewarded though,when he pulled his pot he had a nice haul,definitely out fished that day!
I had seen Jerry go inside Kathleen Island on the way up and thought I might try the shortcut on the way back,got a bit nervous going into the narrow entrance but proved to be ok,a nice big sandy bay in behind Boil Rock.The sea now going off ready for the mass exodus in the morning.
Anchored in Schooner for the night,vessels giving Jerry their plans for the early morning start on the radio sched.
Amazing place Port Davey,I have been going there since I was 14 and still find new things to do.
.
I always ping them on my plotter to give the exact spot .As we arrived to a flat sea everything seemed in order,the two buoys with their white marker buoy and green blow up were where we had left them.
Pulled the first one ,only a rat so threw him back,all Hope now on the second one,Biggs threw the grapple and Peter ran the line through the pot hauler,Choroz tidied up the grapple line and buoylines.
Shock horror,the line came in with no pot on the end,bugger.The two places where the bridle was connected to the pot had chaffed through.We thought maybe they had a workout up at Hibbs as it was still pretty wild when we fished there.We had not noticed any wear and to think both of them had failed at once was an unlucky break,it looked like they had both been cut through but there was no one around who would do that.
We bugger again,better go and have some breakfast.Went up towards Fitzroy Point and anchored off the Islands.
During the morning we decided on a plan ,go back down and see if we could pick it up on my little down vision sounder,Biggs spliced a stronger line onto the grapple and we saw Molly steaming up after putting a pot down for a dayshot near Coffin Bay.
Gave him a call on the radio to see if he had a viewer,of course he had an excellent one which we borrowed.
Now we have everything for a shot at retrieving my newest pot.I steamed over the plotted spot and marked it with a sinker,fishing line and my Cold Power plastic bottle.
Biggs and Peter got into the dinghy and mucked about for an hour but no luck,the sounder was no help and the water had the brackish divide which only looked blue when looking through the viewer.
The long strands of kelp did not help either.(good to see them however as they are the endangered type ).
Gave up and decided to go up the bay where quite a few vessels were anchored exploring the Davey River by dinghy.
Saw my brothers boat anchored and went over but the were up the river.Returned Molly’s viewer to Nancy as she went past.
Tried to barter a pot off Andrew for a couple of crays but they upped the anti so no deal there.
Choroz had started making bread so we hung around ,a couple of the crew went part way up the river for a run.Left about three but Molly called up and said he would dive on it later on.I gave him the numbers but we decided if he was good enough to have a go we would hang around.
We remarked the spot with the Cold Power and anchored nearby.
Crispian showed up and he expertly anchored on the spot.He has a small DC Hooker compressor.
Got into his wetsuit and jumped in,Biggs and Peter assisted in the dinghy and Nancy was the dinghy boy in the hose.
After quite a while he was forced to give up,although the bottom was only five meters deep the visibility was poor with the brackish water and another hazard was the string kelp tangling his lines.
Everything was the same colour which did not help.
We were grateful for his efforts though and as it was now getting late it was time to go.
Molly was rewarded though,when he pulled his pot he had a nice haul,definitely out fished that day!
I had seen Jerry go inside Kathleen Island on the way up and thought I might try the shortcut on the way back,got a bit nervous going into the narrow entrance but proved to be ok,a nice big sandy bay in behind Boil Rock.The sea now going off ready for the mass exodus in the morning.
Anchored in Schooner for the night,vessels giving Jerry their plans for the early morning start on the radio sched.
Amazing place Port Davey,I have been going there since I was 14 and still find new things to do.
.
Bait fishing and BBQ day.
Had breakfast and as the weather had moderated a bit decided to have a look outside and fish for some bait.The wise people had frozen bait but my freezer is not big enough to have both,we had seven crays in there and needed a few more to get our quota.
Out behind Breaksea Island and there was still a big sea on,went over towards Spain Bay and the shelter of the shore there.
Had a few downers on rough bottom but to no avail,not even a bite!
Went over under the shelter of Swainson Island at the entrance of Port Davey,still no result,Might go to Norman Cove on the way back in but the sea was curling in there so gave it away,so no bait,the pots looking a bit doubtful tonight.
Anchored under Breaksea for morning tea.
The BBQ in Brambles was a midday start so the International Cricket match could be held before the tide came in.
We arrived to see a few boats there and some ashore so got organized and took our RYCT barbecue in and set it up.
The rest of the boats trickled in over the next few hours and things got going.A few energetic people had a game of tip and run but the testmatch did not eventuate.
Some one produced a set of Boules .Jerry and another bloke got going,two different techniques,one rolling ,one using high shots with backspin ,this worked the best because the beach was on an angle.
Later on a very serious lady had a go,there was much debate and measuring going on.
As the afternoon wore on more boats arrived there was quite a mob,thirty boats in the bay.
We left about five and went over to Bond Bay,setting the pots on the way with some bait we scrounged up,I knew Morrie set them up here somewhere when I was here with the Gourmet Farmers .Motored into Bond Bay for the night the wind now abated and back from the North.Had a quiet night.
Out behind Breaksea Island and there was still a big sea on,went over towards Spain Bay and the shelter of the shore there.
Had a few downers on rough bottom but to no avail,not even a bite!
Went over under the shelter of Swainson Island at the entrance of Port Davey,still no result,Might go to Norman Cove on the way back in but the sea was curling in there so gave it away,so no bait,the pots looking a bit doubtful tonight.
Anchored under Breaksea for morning tea.
The BBQ in Brambles was a midday start so the International Cricket match could be held before the tide came in.
We arrived to see a few boats there and some ashore so got organized and took our RYCT barbecue in and set it up.
