FA's responce to Ians "save the crab",The catch from McGowans plus Chris's Mackerel
Thursday, August 26, 2010
3 photos from the last 3 weeks
FA's responce to Ians "save the crab",The catch from McGowans plus Chris's Mackerel
Darwin here we come........
Well here we are 58.56 nm. out from Darwin and really late with my blog……sorry.
Chris yesterday caught his first ever Spanish Mackerel and popped it back, catch and release they call it. Why would you do that to one of the top eating fish? Well I think finally he is fished out.
We left for Parry Harbour on the 10thAugust and that was the beginning of our new motor concerns. Needless to say after 6 injectors out and back in, undoing this and fiddling, spraying petrol while covered with a fire blanket, plus so much more, one motor has had a great holiday and will be seen to tomorrow…..
Fresh water cove found us again, plus the friendly tawny sharks. The lovely fresh water had dropped since our last visit on Julia Day, but there was still sufficient to sit in and gather to wash our clothes.
McGowans to pick up our part, refuel and have a warm shower. While we were there Bill, Sandy and Chris joined Paul on his fishing charter .They had a great time and our freezers are full.
Our daily passage making has had to be adjusted as our speed has been reduced with only one motor. FA have taken on the role of guardian angels and leave after us and follow…just in case.
King George River, magnificent etc. were the words from Sue and Chris as we motored up to the slow running waterfalls. We climbed up to the top again and it was comforting to find the small red wool that some enterprising person had left there last time to show the way. We swam and enjoyed the twin falls top pool as the other had dried up.
Weather is the person in charge of any sea going passage and we had been monitoring the slow moving high of 1024 south. The forecast to cross Joseph Bonaparte Gulf was unreal and with our wee problems we made a decision to go and a dream crossing it was, flat mirror calm all the way.
A lay day at Port Keats and to transfer fuel from one tank to another with the aid of our wash down hose, Bills bits and pieces plus Gaffa tape to hold all together…..what an inventive lot the 2 boats are to solve a problem.
Look our Darwin here we come…….
Chris yesterday caught his first ever Spanish Mackerel and popped it back, catch and release they call it. Why would you do that to one of the top eating fish? Well I think finally he is fished out.
We left for Parry Harbour on the 10thAugust and that was the beginning of our new motor concerns. Needless to say after 6 injectors out and back in, undoing this and fiddling, spraying petrol while covered with a fire blanket, plus so much more, one motor has had a great holiday and will be seen to tomorrow…..
Fresh water cove found us again, plus the friendly tawny sharks. The lovely fresh water had dropped since our last visit on Julia Day, but there was still sufficient to sit in and gather to wash our clothes.
McGowans to pick up our part, refuel and have a warm shower. While we were there Bill, Sandy and Chris joined Paul on his fishing charter .They had a great time and our freezers are full.
Our daily passage making has had to be adjusted as our speed has been reduced with only one motor. FA have taken on the role of guardian angels and leave after us and follow…just in case.
King George River, magnificent etc. were the words from Sue and Chris as we motored up to the slow running waterfalls. We climbed up to the top again and it was comforting to find the small red wool that some enterprising person had left there last time to show the way. We swam and enjoyed the twin falls top pool as the other had dried up.
Weather is the person in charge of any sea going passage and we had been monitoring the slow moving high of 1024 south. The forecast to cross Joseph Bonaparte Gulf was unreal and with our wee problems we made a decision to go and a dream crossing it was, flat mirror calm all the way.
A lay day at Port Keats and to transfer fuel from one tank to another with the aid of our wash down hose, Bills bits and pieces plus Gaffa tape to hold all together…..what an inventive lot the 2 boats are to solve a problem.
Look our Darwin here we come…….
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Broome to Swift Bay
June 24th saw Kiella leave Broome and again head north. Sue and Chris had joined us for this passage after spending time with their family in this unique place. When we anchored there all I saw was sand hills and found it hard to believe that a city was behind them.
Our concern was that we had so much to see of this great coast and not the years that some have taken to attempt this feat. There are some anchorages that you have to revisit because you have no other choice,but many that are so or- inspiring you want to recreate that first impression you had upon seeing them for the first time.
On our way to Beagle Bay, our over night stop, we had a great show from the migrating whales plus our fishing lure provided dinner, if this pattern was to continue we are going to eat well. ………Yes, we have with so many different ones brought on board. Thanks goodness for “Grants guide to Fishes”, as we can identify them. Some times we don’t have to look at the book now, to recognize what we are going to serve up for the best ever fresh seafood.
