Northwest Island to Scawfell Island

Northwest Island to Scawfell Island

Some boisterous conditions made it challenging for the chef but I managed to produce a corned-beef bolognese and a Spam fried rice in response to Karl's growing animal protein craving. Apparently cheese and nuts just aren't enough for a growing boy. As we passed Mackay there were dozens and dozens of big cargo ships moored and anchored off the coast all waiting to get into Hay Point. I've no idea what's at Hay Point but it's now on my list of things to Google when I get reception. 

Every little triangle is a huge cargo ship

We've found the perfect distance from shore here, a little closer than we've been for a while, we're beautifully isolated from phone reception but can get ABC Classic FM for company on night watch. And just as I was mourning the loss of Sunshine FM (hits from the 50s to the 90s with its unmissable Saturday Night Party Time) we discovered 4CRM Mackay Community Radio which filled the void perfectly.

I've been reading Captain Cook's logbook of his trip up the Australian east coast as we go. It's so interesting hearing his descriptions of exactly where we're passing and realising how many places he named and why. And his sailing skills in uncharted water is stunning for us with our paper charts, GPS and pilot guides to cross reference and constantly consult. And really interesting to hear about their attempts to make contact with the locals who shunned them completely – always running away, never accepting the gifts they left and occasionally making vaguely threatening gestures but without overt violence. Very different from the crew's experience in the Pacific.

We arrived off Scawfell Island in the dark so hung around overnight to wait for light before anchoring. Two other boats who had been there overnight left just as we arrived, maybe they smelt Karl's shirt. 

Had a little fright as we were trying to anchor with coral bommies looming up out of nowhere. One gave our hull a little scratch and us a moment of panic. Karl, never one to over-react, immediately declared we were aground and would have to wait for the tide to rise. A few seconds later we drifted off. The rest of the anchoring was pretty trying on the nerves after that, not knowing when you were about to ram into something that would sink you (did I say my brain may have started to catastrophise a little at that point?) there and then. We anchored safely but needed to check the level in Ben Master's rum bottle to settle ourselves. New drinking record – 9am. 

Captain Cook wrote that they were also “embarrassed” by shallow water in this neck of the woods so we're in good company.

 Karl is dispatched with mask and snorkel to check for damage - reported all good but missing a little antifouling.