The rest of the boats trickled in over the next few hours and things got going.A few energetic people had a game of tip and run but the testmatch did not eventuate.
Some one produced a set of Boules .Jerry and another bloke got going,two different techniques,one rolling ,one using high shots with backspin ,this worked the best because the beach was on an angle.
Later on a very serious lady had a go,there was much debate and measuring going on.
As the afternoon wore on more boats arrived there was quite a mob,thirty boats in the bay.
We left about five and went over to Bond Bay,setting the pots on the way with some bait we scrounged up,I knew Morrie set them up here somewhere when I was here with the Gourmet Farmers .Motored into Bond Bay for the night the wind now abated and back from the North.Had a quiet night.
Monday 18 March 2019
In Port Davey
Weather still inclement outside,did a tour of the Bathurst channel after checking out Brambles,the waterfall,Wombat ,noticed the stainless mooring points and red slings have spread to there,a good move to save the trees.Over to Schooner for a look and up to Parker Bay to visit the grave,it is sobering to stand in the quiet shelter of the little corpse of trees imagine the pickle the young man got himself into.
Checked out Casilda Cove,more moorings there and four vessels tied up stern to,reorganising themselves for the predicted blow.
Over to Frogs Hollow for lunch a couple of other boats there.
After lunch went up into Joe Page Bay to have a look at a bay Morrie Wolf told me about for laying out a blow in.
It pays to have a few options these days as there are more than 40 boats in Port Davey tonight and a bad forecast for tomorrow,strong winds,rain and hail,cold temperatures.
We found the Cove he described,it is very similar to Ed’s cove under Mount Rugby.The water is deeper and the Mount Misery I think it is called not so high.There is a stand of trees protecting the SW and. High hill on the NW side.
We left there and went around to check out Kings and Clayton’s,plenty of boats there so motored over to Ed’s Cove for the night.
Had a nice roast for dinner,after 17 years I read the instruction booklet for the oven,amazing the difference when you do it right!
Settled in for a peacfull night ,not so for a few others we thought.
Checked out Casilda Cove,more moorings there and four vessels tied up stern to,reorganising themselves for the predicted blow.
Over to Frogs Hollow for lunch a couple of other boats there.
After lunch went up into Joe Page Bay to have a look at a bay Morrie Wolf told me about for laying out a blow in.
It pays to have a few options these days as there are more than 40 boats in Port Davey tonight and a bad forecast for tomorrow,strong winds,rain and hail,cold temperatures.
We found the Cove he described,it is very similar to Ed’s cove under Mount Rugby.The water is deeper and the Mount Misery I think it is called not so high.There is a stand of trees protecting the SW and. High hill on the NW side.
We left there and went around to check out Kings and Clayton’s,plenty of boats there so motored over to Ed’s Cove for the night.
Had a nice roast for dinner,after 17 years I read the instruction booklet for the oven,amazing the difference when you do it right!
Settled in for a peacfull night ,not so for a few others we thought.
Ed’s Cove to Morries Corner.
Liesurly breakfast ,the weather still showers and misty,had a tour around Bathurst Harbour,over where the North River runs in and towards Swan Bay where the Old river flows,around towards Bathurst Creek where I have heard there are some big Huon Pine trees.The Creek did not look inviting so we gave it a miss.Anchored in Moulters Inlet for morning tea.Midnight Rambler had found a quiet spot just outside the inlet and were going ashore,one of the few Sydney to Hobart racers to have done the VDL Circumnavigation,having a ball I believe , good on them.
Left the inlet just as a rain squall came over,not much cover for the intrepid walkers.
Went over to Clayton’s and anchored for a few hours,climbed up the small hill behind Clyde’s and took some photos.
Met some Sydney ladies in the house,they were on a tour,they were talking about the opera house so assumed their origin.
Inspected Clyde’s Huon Pine tree he planted when I was a boy,I have two at home at Sandfly which I think are about twice as big as his!
My brother told me the friends of Clayton’s were about gathering to do some work on the house when all the visitors depart.For people who have not visited this spot many times the experience must surely stay with them,the Victorian contingent all bought sawdust briquettes in Strahan to get the fire and oven going when they were here,they love it!
Eventually left after an invitation to stay for dinner from Molly but decided there were too many people there and anchored in Clayton’s with the forecast was not to our liking for Clayton’s.
Went over to Morries spot in Joe Page Bay for the night.
Left the inlet just as a rain squall came over,not much cover for the intrepid walkers.
Went over to Clayton’s and anchored for a few hours,climbed up the small hill behind Clyde’s and took some photos.
Met some Sydney ladies in the house,they were on a tour,they were talking about the opera house so assumed their origin.
Inspected Clyde’s Huon Pine tree he planted when I was a boy,I have two at home at Sandfly which I think are about twice as big as his!
My brother told me the friends of Clayton’s were about gathering to do some work on the house when all the visitors depart.For people who have not visited this spot many times the experience must surely stay with them,the Victorian contingent all bought sawdust briquettes in Strahan to get the fire and oven going when they were here,they love it!
Eventually left after an invitation to stay for dinner from Molly but decided there were too many people there and anchored in Clayton’s with the forecast was not to our liking for Clayton’s.
Went over to Morries spot in Joe Page Bay for the night.
Hibbs to Port Davey
Up early to pull the pots,don’t give them time to get out!
Steamed over to the Eastern side of the bay,the swell had gone down a bit during the night,Masterpiece the only boat in the bay as the rest had left for Davey.
Pulled them and bingo ,smiles all round ,ten size and one under.Perfect score as bag limit for a day is five on the west coast.
