Pittwater

Although we were going to leave, we woke up to drizzle and head winds, so we decided to delay it for a day.  We moved anchorages and headed over to The Basin so we could go ashore, swim and kick the footy.  Once ashore we were approached by a ‘ranger’ of sorts who welcomed us and proceeded to tell us the lay of the land which included a ‘landing fee’!  We were a little gobsmacked and did ask if she was serious, which she definitely was.  So we packed up our stumps (well goal posts) and headed over to another beach.  

Pittwater

In the morning we picked up a mooring closer to Mona Vale and took the dingy ashore so we could hit the shops.  We promised the kids they could go to the playground on our return, as we had commitments (coffee first) but we kept our promise….

As we were planning on leaving in the morning we moved again and picked up a mooring under Barrenjoey Head.  As we approached I heard someone talking but couldn’t quite work out where it was coming from, until we realised there was a wedding on the beach and it was the celebrant.  Afterwards we also got to hear their music as though they were next door to us!

Finally North Melbourne was televised on free TV and we didn’t need to source a venue in which to watch the game.   However I’m thinking Luke would have preferred it, as Rich was screaming at the TV as Ben Cunnington laid a goal saving tackle at a crucial point in the game, all good exciting screaming, but scared the bejeezus out of Luke.

Pittwater

Although we could have stayed in the Harbour longer, we do realise this beautiful weather will not last and we need to start tracking north.  However you can’t rush these things, particularly when encountered with head winds, so we went 15nm up to Pittwater.  With northerly winds forecast as far as the eye can see, we may be here for a while too.

Sydney (Manly)

After much debate about the best way to get to the Sydney Opera House, we decided to anchor back at Manly and catch the ferry into Circular Quay.  

We were feeling pleased with our decision, as it allowed us to charge the batteries and miss morning peak hour in the city, until the kids eyed their favourite secluded beach.  Well who wants to go sightseeing when you can build dams and kick the footy on a beach with crystal clear water under blue sunny skies.  So the Opera House was put on hold until our return.  At least we had seen it from the water.

However more debate ensued as we had to convince the kids that a dingy trip to Manly was necessary in order to get supplies/coffee!   

Sydney (Blackwattle Bay – Sydney Fish Markets)

It was time to do some sightseeing, so we farewelled our quirky Cammeray Marina and headed for Blackwattle Bay, just under the Anzac Bridge.  Along the way we encountered more warships, lots of ferries (or as Chloe says – Fairies) and many Sydney landmarks.  It really is a spectacular city from the water.

We took the dingy ashore near the Fish Markets and then walked into Darling Harbour.  

We somehow got the kids into the Maritime Museum and they actually enjoyed it.  We then hunted down the ice cream that was overdue from yesterday (long story that involved an ice-cream boat and a promise after lunch that never eventuated).  

Our limited land based activities seemed to have exhausted most of the crew and in particular the Captain, so we called it a day and headed back to the boat.

Sydney (Cammeray)

ANZAC Day – and Sydney had turned on a superb sunny day.  We were joined by Vicki, Melissa and Mette for a day on the boat.   We went back to our anchorage in Manly, with about 100 other boats, slight exaggeration but it felt like it, particularly when two boats tried to anchor right on top us.

Apart from the boat owners who have absolutely no (expletive) idea - Richard’s words, it really was a relaxing afternoon with swims to the beach and wine with lunch.  A big thank you to Vicki, once again, for bringing the delicious food.  

Sydney (Cammeray)

We were kindly lent a car by Richard’s aunt Heather, which stopped the kids whinging about having to walk to the shops.  However, that was short lived, as a car meant a trip to Whitworths, a boat chandlery to buy a replacement battery charger.   On the way back to the Marina we drove over the Sydney Harbour Bridge which gave us a perspective of actually how close we are in Cammeray  to the CBD.

The afternoon was spent with Rich putting in the new battery charger – so much for not working for 6 months!

