I was right out at the end of the pier whilst in Exmouth. As people were going out and back into the boat ramp I would smile and wave despite whether they were going too fast and creating a wake or not.
Being nice, pays off. I had three returning fisho's offer some of their catch. Including this just speared Coral Trout...
...I got him to throw it to me so that I could say I caught it.
MasterChef(MC) dealt with it appropriately at his place...
My compliment to the Master...
6th August 2024
Exmouth to Tantabiddy
MC joined me for a little jaunt around the cape....
.. this is the guest spot apparently. I find it hard to sit down when travelling. Should get a step counter.
Conditions were glass and the cape was very calm.
Apart from an early undersized Mackerel things were looking grim fishing wise.
Just outside the entrance to the achorage...
Wahooooo! 130cm!
MC literally put the hammer down to prepare...
the Wahoooo!!
And a visitor who spoiled the fishing off the back of the boat in Tantabiddy.
7th august 2024
Tantabiddy to Norwegian Bay
Just me today on this leg. Call me Hans.
...and there's finally a whale on video!!!
I recently discovered that the underwater camera can be set to come on when it detects movement so here's a "Day in the life of the solo sailor". Lots of daggy dancing. Singing back to the whales. Cups a tea. 24 hours in five minutes with a special guest appearance from Spermy the whale...
Five minutes of your life you'll never get back.
I'm sure it was the same whale who put on the show for us on the way up. Same place. Same stupid somersaults. He's a bit bigger but no brighter. Still doing the same thing and can't get the handle on a full breach. He somersaulted continuously for the whole hour we were with each other. He followed me(somersaulting) because I was singing back to him. I think Spermy might be a special needs whale..
Dinner tonight was...
Wahoooooooo!!!!!! curry
8th August 2024
Norwegian Bay to Coral Bay.
Had a late start and finish today to go through the really shallow parts at high tide. Inside the reef today so hardly any waves and swell. Just shallow water and coral outcrops to keep an eye out for.
In the deeper water this section was full of whales. Almost all were single mum's and their nursing babies. Who let them out of Armadale? They nurse upside down so don't move and you have to go around them. No matter how loud you yell at them.
Then they give you the evil eye when you go past them.
Whale watching season is in full swing.
A healthy plate thanks to MC's garden
and pickled
Wahooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
9th august 2025
Bakery day!
A day off with just simple speaker fix...
Got to get both speakers going to play my music for the whales.
And a not so simple fix...
Doing a check of everything I found that the port raw water pump is leaking. Tightened everything. It's not apparent where it is coming from. I do have a spare pump but its from a 20 hp. It looks the same but I'm not game to take it off in case I'm stuck here as there is no gasket. Only leaking about 3 litres an hour and the bilge pump is dealing with it.
So as well as the bakery I visited the general store and got a tube of gasket cement just in case... I've highlighted the price I paid for it...
... Probably cheaper than the Volvo equivalent and at least they had some.
10th August 2024
Coral Bay to Denham.
The last leg...
The weather window opened up so I just kept going.
Beautiful conditions. Averaged 6.6kts with a top speed of 9.2 ktns so a bit fast for the lures. So no fish pictures.
After sunset...
...there was a waxing moon so just a million stars and me.
So let's just be clear here.
There was a 1,000,001 stars out last night.
26 hours and 177nm later I was welcomed back into The Bay.
No sunset picture because there are these dark things in the sky and the top of the boat is wet?
This was just a short day after refueling to get out of the port of Dampier.
V-Man practices his filleting skills.
We parked just outside this little tidal Bay......
So that we would be able to get an early start to catch the current and have a straight run in the morning. I'd post a photo of the Bald Chin groper I caught off the back of the yacht but... It got away.
A quick snorkel to check out the coral of which there was plenty but no decent structure for bigger fish or crays. That Baldy must have been lost.
20th July 2024
Enderby Island to Montebello Islands-Main Bay
A 3am start to get the current and winds for the best passage. Amazingly it all went to plan for a change and we arrived just before noon. 25 to 30 knots of wind from behind. Averaging 7knots and had only the whales to keep us company. They seem to like the messy conditions... As usual there is no pictures or videos. They are sneaky.
A late afternoon trawl in Merv the V-man hooked up a Queenie for a good tussle and some pickling.
This Main Bay is very shallow and there is no structure. The V-man describes it as sterile as a test tube. Dare i say it...
It looks like its been hit by a nuclear bomb.