Back over to the anchorage for breakfast.Left about ten for a tour of places of interest further south.
First was Spero Bay on the south side of Hibbs,the anchorage for a North Wind here.A large bay with smaller nooks to get out of the swell,not much good today with a good SW lump on.
Down along the shore past Endevour Bay to Christmas Cove,the sea breaking well off there on the Point.Around the back of it and into Hartwell Cove,a beautifully sheltered anchorage in a South Wester.A fisherman once told me you will be right in there up to six meters,I said what happens then,he said you should be gone.Had morning tea there.
Up anchored and went over a few hundred meters to Christmas,could have laid there .Had a look at the entrance of the Wanderer River but there was too much breaking water to attempt a dinghy trip.
I have heard it is a beautiful river but have not made it yet.
Left to travel down to the Mainwaring River,I have been in before so no worries there.
Interested to see substantial mooring points established with bright red straps for attaching lines to.
Someone has been busy.The word is you run your anchor out towards the sea and then put two stern lines ashore to stop you vessel charging about when the sea builds.Dont think I would like that much!
There were at least four so maybe room for two boats,what would happen if one boat dragged her anchor I do not know but not very good I would think.
Left there for the Shank,another legendary West Coast anchorage.We got in there ok as the swell was breaking on the shallow spots ang you could easily avoid them.Had a debate on which anchorage would be best in a big blow ,decided neither for us!
Went on down to Low Rocky and on to Nye Bay,the weather now cracking up as the NW wind increase during the afternoon,better head for Davey,visibility now poor so kept well off shore and headed for the Coffee Pot,a large rock off North Head,Arrived at Breaksea and decided no pots in tonight ,went onto Hannants Inlet for the night to cook the crays.
Steamed over to the Eastern side of the bay,the swell had gone down a bit during the night,Masterpiece the only boat in the bay as the rest had left for Davey.
Pulled them and bingo ,smiles all round ,ten size and one under.Perfect score as bag limit for a day is five on the west coast.
Back over to the anchorage for breakfast.Left about ten for a tour of places of interest further south.
First was Spero Bay on the south side of Hibbs,the anchorage for a North Wind here.A large bay with smaller nooks to get out of the swell,not much good today with a good SW lump on.
Down along the shore past Endevour Bay to Christmas Cove,the sea breaking well off there on the Point.Around the back of it and into Hartwell Cove,a beautifully sheltered anchorage in a South Wester.A fisherman once told me you will be right in there up to six meters,I said what happens then,he said you should be gone.Had morning tea there.
Up anchored and went over a few hundred meters to Christmas,could have laid there .Had a look at the entrance of the Wanderer River but there was too much breaking water to attempt a dinghy trip.
I have heard it is a beautiful river but have not made it yet.
Left to travel down to the Mainwaring River,I have been in before so no worries there.
Someone has been busy.The word is you run your anchor out towards the sea and then put two stern lines ashore to stop you vessel charging about when the sea builds.Dont think I would like that much!
There were at least four so maybe room for two boats,what would happen if one boat dragged her anchor I do not know but not very good I would think.
Left there for the Shank,another legendary West Coast anchorage.We got in there ok as the swell was breaking on the shallow spots ang you could easily avoid them.Had a debate on which anchorage would be best in a big blow ,decided neither for us!
Went on down to Low Rocky and on to Nye Bay,the weather now cracking up as the NW wind increase during the afternoon,better head for Davey,visibility now poor so kept well off shore and headed for the Coffee Pot,a large rock off North Head,Arrived at Breaksea and decided no pots in tonight ,went onto Hannants Inlet for the night to cook the crays.
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Sunday 17 March 2019
Satuday,Down to Hibbs.
Up reasonably early for breakfast,now realising better to wait for weather to moderate than going early,we’ll always knew that but the new crew was keen to get going,we just might put the dinghy in and go and land at he Bonnet Point lighthouse for a look.Been past many times but never stopped.
Biggs the coxswain in the dinghy,we did it the hard way going in around the eastern side,not much water but muddled through.
A nice setup behind the island,a small jetty and interpretation plaques with quite a few seats for the penguin parade each night.Des runs tours down there ,no doubt the punters get their money’s worth as there seems to be a strategic light system also.
We went around to the lighthouse where there are a few viewing platforms,we could see Masterpiece in the distance.The Spirit of The Wild was coming down the channel so we gave them a wave and go a toot as they went past,many cameras so we are probably all over the world by now!
Back to the boat and readied her for departure.Pleasantly surprised how much the sea had gone down,still a big swell but the wind had moderated so sea had as well.
No trouble getting around the Cape today,I was going to do a Cooks Tour down the coast but the sea conditions were a lot better off shore so off we went.
Arrived in a couple of hours at Hibbs Bay to find the big swell anchoring off the River not possible.Went down to the Pyramid and as the wind had switched to SW anchored quite comfortably.
Biggs and I had a tour around the bottom part of the bay looking to put the net in for bait,interesting line fishing very poor in this part of the world.Even in really rough bottom we get no fish.
One would think with very big sandy bays you would get Flathead but they must be in selected places we do not know about.
Biggs selected a spot in calm water on the South side of the bay for the net.Returned to the boat for a late lunch.Heard a few other boats on the radio,the exodus had started.
Choroz pulled the net after a couple of hours and had a good haul of Trumpeter and a couple of bait fish,they decided to put it back in.
Had a lazy afternoon,some Vic’s arrived late for a spell and a sleep before leaving for Port Davey about midnight.The weather still not really settled.
Peter pulled the net later and got a couple more Trumpeter.
