Back home to the Sunny Coast

The southern end of the Narrows, just north of Gladstone, was a nightmare of dredges, ferries, ships, work boats etc, and we had our hearts in our mouths as we negotiated the channel down to the marina.  Think that could be our last trip trough the Narrows as we may travel outside Curtis Island in future!  At least until the gas pipeline is completed, that is!

Dredge in Gladstone Channel 

We spent two weeks in Gladstone marina, catching up with extended family and waiting for a SE blow to pass.  Had quite a sociable time there!

 Gladstone Marina

After we left Gladstone, we headed to Pancake Creek for a quick overnight and then off again early next morning.  The northerlies were back and we took them!  We were having such a terrific sail that we bypassed Bundaberg altogether and aimed for the northern end of Frazer Island, arriving just north of Coongul point about 8.30pm. 

Next day we lobbed at Garrys Anchorage in the Sandy Straits and stopped for a few days to catch our breath!  Garrys is another favourite spot of ours.  It’s an excellent all weather anchorage with heaps to do – fishing, walking and socialising with the other boats there.

 Outahia at Garrys Anochorage

 Greg on track to Lake Garry

Then we visited Tin Can Bay before a weather window appeared with favourable tides and winds so we took off for the Wide Bay, crossing at 4.10am (closely followed by about 15 other boats!!) aiming for Mooloolaba.  We had an excellent run though the motors were on most of the way.

 Sunrise over the Wide Bay Bar

The fleet following us across the Bar

All too soon our trip is over!  We’re now tied up on a pontoon in the Mooloolah River till we take off again next year (if the boat doesn’t sell, that is!)