Chris our master fisherman, who always has a rod over the back as soon as we are safely anchored, or when we are going ashore, somehow the rod and lure/bait seem to find there way into the dingy .A walk along the beach and Chris is casting into the water as you just never know what could be out there. We have eaten this trip so far, Queen fish, Mackerel Tuna, Threadfin Salmon, School Mackerel, Fingermark, Estuary Cod, Golden Trevally, Reef Shark and large black lipped Rock Oysters. Chris has tried to land the large Tawny Sharks that visit us;, these docile creatures welcome us to all new anchorages and have on the odd occasions taken a baited hook.
The next day saw blue skies and glassy seas as we headed to Myrida Bay via a lunch stop at Silica beach. Here we went ashore and walked on this brilliant white silica and felt it between our toes as we shuffled around, glad there was know one watching as I’m sure we looked rather odd.
Onto Silver Gull and a revisit to Phil were we all enjoyed a swim in the tank. Dog Leg Creek and a top up with fuel then on to meet up with FA at Raft Point and find some art work. Red Cone Inlet the next few days saw the washing done and a swim at the 2 water falls. We meet another boat and found some great …you can not miss this spot, so armed with this information our plans changed. Alas not to be as an alternator decided to cook. Luck was on our side as when we pulled into shore south of Langgi to wait for the tide to change, Simon who we had previously met was an electrician and came to our rescue.
A new one was ordered to be picked up at McGowan Island beach middle of August.
Prince Regent beckoned and with tide helping us we met up with FA and explored along with charter boats this area. Thank goodness for their dinghy’s , as we found the track up climbing over rocks and finally to the swimming holes with the aid of a rope. The water was cool and we all enjoyed a swim and explore.
On to the Hunter River and some rather nasty seas which tested all including the boat. Fresh crab for lunch via FA pots with Chris the apprentice. The charter boats also stop here so the odd helicopter buzzing around picking up and delivering.
The 5th to the 9th of August saw Kiella in Swift Bay and new art works to find with the help of True North[who happen to be there as well and we followed]. They are Bradshaws with a mix of the locals dating back 30,000 years. Two other boats came in so sundowners were the order with Bill as Taxi. The lack of private vessels in this area and not seeing anyone for days was a magnate when a new boat comes along; you just need to say hi.The morning of the 9th saw us heading to the Osborne Islands.
Our concern was that we had so much to see of this great coast and not the years that some have taken to attempt this feat. There are some anchorages that you have to revisit because you have no other choice,but many that are so or- inspiring you want to recreate that first impression you had upon seeing them for the first time.
On our way to Beagle Bay, our over night stop, we had a great show from the migrating whales plus our fishing lure provided dinner, if this pattern was to continue we are going to eat well. ………Yes, we have with so many different ones brought on board. Thanks goodness for “Grants guide to Fishes”, as we can identify them. Some times we don’t have to look at the book now, to recognize what we are going to serve up for the best ever fresh seafood.
Chris our master fisherman, who always has a rod over the back as soon as we are safely anchored, or when we are going ashore, somehow the rod and lure/bait seem to find there way into the dingy .A walk along the beach and Chris is casting into the water as you just never know what could be out there. We have eaten this trip so far, Queen fish, Mackerel Tuna, Threadfin Salmon, School Mackerel, Fingermark, Estuary Cod, Golden Trevally, Reef Shark and large black lipped Rock Oysters. Chris has tried to land the large Tawny Sharks that visit us;, these docile creatures welcome us to all new anchorages and have on the odd occasions taken a baited hook.
The next day saw blue skies and glassy seas as we headed to Myrida Bay via a lunch stop at Silica beach. Here we went ashore and walked on this brilliant white silica and felt it between our toes as we shuffled around, glad there was know one watching as I’m sure we looked rather odd.
Onto Silver Gull and a revisit to Phil were we all enjoyed a swim in the tank. Dog Leg Creek and a top up with fuel then on to meet up with FA at Raft Point and find some art work. Red Cone Inlet the next few days saw the washing done and a swim at the 2 water falls. We meet another boat and found some great …you can not miss this spot, so armed with this information our plans changed. Alas not to be as an alternator decided to cook. Luck was on our side as when we pulled into shore south of Langgi to wait for the tide to change, Simon who we had previously met was an electrician and came to our rescue.
A new one was ordered to be picked up at McGowan Island beach middle of August.
Prince Regent beckoned and with tide helping us we met up with FA and explored along with charter boats this area. Thank goodness for their dinghy’s , as we found the track up climbing over rocks and finally to the swimming holes with the aid of a rope. The water was cool and we all enjoyed a swim and explore.