Biggs baited the pots and we upanchored to set them on the other side of the bay.The swells were breaking well off shore so we could not get where we wanted but I found some bottom well out and set them.
I saw a fishing boat arrive on dark at the Pyramid one other trip,the loaded pots into the dinghy and tore off in this direction,I knew there must have been good bottom as the had many trips ,mainly in the dark.
Back and anchored for the night,six or so boats here now.
Had dinner and turned in ,a busy day.
Strahan to Branson Point.
Up in reasonable time for breakfast,chewed over what to do,the weather. Outside was not the best,strong NW wind all yesterday and forecast 6 meter SW swell,fortunately going down.
Went over to Banjoes for a coffee and a muffin.
Decided to go for a Harbour tour and then have a look,Most of the fleet staying put in the Harbour.
Went over to Mill Bay after the boys wandered up to get a couple of last minute things.Biggs wanted to check out a burnt ab boat like Rods anchored there,caught fire at the jetty bo all accounts,the fire brigade did a good job to put it out.Motored around the bay looking at all the boats there,thought we saw Ron Morrison over on his fleet but we were too far away to be sure.
Decided to go and have a look out side,out through Hells Gates and over the Bar.Not too bad until we got nearly to Cape Sorell,the seas were really really standing up and breaking on the top,copped a couple over the bow ,probably 7 meters,decided disgression was in order and then had to turn round,found a nice flat spot and headed back in,No Hibbs today.
Learned the lesson and anchored in the Back Channel for the night,a couple of othe boats arrived to keep us company,tried to catch some bait but no result.
Had a quiet dinner and turned in.
Anchored in the Back Channel.
Changeover day part two
The new crew arrived ,Biggs Chamberlain,ringleader,John Chorozy and Peter Holmes.
The car was full with their food and belongings so there was no room for grog,a necessary requirement before setting sail,they rectified this by viisiting the bottle shop,I had bought one carton from Hamers the night before but at 70 bucks a carton a different approach was required.
Choroz got on the net and found the Thirsty Camel was a lot more reasonable so took the car up and also replaced the gas bottle and filled the outboard tank.
Eventually the old crew took possession of the car and pushed off for home,the new drier in the laundrymat finished my washing so we were free to have a wander about.
I had a nana and bought the blog up to date and wandered down to the Fisherman’s wharf to see Bill on His new boat GOGO.He has gone from the smallest boat in the fleet to one of the largest!Julie ,his wife loves it! She is timber and an older racing yacht ,goes like a hairy goat at sea.A lot of work ahead of him to get her as he would like it.
Had a beer and a pleasant hour or so with the large contingent of Victorians,nearly half the fleet,Bill is their Commodore and fix it man,and he sure is busy,one nearly sank yesterday while they were sitting on it!My crew brought up a new stern gland to be fitted today.
Back to the pub,we had been told you do not need to book for dinner,open at six.
They were having a beer in the bar when I arrived at five past to find the resteraunt nearly full and a que out the door.
We decided to go back to the boat for dinner.
A busy day.
The car was full with their food and belongings so there was no room for grog,a necessary requirement before setting sail,they rectified this by viisiting the bottle shop,I had bought one carton from Hamers the night before but at 70 bucks a carton a different approach was required.
Choroz got on the net and found the Thirsty Camel was a lot more reasonable so took the car up and also replaced the gas bottle and filled the outboard tank.
Eventually the old crew took possession of the car and pushed off for home,the new drier in the laundrymat finished my washing so we were free to have a wander about.
I had a nana and bought the blog up to date and wandered down to the Fisherman’s wharf to see Bill on His new boat GOGO.He has gone from the smallest boat in the fleet to one of the largest!Julie ,his wife loves it! She is timber and an older racing yacht ,goes like a hairy goat at sea.A lot of work ahead of him to get her as he would like it.
Had a beer and a pleasant hour or so with the large contingent of Victorians,nearly half the fleet,Bill is their Commodore and fix it man,and he sure is busy,one nearly sank yesterday while they were sitting on it!My crew brought up a new stern gland to be fitted today.
Back to the pub,we had been told you do not need to book for dinner,open at six.
They were having a beer in the bar when I arrived at five past to find the resteraunt nearly full and a que out the door.
We decided to go back to the boat for dinner.
A busy day.
Thursday 7 March 2019
Strahan crew change over day.their stuff done
There was movement early in the morning,before seven the Port shower was in action.I was prompted by one of the crew,I thought you were going early to the laundry to beat everyone.
I jumped out of bed and decided to have a quick shave and shower before walking over to the laundromat.
I raided the cash jar for dollar coins for the machines and set off.Arrived with the cleaning lady to find I needed two two dollar coins and a single for each machine.Bugger ,go over to the reception to get change she said.Got sorted and started the washers.Went back to the boat for breakfast.
Returned with the right money for the drier.
The new machine was a beauty ,fitted all my washing in one go .90 minutes to dry it.Went along the wharf were the Harbourmaster was loading for the days trip.
Saw a couple of Police officers walking along the wharf towards Jerry and Dave’s boats,I was making a call to Les at the time.I found out after one of the fleets Personal alarms had been triggered and the port had picked it up.I is really ment for the boats crew to find a man overboard and really quite a local alarm.After a while Dave and Jerry managed to find out who’s it was and switched it off before Canberra was alerted and there was a massive response.They were hampered by people who had their radios and phones turned off.
Returned to the boat,the old crew were in full cleaning mode and had most things off the boat.
We decided to go over to Banjoes and have a coffee.I went and got my washing,there was now a mob there getting stuff done.
Back to the cafe for my drink.
Soon after the new crew arrived and the changeover was happening.
Tony,Chris and John were replaced by a new crew of Biggs,Peter and Chorozy.
Got settled in and had a nice ham roll for lunch.I had a small nana and they went for a walk.I woke up and finally the sun had come out for a while.I got the blog up to date and walked down to the Fisherman’s Wharf to see the Vic’s and have a conducted tour of Go Go,Bill and Julie’s new boat,she sure is a beast.Had a quiet can with a mob on Geelong Magic .
Returned to the pub intending to have a meal there but the que turned us off so back to the boat for a nice steak and salad meal.
Photo.you are being watched!
When I switched my IPad on this morning this greeted me.
Facebook sent me a photo posted two years ago of a Cray catch at Sandy Cape.
Interesting for Biggs joined Masterpiece today and the post was on the same day! Coincidence? I don’t know but maybe not.
I jumped out of bed and decided to have a quick shave and shower before walking over to the laundromat.
I raided the cash jar for dollar coins for the machines and set off.Arrived with the cleaning lady to find I needed two two dollar coins and a single for each machine.Bugger ,go over to the reception to get change she said.Got sorted and started the washers.Went back to the boat for breakfast.
Returned with the right money for the drier.
The new machine was a beauty ,fitted all my washing in one go .90 minutes to dry it.Went along the wharf were the Harbourmaster was loading for the days trip.
Saw a couple of Police officers walking along the wharf towards Jerry and Dave’s boats,I was making a call to Les at the time.I found out after one of the fleets Personal alarms had been triggered and the port had picked it up.I is really ment for the boats crew to find a man overboard and really quite a local alarm.After a while Dave and Jerry managed to find out who’s it was and switched it off before Canberra was alerted and there was a massive response.They were hampered by people who had their radios and phones turned off.
Returned to the boat,the old crew were in full cleaning mode and had most things off the boat.
We decided to go over to Banjoes and have a coffee.I went and got my washing,there was now a mob there getting stuff done.
Back to the cafe for my drink.
Soon after the new crew arrived and the changeover was happening.
Tony,Chris and John were replaced by a new crew of Biggs,Peter and Chorozy.
Got settled in and had a nice ham roll for lunch.I had a small nana and they went for a walk.I woke up and finally the sun had come out for a while.I got the blog up to date and walked down to the Fisherman’s Wharf to see the Vic’s and have a conducted tour of Go Go,Bill and Julie’s new boat,she sure is a beast.Had a quiet can with a mob on Geelong Magic .
Returned to the pub intending to have a meal there but the que turned us off so back to the boat for a nice steak and salad meal.
Photo.you are being watched!
When I switched my IPad on this morning this greeted me.
Facebook sent me a photo posted two years ago of a Cray catch at Sandy Cape.
Interesting for Biggs joined Masterpiece today and the post was on the same day! Coincidence? I don’t know but maybe not.
Wednesday 6 March 2019
Farm Cove to Strahan.t
Today was the day of the planned BBQ at the sailing club,always an institution in Strahan.
We motored up to Risby Cove and anchored about 11am.The function scheduled for 12.
On the way up the Harbour there were quite a few savage squalls,on at 30 knots with hail and rain.
The temperature had dropped to only 9 degrees,One of the mainland boats called the cruise Commodore to enquirer if the BBQ was still on.Of course was the reply,it might be a bit character building though as the half mile walk was into the wind.He then said there is a saying in Tasmania that if you are cold you have not enough clothes on ! needless say there were a lot of absentee participants there.
I was a good show as always,Des the only member for quite a few years had the big old boiler stove stoked up ,you could not get too close to you would get burned.Another feature was they only burn low quality Huon Pine which really puts out the heat.Some took a sample home for a small donation into the club coffers.
Back to the boat for coffee ,Had a chat to Troy Grining as the Harbourmaster had just docked,go and tie up to Guys boat when you get back,contemplated going to the pub for dinner but I could sense a reluctance as it was the last night for this crew,Chris had a casserole to use up so we had that with the last veggies.
Gordon to Farm Cove.
Had breakfast ,still raining.
Cleared up mid morning so all piled into the dinghy,expedition O’Rielly under way ,Jill’s grandfather was a forester up here,they had a hut up above StJohns Falls which had special significance for their family.
Not an easy place to get to but with a bit of effort up the river and a climb up a steep hill we found the ruins of the old hut.John wished to take a few cuttings from the hydrangeas which had survived.They were in flower so easy to find.
The crew from Amica joined us for a chat.We tend to be either ahead or behind the main fleet so do not see many of the crews.
Returned down to the dinghy ,one needs to be a bit carefull or a tumble is on the cards.
One crew member suggested a trip up the river,ok so off we went.We did not really plan this so we had no drinks or even contemplated how much fuel we might have needed.
Needless to say after we had gone up the Franklin as far as we could and then up the Gordon I was getting a bit anxious as wether we had enough fuel to get back.Chris had a look and said heaps left but I still was nor sure,inflatables do not row well and I had noticed the new rowlock I had bought was broken.
As it turned out we had enough fuel and landed to have a look at the waterfall then the old hut a bit down stream .
Back to the boat for our Cray lunch with salad and a bottle of white wine.
Left to return down the river over to Farm Cove for the night,the little bay I like is well sheltered from the expected SW change during the night.The rain started at dusk and came down all night.
Photos Crew of Amica and John getting a bucket of cuttings,justifying digging them up as they were an introduced plant!
Cleared up mid morning so all piled into the dinghy,expedition O’Rielly under way ,Jill’s grandfather was a forester up here,they had a hut up above StJohns Falls which had special significance for their family.