That night we had dinner at Vicki’s house, Richard’s cousin, which also included his other cousin Melissa who was over from New York.  We love catching up with them.  Vicki and Finn’s daughters, Mette and Anja, 21 and 18 are fantastic with Luke and Chloe and they love the attention lavished upon them by the girls.  Luke was particularly happy when Finn passed the iPad over to Luke so he could watch the end of the Carlton v Fremantle game.   

Sydney (Cammeray)

The forecast was right – RAIN.  Every time we contemplated heading out, it started to rain.  As our day was somewhat, well completely, dictated by the 4.35pm North Melbourne game we decided not to venture out until then.  Once again the boys had already sourced a venue, The Oaks Hotel, in which to watch the game.   It was a huge venue, with a restaurant, lounge bar and sports bar and so much for thinking no one would be out and about due to the weather, it was packed.

Sydney (Cammeray)

The next few days the forecast was for rain, so we decided to park ourselves at Cammeray Marina for the weekend.  On the way, we just happen to be passing the heads when an Aircraft Carrier and two Frigates were coming into the harbour, it made for a spectacular sight.

The kids also got to experience their first bridge opening, the Spit Bridge as we sailed into Middle Harbour.

We were lucky to secure a berth at Cammeray Marina, the only down side – the stairs up to the road, 107 steps!

Sydney (Manly)

The priority for the day was going shopping for the essentials of essentials – toilet paper!  Someone accidently bought paper towel instead of toilet paper on the last shop (even after consultation with the other someone, as the boat toilet requires specific toilet paper).  Everyone was on strict instructions to only use two squares and Chloe would exit the toilet giggling, announcing she had used 4 squares!  

Once we were in Manly, we tried to convey to the kids we were at one of the more significant beaches in Sydney.  However I think they were just as impressed with our fairly secluded beach back near where the yacht was anchored.  Essentials taken care of – toilet paper and coffee, we hit the beach for the afternoon. 

Rich convinced me to paddle the board into the beach.  I think he and kids were hoping to see me fall in, considering the number of photos they took…………but I didn't give them the satisfaction!

Wollongong to Sydney

We’ve finally arrived in Sydney, it only took us 16 days, but who’s counting…. The motor-sail from Wollongong was under blue sunny skies, little swell and very calm seas.  So calm, Chloe was happy to have a hot chocolate and watch a DVD down below.

As we got closer to Sydney, we passed the time away by counting the number of planes flying overhead and taking selfies!

We anchored in Spring Cove, just around the corner from Manly and took the dingy ashore to the little beach.

Wollongong

Wollongong has certainly changed since we were here 11 years ago.  A massive shopping complex that was rather funky in its design but not so easy to navigate.  It had a ‘recreational room’ where you could play table tennis, foosball and air hockey, plus some old video arcade games.  I left the 3 kids there while I did some shopping and should have left them all there while I went supermarket shopping!  Oh yes Chloe did get her muffin, coffee was the first stop of the morning!

The afternoon  was spent on the beach and once again Luke found some makeshift goals – the Lifesaver’s flags.

Crookhaven to Wollongong

Let’s just say this was one sail (motor) to forget.  We had an easterly swell against opposing light winds and current against it.  It’s like being in a ‘washing machine’ .  To top it all off the storm clouds were still lingering and we sailed-motored straight into the rain.   We arrived at Wollongong dripping wet, tied up alongside a fishing boat and then of course the rain stopped. 

We hit the town of Wollongong and stopped for coffee.  We shared a white chocolate raspberry muffin, well Chloe gave us all a few crumbs each as she devoured most of it.  Her mission tomorrow was to return and have a whole one to herself.

Crookhaven

We woke up contemplating heading to Wollongong today but after seeing the surrounding storm clouds and checking the radar, we decided it would be best to stay put. 

It rained on and off most of the morning but we still ventured ashore to get diesel and some food.  

Once more the boys scouted the local pub and we ended up there late afternoon to watch the North v Fremantle game.  Can’t say it was the greatest venue but a good win by North made it more palatable.

Ulladulla to Crookhaven

Another relatively early start, we left at 6.30am with our destination up in the air depending on the conditions.  Light winds and sloppy seas made for a rolly ride and we were soon calculating the miles to our earliest anchorage.  Our decision to cut the day short was validated when our autopilot (nicknamed George) starting making strange noises and we had to shut it down.  This meant we had to hand steer for the remaining two and half hours.