Pic to prove we were here
You are only allowed on the site for an hour and don't take anything with you.
We moved over to Delta Island which is where they tested the big bomb. Great anchorage but again quite lifeless.
There's a large contingent of other boats ticking the Monties off...
V-Man organised the BBQ and seating(his) for this Sundowner soiree.
A cautionary tale.
I'll try to keep this factual as hopefully anyone who reads this bit can learn something from it...
Before I start I'll just say that there is a risk in everything you do. You just need to make sure you have your safety net in place to catch you. Just don't cut too many threads(snip)!
Our plan for the day was to take Merv for a trawl around the area and find some decent structure to dive on a low tide the next day.
So we loaded the boat with fishing and diving gear and started to head around to the other yachts in the next bay to check out what they were doing.
As we rounded the corner they were underway and leaving. Oh well. We'll go and have a look for ourselves...(snip)
An hour later we had worked our way around the bay and were at the outer reef near a break. We decided to check the outside of the reef out and maybe do some fishing while it was calm.(snip)
All good. Dropped the anchor and fished for a couple of hours. We were in the drop off and had the whales cruising past. By now we had our phones out of the waterproof bag and were trying to get the elusive buggers on video.(snip)
The fishing wasn't much so we started to head back. The tide was going out fast by now and the break in the reef was not really there any more. Merv has never let me down. Over confidence is dangerous.(snip)
Well we would just have to go for it.(snip)
Under powered and overloaded.(snip)
A big breaking wave came up behind us and had us caught. Too overloaded to power away from it as the wave in front was already pulling down the front.(snip)
The wave caught us and Merv broached and over he went.(snip)
Luck, we didn't deserve by this time held and neither of us were hurt or tangled in any of the gear. Merv's collar saved our arses and kept him afloat. At least we weren't swimming...yet
After a quick assessment. Gathered up the stuff that could be useful and strapped that to the bottom of the hull. And climbed on top.
More luck. The anchor was still attached and had set stopping us from being pulled out to sea in the tidal rip. So we were stuck capsized just out side the Southern reef on the Montebello islands with the nearest boat about 2 km away.
Had we told anyone we were going this far? (snip)
Did we have our life jackets on?(snip)
Had the safety gear, flares, rollicks, tools and so on so been packed in such a way that it wouldn't end up at the bottom of the ocean if the boat capsized?(snip)
Was our means of calling for help sealed in the waterproof bag.(snip)
Are Uniden hand held VHF radios really waterproof?(snip)
We managed to turn Merv back over using the straps and our weights as ballast. Bailed him out using the cover off the motor as a bucket.
A lot if stuff that could of helped us was gone. What we did have.
Water 2L
Oars. These had been wedged safely under the seats.
Diving fins and masks.
Some straps.
Hats.
Sunscreen, a lighter and tissues that had been in a separately sealed bag.
Motor and fuel tank but no tools to get it going after being submerged.
At least we were safe for now. Time for another reassessment. We would have to wait the three hours left until the tide turned before even attempting to reach shore.
So we got out the oars and made up improvised rollicks by strapping them in.
While we were waiting we saw another boat coming out through the reef about 1km south of us. We tied a thong and a spare hat to one of the oars. Soaked them in fuel and set it alight in the hope the smoke would get their attention. Surprisingly there wasn't much smoke from the burning rubber and they kept on further south.
At about 3pm the tide had subsided so it was time to pull the anchor and make an attempt to get back inside the reef. Now let me tell you that we are the worst oarsman that I've ever seen. We just couldn't get in unison. The makeshift rollicks didn't help but Merv is just not that easy to point in the same direction without power at the rear.
We just couldn't get back to the break in the reef. As the wind had also dropped we just went for it and paddled straight across it. Our oar skills vastly improved as we caught each wave over the reef. Its amazing what you can do when you have too.
It was a great relief to be finally back in protected waters.
By now it was after 4pm and we only had another 4 hours of incoming tide left before we would have to anchor again or risk being dragged back out to sea again.
There was a yacht anchored about 2km south of us so that's where we headed. Our oar skills had disappeared again after going through the reef so it was debatable whether we would have got there before sunset.
Luckily the crew of the yacht decided to go for an evening fish and headed over towards us in their dinghy to see if we'd found a good spot.
They kindly towed us back to Canefire.