Not an easy place to get to but with a bit of effort up the river and a climb up a steep hill we found the ruins of the old hut.John wished to take a few cuttings from the hydrangeas which had survived.They were in flower so easy to find.
The crew from Amica joined us for a chat.We tend to be either ahead or behind the main fleet so do not see many of the crews.
Returned down to the dinghy ,one needs to be a bit carefull or a tumble is on the cards.
One crew member suggested a trip up the river,ok so off we went.We did not really plan this so we had no drinks or even contemplated how much fuel we might have needed.
Needless to say after we had gone up the Franklin as far as we could and then up the Gordon I was getting a bit anxious as wether we had enough fuel to get back.Chris had a look and said heaps left but I still was nor sure,inflatables do not row well and I had noticed the new rowlock I had bought was broken.
As it turned out we had enough fuel and landed to have a look at the waterfall then the old hut a bit down stream .
Back to the boat for our Cray lunch with salad and a bottle of white wine.
Left to return down the river over to Farm Cove for the night,the little bay I like is well sheltered from the expected SW change during the night.The rain started at dusk and came down all night.
Photos Crew of Amica and John getting a bucket of cuttings,justifying digging them up as they were an introduced plant!
Double Cove to Warner’s Landing.Motore
As often happens on these trips,some days not much happens and others a lot transpires.
Up fairly early and motored out of the cove,thought something must have been up.I could not get VHF reception when we were on anchor.Turned the radio on,got a call from Tas Maritime radio ,Masterpiece,Masterpiece,the operator seemed agitated,called me over and over.
I called back but he seemed not to hear me.Looked up their phone number and called him,please wait he said,I said Masterpiece here,thank goodness he replied.Do you know a boat RG . . . no I said well he is aground south of Sarah Island and has been all night.
The conditions were near enough to a flat calm so we knew he would be ok.I suppose he would not know that though.
Motored around and saw Jerry coming out of Birches Inlet.With the AIS it plots other boats course on my plotter,I thought you are a bit close to that rough ground to the west.As it transpired he hit a rock with his centerboard which jammed it in the case.Now we had two incidents going at once,got the call ,the navigator told me I was a bit close,but I said I have been through here before,well obviously not exactly there.
I got out our stout ropes and put the dinghy in Chris and John ran the tow line over to the stricken yacht.We switched to channel 17 for the operation,naturally Jerry had to put his two bobs worth in .
I said to the skipper had a quiet night,he replied ,if you call grinding around on a rock quiet ,yes..
I asked him what he wanted and he said his vessel was a traditional keel so just pull me ahead please.
They were going to tie the rope to the forestay but Chris suggested the mast might be better.
All was ready for a pull,I gave a little pull but nothing happened,a bit more and still no movement,one more go and we were about to take a line to the dinghy to pull the mast over when she came off.
I think they were quite relieved as it is a worry when you are aground ,especially all night .
They anchored well out in the bay and said they were going into Sarah Island by Dinghy.The track in is not really marked and you need local knowledge.We went in and tied up to the old jetty.
Meanwhile Pennny was ordered over the side to check Rosinante’s keel.Put her bathers and cap on and over she went,no doubt with plenty of instructions from Jeremy.
Saw her next day and she said considered going in the nick but you might have seen me,we were half a mile away.
Had breakfast at the jetty and another sailing cat was out in the bay ,a couple came in in their dinghy and tied up to the jetty,I said I bet they are world travelers ,you can tell how the do it.The came along for a chat ,from Adelaide they have been around the World ,around Australia and now they are going around Tasmania.They rate the Kimberly the best though.
We went ashore to do the Island before the cruise boats arrived.Some better interpreter work has been done we thought since our last visit.
The crew from Liberator who we Liberated came ashore and Ann and Elise from Barcoo showed up.
They tagged onto the first cruise party to hear the guides speel.
We went back to the boat and lent the rescued crew our mud map of the river ,they were now a bit apprehensive about navigating in the tannin water.
We left and motored up the Gordon River past the ferry who gave us a good blast and all the passengers waved ,I had met the skipper on previous trips.
We anchored off the Boom Camp and backed back to tie to the small landing and had lunch,cold lamb sandwiches were really good.Went ashore and inspected the buildings now a fishing shack place,a new generator shed since my last visit.There is a fish cleaning board so they must be better at catching fish up here than us.
Back on board and slowly motored up the river another 15 miles about.
Arrived at Warner’s Landing and found enough room for us,there were about ten boats up there by dark.
Listened to the sched at 6.30.
Had a quiet night now raining.
Up fairly early and motored out of the cove,thought something must have been up.I could not get VHF reception when we were on anchor.Turned the radio on,got a call from Tas Maritime radio ,Masterpiece,Masterpiece,the operator seemed agitated,called me over and over.
I called back but he seemed not to hear me.Looked up their phone number and called him,please wait he said,I said Masterpiece here,thank goodness he replied.Do you know a boat RG . . . no I said well he is aground south of Sarah Island and has been all night.
The conditions were near enough to a flat calm so we knew he would be ok.I suppose he would not know that though.
Motored around and saw Jerry coming out of Birches Inlet.With the AIS it plots other boats course on my plotter,I thought you are a bit close to that rough ground to the west.As it transpired he hit a rock with his centerboard which jammed it in the case.Now we had two incidents going at once,got the call ,the navigator told me I was a bit close,but I said I have been through here before,well obviously not exactly there.
I got out our stout ropes and put the dinghy in Chris and John ran the tow line over to the stricken yacht.We switched to channel 17 for the operation,naturally Jerry had to put his two bobs worth in .
