Getting the
main sail organised to hoist as we departed Keyser Island, I whacked my
forehead with a tube of PVC pipe on the elastic sail tie. I immediately covered
the egg sized lump with a frozen water bottle and rested my woozy head while
Gary got the sail up. The wind direction was still not ideal as we turned
between Platypus Rock and Burning Point, but the stunning pink and purple dawn blanket
of cloud was a lovely distraction. Envious of a yacht (the one and only we saw)
heading south with the wind and tide, we made the decision to find an anchorage
as we needed to repair the just failed gooseneck. Plantation Bay was a known
easy access and sheltered haven, but coming past the lee of Seaforth Island we
chose to drop anchor there, just as a cruise ship was passing on its way north.
 |
| Ding to the head |
 |
| Approaching Lindeman Island resort |
It was already
over 30 degrees as the sun popped up over Shaw Island, so we laid the tarp bimini
across the boom for some much needed shade. We didn’t remove it until 6.00pm
that night! After completing some repairs, on the rising tide we moved the boat
onto Esme beach to explore the island. It felt good to step on land.
 |
| Lady K on Esme Beach, Seaforth Island |
Seaforth
Island is part of the Lindeman
Islands National Park with a short walk through open vine forest to the north
east facing Orchid Beach, where there are two toilets (complete with toilet
paper), a flat camping area, picnic tables and a great view across the channel to
Lindeman Island Resort (formerly Club Med but now closed).
 |
| 500 metre walking track from Esme Beach to Orchid Beach |
 |
| Queensland Parks and Wildlife courtesy toilet |
 |
| Hoop pines |
With views to the
north we could see we wouldn’t be going anywhere for a while as the wind had
picked up from the direction we wanted to go. The north westerly to northerly
winds were far stronger than predicted, leaving us no choice but to wait it out
on the beach. Sailing/motoring into 25 knots of wind against tide makes you realise
just how small a 23 foot sailing catamaran really is!
 |
| Orchid Beach, Seaforth Island |
At various
intervals throughout the day we left the shady deck of Lady K to climb the
short hill for phone reception, to check the weather and advise our designated
persons ashore of our plans. It was looking like a midnight departure when the
tide turned and wind dropped.
We let the
boat run aground at around 3.15pm, leaving us high and dry on the beach and
assured of some comfortable rest. We spent the afternoon reading, napping,
watching the scenery (saw one green turtle, a few butterflies and a handful of
birds) and doing a few little jobs. Nothing too strenuous as it was close to 40
degrees; but at least there was a breeze!
 |
| Low tide |
 |
| Amazing clouds over Shaw Island |
It was a case of being stranded on a
deserted island. No other person or vessel in sight. So we played the waiting
game, got some good sleep, and awoke when the boat refloated and the wind had dropped.
Time to go.
No comments:
Post a Comment