31.10.13

Homeward Bound in Oz



We have been so lucky with the weather very light to no wind and very little swell made our trip from clearing in at Gove to Lizard Island very comfortable. While we had this weather window we just basically kept on going. We did have a couple of quick stops on the odd occasion one at the Flinders Group where Amy and Daniel caught squid, one of the few things that comes out of the ocean that Amy doesn't complain about eating like the fish we have caught.


Amy and Daniel had a ball catching and eating these squid they were a good size too.

Amy with a fish she caught with a stick, line and a hook, no flash rods for this little girl.
From the Flinders Group our next overnight stop was at Fitzroy Island where we tried to have a look at the aboriginal rock art but couldn't get ashore due to low tide, reef and the swell, maybe next time.

Next stop straight through to Lizard Island where we spent just over a week. This is where most boats stop going north and spends weeks to months of winter before turning around and head south when cyclone season approaches.

We walked up Cook's Lookout a few times while here for exercise, internet access and the view isn't too bad either. We have been lucky as far as rain goes in the fact we haven't had a lot just blue seas and sunshine.


The beautiful Watons Bay 


Like Father Like Daughter.

The not to bad view from the top of Cook's Lookout.

This is where Captain Cook could see how vast the reef is.
We had resident fish live under the boat while at anchor here. We had huge Bat fish, a Lemon shark that came to say hello. A few schooling fish and a big silver fish that the girls had heaps of fun trying to hand feed. For a short time there was a huge feeding frenzy where the fish were everywhere and moving so fast.

Kathleen and Amy watching the fish around them.

Kathleen trying to hand feed the big silver fish but the other cheeky fish would take it off her.

What a way to finish the day!!!!

Another view looking over the resort
We went for a walk to Coconut Beach which is a bit of a challenge in itself with having to climb up a rope on the steep bit and then down another rope to get to the beach itself. I sat up on top while Ian went down to the beach I may not have been able to get back up.


Holding onto the rope for dear life.
Ian on Coconut beach, no way was I going down there.

Kathleen choking the life out of me.
My two beautiful girls.
We did some washing while we were here. This entailed using a hand pump to get the fresh water and then carrying all the wet washing back to dry on the boat.
Preparing to wash.


Doing the washing, come on Daniel pump faster.
Father Son time who will win????? obviously Daniel
It is a great spot with access to the outer reef. We went out to the Cod Hole which was so amazing sharks swimming on the bottom as soon as we got into the water before they came up to check us out. Ian got out of the water so quickly it was funny. We also got the pat a beautiful big Potato Cod who was more than happy for us to run our hands down him, he even followed us as we swam away for more pats. Unfortunately the underwater camera has now gone in the bin we have bought a new one after going here. This is a must return spot on the next trip.

Our next stop was a lunch break at Hope Island where Daniel had a go at fishing and 1 fish was caught by Ian. We had a swim amongst all the bait fish which is good fun. Amy and Daniel had fun catching bait fish by hand.
Daniel trying to catch his bait, which is too easy here.


Daniel trying to catch dinner


Beach Baby

Just chilling

Amy caught one





























5.10.13

Ambon to Australia


We set sail for Banda with 2 other boats. When we got there all 3 boats rafted up. This is the first time in this trip we have rafted up, it make it easy to get from one boat to another and means that there is enough room for all the boats to fit along the wall.
Saltheart rafted up with the other 2 boats
 
We did a few things in Banda we were invited to a school and had to sit up in front of a class that is learning English. Most of the students spoke English well. We had English books for them to read, we ended up asking them questions and then giving them the few books that we had to give away.
 

Me at the school asking some questions of the students

 
We had a few meals with the other yachties that were here waiting for a weather window to do the run home or the Saumlaki like us.
Enjoying a Banda style meal together. 
 
Kicking back enjoying a couple of cold ones while waiting for the big ship to arrive.

e

 


The girls playing badminton in front of the hotel. 



Big bubbles even impress the big kids.

Keep blowing Amy.

Coconut drinking contests.
 Ian, Kathleen and Amy all climbing the volcano on the last day we were here. They came back soaked with sweat, filthy dirty and with a sense of achievement. The photos are amazing from the top. They all had to come down on their backsides for part of it as it is so loose and is too dangerous to walk down. Their clothes will never come clean. Ian doesn’t have to worry about that as his shorts are broken beyond repair.


The top of the volcano

They made it, what a view.

Heading back down.


 
What a Grot!!

Ian's glad to be back at the boat.

Kathleen about to cool off and clean up.

Harvesting Cinnamon from the branches on the Nutmeg tour.


Daniel caught a lift to Saumlaki
We had a good weather window and made a dash for Saumlaki Daniel managed to get a lift on one of the other boats and had a great time.


At one of the villages.


 

 

The kids with our Beno driver Mon.

Trying Sopi at one of the villages.

Sunset, beautiful.

Waiting for a meal at the hotel.
 We had a few meals with the other yachties that were here waiting for a weather window to do the run home like us.

Relaxing times.

 
Must be alright he Ian is giving it the thumbs up.

Amy and Kathleen went off on the motorbikes with friends.

Sunset with friends

We left Saumlaki with 2 other boats to travel in company with back to Australia. We have had a fantastic time in Indonesia but it is time to start heading home unfortunately. Heading out of the Harbour one of the Catamarans came close to give us a Bintang (Beer) after watching us pull in the anchor which took 3 of us, they almost collided with us but with some muscle and quick steering we had Bintang and we were safely underway. Daniel set off fireworks as we were heading out of the Harbour in Ambon which got whistles and applauses.
Australia bound.
Near collisions are acceptable as long as the Bintang (beer) is delivered. 

Had a great time but happy to be going home.