I said to the skipper had a quiet night,he replied ,if you call grinding around on a rock quiet ,yes..
I asked him what he wanted and he said his vessel was a traditional keel so just pull me ahead please.
They were going to tie the rope to the forestay but Chris suggested the mast might be better.
All was ready for a pull,I gave a little pull but nothing happened,a bit more and still no movement,one more go and we were about to take a line to the dinghy to pull the mast over when she came off.
I think they were quite relieved as it is a worry when you are aground ,especially all night .
They anchored well out in the bay and said they were going into Sarah Island by Dinghy.The track in is not really marked and you need local knowledge.We went in and tied up to the old jetty.
Meanwhile Pennny was ordered over the side to check Rosinante’s keel.Put her bathers and cap on and over she went,no doubt with plenty of instructions from Jeremy.
Saw her next day and she said considered going in the nick but you might have seen me,we were half a mile away.
Had breakfast at the jetty and another sailing cat was out in the bay ,a couple came in in their dinghy and tied up to the jetty,I said I bet they are world travelers ,you can tell how the do it.The came along for a chat ,from Adelaide they have been around the World ,around Australia and now they are going around Tasmania.They rate the Kimberly the best though.
We went ashore to do the Island before the cruise boats arrived.Some better interpreter work has been done we thought since our last visit.
The crew from Liberator who we Liberated came ashore and Ann and Elise from Barcoo showed up.
They tagged onto the first cruise party to hear the guides speel.
We went back to the boat and lent the rescued crew our mud map of the river ,they were now a bit apprehensive about navigating in the tannin water.
We left and motored up the Gordon River past the ferry who gave us a good blast and all the passengers waved ,I had met the skipper on previous trips.
We anchored off the Boom Camp and backed back to tie to the small landing and had lunch,cold lamb sandwiches were really good.Went ashore and inspected the buildings now a fishing shack place,a new generator shed since my last visit.There is a fish cleaning board so they must be better at catching fish up here than us.
Back on board and slowly motored up the river another 15 miles about.
Arrived at Warner’s Landing and found enough room for us,there were about ten boats up there by dark.
Listened to the sched at 6.30.
Had a quiet night now raining.
Hibbs Pyramid to Double Cove.
Up at seven to pull thr pots,a slight hitch though.I had been reading Ian Johnston’s new book,he made a suggestion that if you ran out considerable chain after putting your snubber on the drag on the chain would help to keep the bow of your vessel from swinging about better.I thought I might try it so the night before when I anchored I put out about ten or twelve meters of extra chain which hung down between the anchor roller and the snubber hook.
Well it did not work for me!The chain twisted around the hook so I could not get it out.I messed about with it for a while but had to launch the dinghy and get Chris to tie the chain over the bow with a length rope threaded through the chain below the hook so I could free the snubber.Good job it was not blowing as it would have been a mission to get under there in any wind.
Not to worry we fixed it and went over to pull the pots.The first one had two size crays in it ,looking good I thought.False hope the second one had one small cray with three Port Jackson sharks and a small cray put back for another day.
We left for Strahan working our way up the coast inside many rocks.
Past Birthday Bay and Varna as well.There was a SW swell so most rocks were visible.There are a lot on this part of the coast.
Rounded Cape Sorell and up into Macquarie Harbour.We headed to Double Cove for the night,put the net in as we caught a heap of escapee salmon here last time,no such luck this time.
Chris had roast lamb on the go so we had a very good meal to celebrate our arrival.
As I turned in about ten I got a phone message from Jeremy to call him in the morning .
I wondered what it was about as he had obviously been calling me on the radio.It would have been an extreme last resort to text me.
Pilot Bay to Hibbs Bay.
We anchored in Pilot Bay early evening,in hindsight this was a mistake,during the night the wind got up and it was most uncomfortable,not much sleep had.At daylight we moved into a more comfortable spot but still not very good.
Had an early breakfast and got under way,Went down well offshore as there was still a SW swell and a NW breeze.I was a little apprehensive we might not be able to lay there but there was an offshore wind so not too bad.Fished around the bay for quite a while but only managed some Bluenoses for bait.
Anchored again for lunch.Had a lazy afternoon.
I had heard there was a lot of cray bottom in close but the SW sea was still in so we worked around the outside and allowed for the SW change expected in the night,the bottom seemed good when we set the pots.
There was a NW joggle on but the wind seemed to be dying so we anchored over under Hibbs Pyramid for the night.
As we had hoped the slop slowly moderated and after dinner we were quite comfortable.
This area is well sheltered from the SW wind and swell so when the change came at 2.30 am we were still ok.Most of the other boats now in Strahan,probably thought we were nuts to go past.
Photo Hibbs Pyramid
Three Hummock to Pilot Bay.
There was a general movement to leave in the morning,we got under away at about ten.We were tempted to go around to the outside of Hunter Island the day before but were not sure if we could have been comfortable there.
Decided to go and have a look there.We decided we would have been ok so an opotunity missed.
Left for the run down the coast,as forecast there was about 25 knots till we got to Ann Bay when things quitened down.We cruised down close in having a look at places of interest.The wind was not right to stop at Sandy Cape so we had a look into Ahrberg Bay,the wind was offshore so the cavalcade would quite safe there to have a spell if needed as long as they anchored well off shore.
We travelled on till the Pieman River where the seas were breaking well across the mouth.There was a cray boat setting gear off shore there.
Just south of there is the Conical Rocks.went in there to show the crew the entrance.
Had a look into Granville and Trial Harbour ,the people who named them must have had their tounge in their cheek that day!
