Port Stephens

We spent a few days in Coffs Harbour most of the time we spent rolling around in the bay as we could only spend one night in the marina as there was a yacht race from Pittwater to Coffs and all the berths were already booked. It was quite uncomfortable and we were glad when the winds changed and we could head off. We did use the time there to walk up mutton bird island which do every time we come here.

Enjoying a beautiful day

Somewhere behind Ian and Amy is Saltheart

Saying goodbye to Kathleen

Kathleen also came for a visit on her way home from Peats Ridge music festival. This is the last time we may see her for awhile. Amy Gave her big hugs. We had the dingy on the beach and got soaked trying to launch it   after saying goodbye to her.

Amy having a wonderful time watching the dolphins

We sailed overnight to Port Stephens some of the way we made good speeds of just over 8 knots, 167 miles in 26 hours. Ian and I took turns with the night shift but neither of us slept when we tried to so we were both exhausted when we finally dropped anchor in Salamander Bay. We had  dolphin escort for part of the way where they were jumping out of the water.

 We dropped anchor, our first priority was to take Jess(the dog) for toilet stop she has held on for over 24hrs amazing how long she can hold when she needs to.

We went back to the boat and Ian and I had a nap neither of us are functioning properly. The kids got some school work out of the way while we had a sleep. After we woke up I put the other side of the netting on the boat which took hours but at least Jess can walk around up there. Still need to do the back of the boat but that is for another day.

 Amy and Daniel had a swim off the boat jumping off the front and climbing up the duck board. I even went for a swim with them the water is cool but not cold. Ian scraped the prop and said it had heaps of barnacles on it, Daniel checked it before we left. 

Amy cooling off

Monkey man trying to climb the anchor chain 

The topping lift rope came out so Daniel climbed the mast to redo the rope. Better tie a knot on the end next time so it doesn't come out again. He had fun up there.

Good job Daniel's not scared of heights

We also caught up with friends we knew years ago that moved to Newcastle area. Their kids have grown up so much. It was wonderful to catch up with them again. We will see them when we head north again

Jeremiah and Daniel 

Ella, Holly and Amy