Obviously this is not the end of the story. There was lots of work to be done to save the motor on Merv, a re-stocking and reevaluation of the placement of the safety gear. Basically everything in water proof bags...including the things that are supposed to be waterproof. As well as a new PLB. Just putting the safety net back together took a couple of days.
Every dinghy and tender I go past now I have a look inside and see what is likely to survive in a capsize. That's why I don't mind telling this... despite being responsible for snipping a few threads myself.
On Canefire's door we keep a record of lost glasses and phones as a reminder to put everything in dry bags...
Might as well not be glass if we updated it from the stuff lost from Merv.
Travelling from the Northern to the Southern islands V-Man picked up a nice Cobia.
We were going to use the tides to work our way into Lilly lagoon but after talking to the Parks and Wildlife people anchored next door...
.
.
we decided to give it a miss and head around through the Southern channel and
anchor on the southern side of Palmerston Point.
Unsurprisingly we were a bit disappointed with the Montebello Islands. Its shallow nature means that the only real snorkeling for us was in the channels that can only be swam when the tide is turning preferably on the low. While we were there. this was early morning which was ok but it was now only possible when there was little light. High tide dives were now hard as we had lost both weight belts in the capsize.
Sooo...
28th July 2024
Montebello Group to Surrurier Island.
A pleasant overnight sail here and a good anchorage. V-Man caught this just on sunset on the way here so probably our last Montebello fish...
A good place to regroup and start planning the trip back. The winds are starting to turn southerly on occaision so it is time to head South before that's all there is.
I did walk around the island and found the Whale bones.
It seems that everyone who has visited has taken a bit home as a souvenir.
Someone's even sawn one up with and angle grider. Why?
It is also called Long Island.
A couple of short dives around the southern reef but it was actually quite milky.
Looked nice at sunset though. Foot shot for you Daryn.
30th July 2024
Surrurier Island to Exmouth
I woke up at about 11pm when something I had eaten was in a desperate rush to get out. Both ends.
By 1am I was feeling better if a little weaker and thinner when the wind started to pick up.
At 3am it was gusting 30 knots and we started to drag despite having 30 meters of chain in only 3 meters of water. The boat that had anchored on the beach dragged past us an hour later.
By 5 am we were in danger of getting too close to the northern reef. So I pulled the anchor in and started to jog in the one spot and went through the options. I was weak from being sick and a bit sleep deprived by this time.
While the wind wasn't in the right direction it would still be possible to head towards Exmouth and see what happens. As this wind wasn't what was predicted anything was possible. Maybe even get around the back of the island where we could try anchoring again.
It wasn't pleasant but we were able to make headway towards Exmouth so we just kept going. By the time we got over half way things had settled down and we didn't have any more drama.
About an hour out of Exmouth the Police sent out a general Pan Pan asking for boats to assist a yacht that had been blown onto the reef in the nearby Murion group. Not a great night for a lot of people in the gulf.
(Update: The crew were safe however the trimaran that was on the reef lost on outrigger.)
Guest MasterChef visits the boat for a feed of Cobia speared by Big Jim
Big thanks to MasterChef for running us around town to resupply and finally get Merv's motor fixed.
V-Man departs and The Rat Pack arrive. MiniMe takes over V-Man's favourite spot.
Lollies get raided.
2nd July 2024
Exmouth to Serrurier Island.
A big first day for the new crew. It was either leave today or be stuck this side of the gulf for a week.
Motor sailed for 7 hours to get here. A bit uncomfortable to start but as predicted conditions improved as we got a cross the gulf.
After bacon burgers for lunch the wind died off so the lures went out as we motored the last hour.
MiniMe won the makeral competition catching four to my one. Only cost him a single lure.
Anchored by 2pm. Well done the Rat Pack on their first passage.
In time for a quick fish. B2 catches the first Trevally and refused to release it. She had it cooked and scoffed within the hour.
MiniMe made some really nice pickled fish with some of these.
He even picked up a couple of squid just after sunset showing me up again.
3rd July.
B1 has a trevally session. 11 on the same piece of bait. Plus another half dozen.
Complete with lollypop smile.
MiniMe shows the patience of a saint rigging and getting fish off hooks.
Lollies get sorted into six bags. A bag each to last five days. Tagged and the sugar fix is in. Apart from Miss Heena who has started her second book...
...and plotting tasks for B1 and B2 when they inevitably run out of lollies. Sweet toothed slaves at her mercy. (Mwhahaha.)
