Keppel Bay Marina (Rosslyn Bay) to Pearl Bay anchorage

After an up expected extended stay in the Marina due to a strong wind warning, we finally duck out of the Bay and headed to Pearl Bay which had a reputation as the nicest anchorage in the area. The day started calmly enough with the winds lighter in the morning however by the afternoon both the winds and swell had increased to the point where conditions were uncomfortable until we reached the anchorage.

Arriving at Pearl Bay (wb)

The anchorage was a little underwhelming mostly due to the weather. I'm sure it would be a more picturesque place in sunshine and fair winds. As it was it was a swelly overnight anchorage and we were happy to depart in the early morning.

Leaving Pearl Bay after sunrise (wb)

View of Pearl Bay after exiting the Bay early morning

Pictorial Update - Pancake Creek Bay

This anchorage was an unexpected pleasure....true to Johnston ("man who attracts snakes") form, Scott and I went for a short walk on the headland rocks only to be greeted on the way back by a relieved Will letting us know that someone was airlifted out of the same headland area the day before from a suspected death adder bite!

Finally catching fish 

Keppel Bay Marina, Rosslyn Bay (near Yeppoon)

Left the lovely Pancake Creek Bay early in dubious weather (ie. strong SE wind warning), to continue making progress towards the Whitsundays. The 20/25 knot winds did not eventuate but things got lively towards the end of the day. Glad to finally get into the marina.

Refueled, rewatered and reprovisioned (this boat won't ever go hungry). Will head off again early to head to Percy Islands.

Pictorial Update - Day in the Life of Samaya skipper and crew

Skipper after an overnight passage - not happy chap

Multitasking on watch

Back seat navigating

On watch

Catching up

On lookout

Are we there yet?

Blogging

Exhausted - not so Dangerous Cargo

He's at it again

Dolphin  watching

Anchorage north Moon Island to Pancake Creek Bay

A midnight start to make some milage across Hervey Bay past Bundaberg and then into a beautiful anchorage called Pancake Creek Bay. The highlight of this passage was seeing a nearby whale breaching about 3 time - absolutely spectacular!

Today was a rest day to wait out a strong wind situation that is currently along the Queensland coast. At the moment it shows no signs of abating. We're in a lovely Bay so touch base with land on the beach for a while, finally caught some fish for bait (ask the Skipper and crew about proscuitto and curried bread sometime!) and caught up reading and emails.

Pictorial Update - Sunset Wide Bay Harbour near Tin Can Bay

Tin Can Bay through the Great Sandy Strait

We decided to forgo another ocean passage and go through the Great Sandy Strait behind Fraser Island? It's a challenging passage for a keeled boat (especially with our 2m draft) because of he shallow nature of the channel and having to pay close attention to the port and starboard markers.

It was a great day, loads of varied scenery with the highlights being towards Hervey Bay. Only a small bottom touch through a shallow but generally we timed it pretty well with the tide. Turtles were also sighted in the channel.

Another spectacular sunset near Moon Point(Fraser island).A few hours sleep before heading off at midnight to make the distance to the next anchorage at Pancake Creek Bay.