Storms and Delays

Another approaching storm blots out a sunset

Coffs Harbour is a pretty little town, which looks nothing like the last time I was here over 30 years ago. 

A safe sheltered beach nestles in the safe embrace of two breakwaters. A great spot enjoyed by many, from toddlers to adults, swimmers, kayakers and sun-bakers. It is also a great spot for mariners, seeking a sheltered anchorage.

There's an island called Muttonbird Is at the end of the northern breakwater. There is a popular walk up the steep slopes of this island for people wanting to see Muttonbirds - or to get fit. I prefer to think they are interested in the birds. The Muttonbirds (Shearwaters) fly over 15,000ks each year on their migration to breed. They use the same burrow to nest in and usually have the same mate. The young leave several weeks after the adults and only about half of them survive the first migration. 

We spent several days here, waiting for the southerlies to pass us by. The arrival of the southerlies occurred in the middle of the night (natures sense of humour).

 Ian, being a light sleeper, was woken by the boat being buffeted by the violent rocking motion of the boat. 
I slept. 
Ian checked that all was well outside. 
It wasn't. 
Ian woke me up (brave man).

We were dragging anchor, drifting ever nearer to the pier, which was a lot more robust than our boat. It was time to relocate a safer distance and throw a bit of extra anchor chain out.

I went back to bed and slept.
Ian went back to bed and didn't.

This rusty old trawler wasn't deterred by the wind warnings issued, while others, much more flash, stayed in the marina. 

He was probably taking advantage of the fact that there would be a prawn shortage for Xmas and he would get a good price for his catch. We felt sorry for his crew. The departure was accompanied by rain and crashes of thunder. 

We waited, shopped, did laundry and read, waiting for the weather to settle. We watched in awe as two racing yachts emerged to race just as another thunderstorm was gathering force. Considering there was only two contenders, it must have been an important race between them.

After four days, it was almost, but not quite right to leave. No, the best time was 1:00am so we could catch the right tide. Ian woke me about an hour and a half before we had to leave. Ggrrr!

The wind picked up from the north during the night and sped us to Port Macquarie by midday the following day.

It was two days before Christmas and a glorious sunny day.
People dotted the beaches against a backdrop of .... units. Well, I suppose you could appreciate them more if you was inside looking out.

Christmas eve was a different matter. 

The clouds came rolling in, menacing thunder rumbled in the distance and rain began to fall. 

People abandoned their evening stroll, with many seeking refuge in their tents, caravans and cabins, dotted along the foreshore. Outdoor Christmas festivities came to an end.


Like Christmas festivities, the run of bad weather had to come to an end as well. Several days later, the sun emerged as if it had never gone. 

Early morning on the Hastings River with Oyster beds in the background.

The boat dried out and we waited. What for, you might ask.
Well, it had so happened that Ian noticed that the Headsail was feeling very stiff as he wound it in coming in to Port Macquarie.
On inspecting it on Christmas eve, he found that the bearings had ceased. They needed replacing and everything was closed. The bearing would have to come from Sydney and we wouldn't be able to order it till the 2nd Jan. 

Lucky for us to be in Port Macquarie. It's a beautiful spot with the convenience of shops in walking distance from the shore, and plentiful taps for fresh water which is always an issue when living on a yacht. It also has an airport which is handy if you need to order an item and have it delivered pronto.

As well as these conveniences, we have friends living here on the beautiful North Shore. 

As well as the pleasure of catching up, it was good to have somewhere to shower. Washing on the boat is limited to bucket and flannel baths in the cockpit. It was also great to have a look around on land as Rob and Henma took us on several outings.

A kayaker paddling past North Shore with a dolphin swimming past

 The North Shore is a secluded area on the north bank of the Hastings River, only accessible by ferry which runs 24/7.  
Many dolphins patrol the river. Residents with homes on the riverside are often treated to seeing them cruising by.

Well, almost two weeks went by before we had the new bearing and Ian was able to fix the sail. We had almost constant northerly winds after the storms had abated and were ready to go. Unfortunately, a southerly had developed and we had to wait two more days for departure.

As was becoming a habit, we left just after midnight to arrive at Port Stephens the following afternoon. A day of rest and we should be right to leave in the morning.

Of course, I had to make a short movie of the storms we went through. 

To leave on a more pleasant note, here's a few photos I took during our stay.

Pelicans, cormorants and seagulls kept us amused. The Pelican and Cormorant seemed to keep constant company. I think that they formed a team when catching fish. In this instance the seagulls were trying to get in on the act with one of the gulls using the pelican as a good perch.

A Lace Monitor patrols the beach in search of ???? 

Winkali basks in the setting sun prior to another thunderstorm.
See main photo at the top.

CHEERS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR