Heading back up to North Queensland

After eight days in the middle of the reefs playing “Robinsons” We return to better protected islands for the gale announced shortly.

Percy Islands

We leave our favorite reef “the perfect lagoon” under the greyness followed by Joanne and Mark in the direction of the “Percy Islands”. This is the period of migration of humpback whales to northern Australia along the east coast. With binoculars we will spot the huge showers of water they make when they rise to the surface. But with the wind getting stronger and the waves getting deeper, it's not easy to film them or take beautiful pictures.!

Middle Island

Anchorage at Rocky Shelf Bay opposite the yacht club must-see place for sailors. Under the sloping roof tables and benches are installed with at the back a barbecue where everyone can prepare their meal and share a drink. Under this shelter you can hang its “Artistic works” in order to mark his passage and ideas are not lacking.

On the island of Aves in Venezuela there is this same ritual in the depths of the mangrove where we had painted and varnished the name of our previous boat. It was in May 2011 it's dated!

The same evening we barbecue tuna that we share with Joanne and Mark.

Curlew Island

The bay to the west of the island seems to us to be a good choice compared to the east swell and the wind. The anchorage is quiet not a “wrinkle” On the water evening ideal for dinner on the beach in good company! On the menu a delicious mutton stew that our friends have prepared with a fresh bread that has just come out of the oven accompanied by a runny Camembert. On the boat it is Philippe the head baker since …Years…and we enjoy every time!

The next day small expedition in annex in the nearby bay where according to our friends there are many oysters. Access to the beach is not easy there are rocks that emerge at low tide and somehow we find where to put the dinghy on a bottom of mud and sand.

The oysters are huge and fleshy just with lemon it's delicious!

In the night we are surprised by the wind that has changed direction and the swell that enters the bay. We leave the anchorage in a hurry because we surf the waves.

Double Island

Here we are at the shelters in the only bay in the north where we can anchor. Again satellite photos help us find the small area of sand to anchor. We are alone at anchor and we do not complain about it.

Philippe goes to the “hunting” oysters with a seal, A stone and an oyster knife essential tools to unhook them from the rocks. Another nice plate for this lunch!

Mackay Marina

We spend three days at the marina while the depression passes. During navigation we make our “Online Shopping” non-perishable products so that they can be delivered the next day. As for the fresh, we go to town and pick up our wine order placed on the internet.. A busy day is coming to an end and a small glass of cider before sunset is welcome!

Thomas Island

At the end of 5 hours of navigation we arrive at anchorage where three boats are already anchored. A slight swell enters the bay but nothing to do with what is happening outside. There are three beaches, one of which seems more accessible to us. We find a semblance of a path that climbs and overlooks the east side of the island. Once at the top you feel the strong gusts of wind.

Shaw Island

We go north to more touristic islands where there are the main charter companies. We do not stay long just the time to do the little hike that starts in the mangrove.

Sunset before charters invade the bay.

Our next step is “Whitsundays Island” weather permitting.