Minime got some MiniMeTime with all the other parents and kids here. Went for a spear. Got a nice Blue Line Emperor and then was chased off the reef by the sharks who thought they deserved his catch more.
We even got a bottom bouncing session in Merv for a pair of Baldies.
A video of our highlights getting to meet up with the other boats with kids aboard heading North this year.
But we are on a schedule...
First to arrive and first to leave...
8th July 2024
Surrurier Island to North Mangrove Island via Onslow.
Plenty of fish leaving Surrurier. The Mackerel take a pounding.
There is NO bakery(!!!) in Onslow! So we decided not to stay and make some more ground north.
Managed to hit the bottom trying to anchor here three times. Not to mention being parked on the reef for a while so I wont mention it. A pretty lousy anchorage with current against wind. We decided to not even bother putting Merve down and find somewhere better tomorrow for a rest.
9th July 2024
North Mangrove Island to Great Sandy Island.
We ended up trolling just the one lure as we were travelling a bit fast for the usual lures.
MinMe hooked a large Spanish Mackerel that went straight under the boat and hooked up under the rudder. Chaos ensured which ended when the fish swam off with the lure and his rod and reel still attached. Not to mention me still in the water so we wont mention it. Surprisingly there were no retributions. Just a quiet lull on board. A bit of a change from the normal Rat Pack mayhem so it most have been serious.
Fish 1 ... Us nil
The fish gods took pity on us shortly after with the biggest fish of the trip so far...
A 1.25m Spanish Mackerel.
I will call this one Manuel.
Notice that MiniMe is wearing the Joe Biden loan sunglasses. He may have lost his own and will qualify for a sticker or they could be hidden somewhere under the "Floordrobes" in each of the kid's cabins.
B1 and B2 had to wait til Manuel was filleted to be able to hold him up. Fish to be shared with other cruisers.
The kids were sick of travelling and had cabin fever so we challenged them to a run up to the lighthouse... As I'm still recovering I was starter. After taking the dinghy to the furthermost point possible... Not to make them run as much as possible but because it was the "best" place to park Merv.
Two nights here for a rest up. Snorkeling, jumping off the front of the boat,
...and a last night beach fire...
... with BBQ wings...
..bliss.
11th July 2024
Great Sandy Island to Cape Preston.
A day of motor sailing and running the water maker for the first time.
The girls appreciated the luxury of a nice warm fresh water shower at the end of the day.... After another jumping off the front of the boat session.
12th July 2024
Cape Preston to Dampier
We were hidden in here from the overnight wind behind the loading causeway in uncharted waters. We found a patch of sand among the bombies and put out the anchor last night.
Sunrise saw MiniMe flicking a lure over the nearby Reef picking up a Spanish flag.
As the sun lit up the reef he could see plenty of big fish swimming around just under the boat so put on the gear and went for a dive. The smile says it all.
Coral trout
And
And
That's breakfast sorted.
So clear that he even took B1 and B2 for a snorkel as well.
If you are think that we are stalling then you would be right. To get to Mermaid Straight and avoid the current we have to wait until the winds pick up. To be up to 30 knots on the nose so it is not going to be a nice ride. We had a round table discussion and decided to see how far we could get today as the weather is just as bad tomorrow...and there is a plane to catch...
B2 starter to feel a bit sick as we made our way across the bay...
When it got really bad we were punching into two metre waves. The older kids had a different approach...
This went on for over two hours. Miss Henna agreed that it was "better than Adventure World."
Even B2 got over her sea sickness when she had found a spot that was suitable for her...
Made it into Dampier and anchored up in time for the sun to set.
The Rat Pack earned they're Salty Sea Dog badges today.
The adults were having crispy skin coral trout for dinner
so the kids got to choose what ever they wanted...
A tin of cold spaghetti surrounded by bacon. The meal of Champions.
I wont even mention the "sandwich" That Miss Henna had.
A day early so a bus trip with Ayrton Senna driving into K-town for a waffle treat.
A pretty well full on two weeks. Not to mention how quiet it is here now...
.. this is the guest spot apparently. I find it hard to sit down when travelling. Should get a step counter.
Doing a check of everything I found that the port raw water pump is leaking. Tightened everything. It's not apparent where it is coming from. I do have a spare pump but its from a 20 hp. It looks the same but I'm not game to take it off in case I'm stuck here as there is no gasket. Only leaking about 3 litres an hour and the bilge pump is dealing with it.
Very strange...