Anchored in Pilot Bay for the night as we intended to go fishing down to Hibbs Bay the next day.
Photo Conical Rocks.
Decided to go and have a look there.We decided we would have been ok so an opotunity missed.
Left for the run down the coast,as forecast there was about 25 knots till we got to Ann Bay when things quitened down.We cruised down close in having a look at places of interest.The wind was not right to stop at Sandy Cape so we had a look into Ahrberg Bay,the wind was offshore so the cavalcade would quite safe there to have a spell if needed as long as they anchored well off shore.
We travelled on till the Pieman River where the seas were breaking well across the mouth.There was a cray boat setting gear off shore there.
Just south of there is the Conical Rocks.went in there to show the crew the entrance.
Had a look into Granville and Trial Harbour ,the people who named them must have had their tounge in their cheek that day!
Anchored in Pilot Bay for the night as we intended to go fishing down to Hibbs Bay the next day.
Photo Conical Rocks.
Saturday 2 March 2019
Lay day at Three Hummock. and
The next morning dawned grey and windy.
We were anchored in four meters of water the boat nearest to the windward shore.
The weather forecast was not very good for travelling south until the day after,we spent the day reading and mucking about the boat.Chris cooked up a fish and chip meal for lunch,he said he worked in a fish and chip shop once so they were reall good,washed down with a bottle of white wine.
We had a snooze after lunch to pass the time.
A few brave souls arrived from Stanley and a couple elected to make a run for Strahan.
There was much discussion on the radio as to find the best time to make a run for it.
The yachts really need to time their arrival at the entrance of Macquarie Harbour in daylight as it is hard enough to navigate the channel without adding the Black night problems.The moon now waning an coming up late anyway.
We decided we would leave the following day and decide if to stay a night on the coast when we were under way.
Photo is the boats behind us ,a couple came and a couple left,so numbers about 20 there.
Quite a few holed up in Stanley.
The weather forecast was not very good for travelling south until the day after,we spent the day reading and mucking about the boat.Chris cooked up a fish and chip meal for lunch,he said he worked in a fish and chip shop once so they were reall good,washed down with a bottle of white wine.
We had a snooze after lunch to pass the time.
A few brave souls arrived from Stanley and a couple elected to make a run for Strahan.
There was much discussion on the radio as to find the best time to make a run for it.
The yachts really need to time their arrival at the entrance of Macquarie Harbour in daylight as it is hard enough to navigate the channel without adding the Black night problems.The moon now waning an coming up late anyway.
We decided we would leave the following day and decide if to stay a night on the coast when we were under way.
Photo is the boats behind us ,a couple came and a couple left,so numbers about 20 there.
Quite a few holed up in Stanley.
Friday 1 March 2019
BBQ day at Coulomb Bay.
Made a suggestion to Bill who was the Victorian vessel’s Commodore we should have the ashore do as planned as it looked like not many southern boats would arrive for a couple of days.
We had a club BBQ on board and he brought his quite large one ashore,another fellow had a Webber so we had enough.
We spent the night in Mermaid Bay after setting the pots in one of my favorite spots on the Eastern shore.
Greed can get you into a spot of trouble sometimes.When we went back around to pull them in the morning there
was quite a sea running and the tide had pulled the buoys down under the water.
We went up to East Telegraph Bay and anchored for breakfast and to reassess out tactics to retrieve them.
You have to be there on slack tide to get the buoys.
When we arrived back we could see the buoys but the tide was still running about two knots we thought.
Bugger it we will have a go,it was not easy as the crew had not pulled a pot on this trip.I backed up to the buoys into a considerable sea and a current.A couple of waves crashed into the transom so we all got soaked,all for one nice cray.
Back to the fleet for the do ashore,four pm was the appointed starting time.
There was a break on the beach which caused a few entertaining times.Some crews mistimed their run and got pooped coming in,a few managed to get one leg over the Lee side of the dinghy when the next wave tipped them into the water.One mob with four in a small dinghy managed to flip the boat over on top of themselves.
The mood however was buoyant,we managed to do the roll call on the beach with my handheld radio with Mary relaying the messages to Crispian in Stanley.
The afternoon went very well with every one meeting,some for the first time.Back to the boat after seven for coffee.
Stanley to Three Hummock Island
Had a good run across after tacking out around the nut,25 knots plus NE.
Quite a sea running so 21 knots of boatspeed was in order,a bit exciting now and then,kept busy fiddling with the pilot programme and the trim tabs.Surprising what you can achieve .
Arrived ,2 hours flat.
Pulled up in Spiers Bay for lunch.
Went up to North Coulomb is put the net in,the Vick’s started arriving.
Pulled the net after fishing for flats ,no good John caught one.
Net a different story,16 big Australian Salmon ans an old wife and a trevally.
Cleaned them and gave them to Bill to distribute.
They absolutely love them,got many compliments at the BBQ.
Photo Spiers Bay Three Hummock Island ,sheltered in Most winds.
Had a good run across after tacking out around the nut,25 knots plus NE.
Quite a sea running so 21 knots of boatspeed was in order,a bit exciting now and then,kept busy fiddling with the pilot programme and the trim tabs.Surprising what you can achieve .
Arrived ,2 hours flat.
Pulled up in Spiers Bay for lunch.
Went up to North Coulomb is put the net in,the Vick’s started arriving.
Pulled the net after fishing for flats ,no good John caught one.
Net a different story,16 big Australian Salmon ans an old wife and a trevally.
Cleaned them and gave them to Bill to distribute.
They absolutely love them,got many compliments at the BBQ.
Photo Spiers Bay Three Hummock Island ,sheltered in Most winds.
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