Wednesday 14th August - Monday 2nd September 2024
Airlie Beach - Darwin, Australia
We were heading to Cairns to meet Iain’s cousin, Sean Kirkpatrick, both men the same age, but have never met! On the way we stopped at White Haven for a morning walk to experience miles of uninterrupted white sands and crystal blue waters with Frances and Brian on Navillus. The walk was akin to a National Trust walk. Board walks, sign posts and a one way system leading to a look out point. We were relieved to be on the beach before the day trippers and their enthusiastic guides. No one was up for Iain’s soliloquy on the misfortunes of bus tours full of enthusiastic groups.
Once back on the boat, we continued on our way to Airlie Beach, arriving in the rain.
Here we watched some of the Airlie Beach Race Week from our boat, which made Iain very nostalgic for home.
As compensation, we caught up with Ian and Fiona, on Asante for a very pleasant lunch.
The next stop was the beautiful uninhabited island of Cowley Beach, then onwards again to Normandy Island. On the way Iain fixed the electric outboard motor for our blow up tender. When we arrived, we went ashore to test the repair and stretch our legs.
We finally arrived in Cairns and were greeted by the most friendly harbour master who helped us tie up. We had a lovely stay here. We felt like we were on holiday again. Sean arrived and all was well. Over the next 48 hours both the Kirkpatricks had lots to discuss, family history to explore with the inevitable smattering of gossip. Dugald returned from his road trip, but sadly with a very sore back which confined him to a flat surface for days.
Iain and I had a wonderful day out on the famous cable car and Kerunda Railway. We went up in a glass bottomed cable car to experience the rainforest canopy.
After a visit to Kuraunda Village and cuddling a koala we rode the train back down to Cairns. On the train, we met the friendliest of ladies, Danielle and Sue. We drank far too much wine with them which has bonded us for life making both these lovely ladies firm friends.
Again it was time to leave, heading towards our Darwin rendezvous with our Arc Rally. This journey was a long slow meander. The conditions were calm, so calm we motor sailed all the way.
We made three stops. First, Margret’s Bay, Lizard Island to clean the hull and have an exhilarating hike to Cook’s Look. The point where Captain James Cook climbed to find a safe passage for the Endeavour through the Great Barrier Reef.
Next, we anchored for the night in Cape York, Possession Island. Here, when Captain Cook landed he named the island as hoisted the English colours, taking possession of the east coast of Australia in the name of King George III of England.
We continued on our way, still under engine in the calm. This journey was long and boring. Did I really say that? Wow! We passed ships, dodged reefs, spoke to a lonely Tug Boat Pilot, and of course, ticked off jobs.
We arrived in Fannie Bay, Darwin on Monday 2nd September to await instructions for entry into the marina the next day and excited for our next adventure.
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