After a few busy days in Cooktown reprovisioning, we made it to Lizard just in time to bunker down for the big blow coming through over the next week. We had a pretty sporty sail up, with the wind building to 20 knots as we approached the island. Once anchored, we headed to the Marlin Bar for a few drinks with some familiar faces, all here to wait out the blow as well. It feels like a bit of a milestone arriving here, as Lizard is where most QLD cruisers turn back south. For us the adventure is only just beginning 🥰

Our time at hope island came to end after 3 magic days. Such a beautiful island with lovely surrounding reefs. Caught ourselves a couple of fish and crays which we shared with our new friend Sage. Great way to end the trip with Ben’s parents

After a couple of days feasting on mud crabs in the Daintree, we sailed north. The shallow sand bar put us off entering the Bloomfield River, so we pushed on to Hope Island. A perfect day with 12 knots at our backs, and just outside the island we landed a Spanish mackerel, dinner sorted!

Finally left cairns after 2 weeks. Had a lovely time doing jobs prepping for our trip to Indonesia. Highlights were 1. Crystal cascades 2. Board games with Alex and Val 3. Drinks with fellow young cruising couple Bailey and Chloe from SV Calista 3. Rusty’s food market 4. Saving SV Nompy from a rogue trawler Picked up a couple of freeloaders too

With a stiff 15 knot breeze on the beam (gusting to 20) and a calm sea state, we sped away from Fitzrolly to the safe haven of Cairns. Here for the next week or so to prep the boat for our adventures further north and beyond!

Autopilot stopped working so had a hard day on the helm. Not the calmest of anchorages at Fitzroy island but a few beers with Alex and Val turned it into a fond memory. Mourilyan harbour was an absolute treat though

Glad we made the stop to check out Mission Beach, such a beautiful little town. This morning we made the most of the public pontoon to top up the water tanks, then set off again with another downwind Code Zero sail, to the very protected Moresby River. Throughout the day we had multiple humpbacks passing within 10m of the boat. Expecting the skeets to be out tonight in full force. Oh and Ben has cracked 1000nm on Inji !!!

Dunk island was a treat. Short trip up to check out mission beach.

Had a long overdue routine maintenance day at Hinchinbrook, before heading north to Dunk. We were treated to a light downwind code zero sail.

We had an absolutely spectacular time on Britomart Reef, but all glass-outs must come to an end. What started as a brisk sail gradually slowed as we neared the mainland and the wind dropped away. We found ourselves a peaceful creek to anchor in, tucked away on Hinchinbrook Island.

There was no wind, so we motored from Orpheus Island to Bramble Reef, which turned out to be a bit too exposed to the swell for our liking. We decided to keep heading north to Britomart, where we knew our friends on Just Magic were and we’re so glad we did! We had an incredible spearfish off the reef ledge in the afternoon, we were treated with the glassiest conditions, amazing visibility and an abundance of reef fish. Keen to fill the freezer over the next day or so ☀️

Light wind day so had the code 0 up for most of the day. Amazing sea state which made for a very pleasant sail. Got a pocket of nice wind on the beam which really boosted up the average. We also finally put the new decals on!

In the early hours of the morning, we said some sad goodbyes to our crew Tia and Chris. 😢 Tia had to head back to Brisbane to meet her nephew, who was born just yesterday! In Townsville now to restock the boat and get ready for our next leg to Cairns. Time to start putting some serious miles under the mini keels to make it to TI in time to cross to Indo.

First night sail for Injidup. Did the trip under headsail only, running in about 15kts. Great time at cape upstart highlighted by a spin around the fishing huts in Grover the Suzuki sierra and a hike up the gorge

We had a complete glass off, so we motored under bare poles the entire way to sawmill bay, enjoying the sunset on the way.

Easily the best spearing conditions we’ve had on the trip so far—15 metres of visibility and a complete glass-off. Chris landed a beautiful tusky, but unfortunately, the tax man came for both mine and Ben’s fish. Reef sharks everywhere!

We hoisted the screecher for a smooth downwind sail to Bait Reef, where we were treated to some of the most breathtaking snorkelling we’ve ever experienced. Surrounded by a forest of massive, thriving bommies and 25 metres of visibility, the underwater world was nothing short of spectacular. The highlight? A 1-metre-long coral trout tucked away in a cave.

After a morning spear, we moved up to Luncheon Bay in preparation for our trip out to the reef. Chris landed his first fish of the trip - a beautiful 50cm trout off the back of the boat. The Whitsundays is proving to be more fruitful than we expected.

Crew number 5 and 6 left the boat in Airlie leaving just the 4 of us. Nice sail close hauled with 9kts of wind. Picked up a mooring at the cairn and had an afternoon spear

After a few days moored up out the front of Palm Bay Resort, it was time to drop Caity and Ash back to Arlie. We spent the afternoon doing laundry and provisioning for another couple of weeks off the mainland.

We didn’t have enough with 4, so we picked up another 2.5. Had a beautiful snorkel at Chalkie Bay and attempted to surf off the back of the tinnie with a bit of success.

All good things come to an end.