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.