On to the Hunter River and some rather nasty seas which tested all including the boat. Fresh crab for lunch via FA pots with Chris the apprentice. The charter boats also stop here so the odd helicopter buzzing around picking up and delivering.
The 5th to the 9th of August saw Kiella in Swift Bay and new art works to find with the help of True North[who happen to be there as well and we followed]. They are Bradshaws with a mix of the locals dating back 30,000 years. Two other boats came in so sundowners were the order with Bill as Taxi. The lack of private vessels in this area and not seeing anyone for days was a magnate when a new boat comes along; you just need to say hi.The morning of the 9th saw us heading to the Osborne Islands.
Friday, August 20, 2010
King George River & across Bonaparte bay (sat phone)
Hello,
Everyone is well and we are about to cross Bonaparte bay whilst the weather looks favourable. The locals call it Blown-apart bay, so a good weather pattern has opened it up and Foreign Affair and Kiella are making the most of it and leaving King George Sound a little earlier than planned.
We have had a relaxing day in King George Sound - with a refreshing swim and a walk to the top of the gorge. Chris gives the sound 10/10 for natural beauty and Sue says it is 'amazing'. (Looking forward to seeing the photos.)
Chris' fishing is continuing to keep the freezer stocked with a wonderful array of fish - particularly after a very successful chartered trip from McGauran's beach.
We should be in Darwin by the end of the month.
Love to all
The crew of Kiella
Everyone is well and we are about to cross Bonaparte bay whilst the weather looks favourable. The locals call it Blown-apart bay, so a good weather pattern has opened it up and Foreign Affair and Kiella are making the most of it and leaving King George Sound a little earlier than planned.
We have had a relaxing day in King George Sound - with a refreshing swim and a walk to the top of the gorge. Chris gives the sound 10/10 for natural beauty and Sue says it is 'amazing'. (Looking forward to seeing the photos.)
Chris' fishing is continuing to keep the freezer stocked with a wonderful array of fish - particularly after a very successful chartered trip from McGauran's beach.
We should be in Darwin by the end of the month.
Love to all
The crew of Kiella
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Just south of Cape Boganville (via satellite phone)
Well Chris is continuing his fishing prowess, with catching a lovely big Queen fish trawling as Kiella rounded a cape. They have had three nights of delicious fresh fish and Chris' enthusiasm and expertise remains undiminished.
However ... after the glory of the latest big catch, Chris put out a few lines at anchor only to find that he had attracted the jealous attention of a very large hammer-head shark -yes another shark. Good to see that mother nature is doing what she should do in these parts.
Currently barbecuing some lovely fish and vegies in singlet tops and shorts in preparation for dinner with the lovely Sandy and Bill from Foreign Affair.
Love to all.
However ... after the glory of the latest big catch, Chris put out a few lines at anchor only to find that he had attracted the jealous attention of a very large hammer-head shark -yes another shark. Good to see that mother nature is doing what she should do in these parts.
Currently barbecuing some lovely fish and vegies in singlet tops and shorts in preparation for dinner with the lovely Sandy and Bill from Foreign Affair.
Love to all.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Hunter River
Kiella and crew are safely anchored in the Hunter River: enjoying the spectacular scenery and recuperating after a bumpy passage. Chris recovered particularly well and had the rods out within minutes of calm water.
Unfortunately, one of Kiella's alternators has ceased. The problem was quickly diagnosed with the lucky chance meeting of an electrician and a replacement alternator is being sent from Brisbane to Darwin, to Wyndham and then by sea-plane to a beach where Kiella can finally pick it up. This route has already been tried and tested by 'Foreign Affair' when they needed a replacement part a month ago and the crew of Kiella has faith in its safe delivery. A little more caution needs to be exercised with only one functioning motor as this can affect the performance of the boat and of course the all important fridge!
Kiella will collect the alternator in a fortnight or so and the crew has already adjusted to one motor.
The crew has been fortunate enough to view some more ancient Indigenous art and are enjoying all of the opportunities to explore.
Love to all.
Unfortunately, one of Kiella's alternators has ceased. The problem was quickly diagnosed with the lucky chance meeting of an electrician and a replacement alternator is being sent from Brisbane to Darwin, to Wyndham and then by sea-plane to a beach where Kiella can finally pick it up. This route has already been tried and tested by 'Foreign Affair' when they needed a replacement part a month ago and the crew of Kiella has faith in its safe delivery. A little more caution needs to be exercised with only one functioning motor as this can affect the performance of the boat and of course the all important fridge!
Kiella will collect the alternator in a fortnight or so and the crew has already adjusted to one motor.
The crew has been fortunate enough to view some more ancient Indigenous art and are enjoying all of the opportunities to explore.
Love to all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