We arrived at Crookhaven at 1.30pm and within minutes of the anchoring being down, Rich is in the engine room, pulling apart the autopilot to find the fault.

Ulladulla

Another visit to the laundromat, then we dragged the kids out to Bunnings on foot and then back to the shops.  I joked to Richard that by the time the trips over, we’ll have the boat set up with all that we need.

We then found a Barber Shop so Luke could get a haircut.  It was the quirkiest Barber Shop I’d ever seen, so much so when we got back to the boat, I insisted Rich go up for a haircut so he could check it out!

Ulladulla

We surveyed the town of Ulladulla and to Luke and Chloe’s delight they had spotted Sports Power and Toy world respectively.  Luckily for me the shops were connected.   It seemed an odd combination, but worked for me.

More laundry and provisioning, then we hit the beach and sea baths for the afternoon.

Broulee Island to Ulladulla

Another sailing day and again light winds and current.  We were all thankful this was only 38 miles and took us 6.5 hours.

Eden to Broulee Island

We departed Eden at 2.30am as we had a 12 hour sail ahead of us (78 miles).  We left early as we needed to ensure we arrived in daylight.  

Luckily we did, as our 12 hour sail turned into 14 hours. as we had little wind and current against us for most of the day.

We anchored at 4.30pm all very happy to finally stop.

Eden, NSW

First day of Term 2 and the kids hit the books early at 7.30am! (I think we might be peaking early….)

We stayed another day at Eden, buying final provisions, fishing and exploring the beach at Boyd Bay. More flathead were caught including one Spanish Mackrel by Luke.  

There was also a few that had to
be thrown back in.

Watch out  - Chloe in charge of the dingy!

Eden, NSW

Laundry and football was the order of the day. And a big thanks to Luke for hauling the washing up the steep, winding path to town.

We made ourselves comfortable at the local Fishing Club (think RSL) eating our lunch in front of the footy (North v Melb) on their comfy couch.

I timed my run to the laundromat beautifully, with North relinquishing at 42 point lead in the 2^nd quarter.  But in their defence it was against a howling wind down in Hobart!

Laundry all done and a narrow win by North meant everyone went home happy.

Chloe’s highlight for the day was swatting mosquitoes in the boat by torchlight.

Eden, NSW

We tied up to the Eden jetty and went exploring the shops of Eden!  But first we had to walk up the steep winding path from the harbour to the town (a mini version of San Francisco’s crookedest street).   Rich and I made a beeline for coffee!

With provisions taken care of, a stop at the fishing shop for bait and a few nic nacs for Chloe we headed back to the boat for a spot of fishing.  Luke’s rod was the first to the hit the water and he had caught 3 fish before Rich could even bait up any more rods!  Beautiful fresh flathead fillets were on the menu for dinner that night.  

Passage to Eden

The wind was light so we continued to motor/sail through the day.  Our only hiccup was about 20 miles from Eden when we got some seaweed caught around the prop.  For a little while there we thought Rich was going to have to go over the side to untangle it.  Luckily it came loose after Rich put the boat into reverse a few times.

We arrived at Eden at 8pm and were happy to put the pick (anchor) down.  We enjoyed our first beer for the trip, celebrating our little milestone of putting Bass Strait behind us.

Refuge Cove to Eden, NSW

We would have loved to have stayed in Refuge Cove for longer but a really good weather window opened up with a forecast of light winds behind us and small seas .  

But before we left, we ensured our stay would be remembered, along with the other hundreds of yachties who had visited this anchorage.

We departed Refuge Cove at 5.15am with an approx. 40 hour sail ahead of us.  Fingers crossed this is our last overnighter for a while. 

The forecaster’s were right and the sailing was easy going apart from the lack of sleep.  The wind abated late afternoon and we ended up motoring throughout the night.

Refuge Cove, Wilsons Prom

The day was a stark contrast to yesterday, completely overcast and drizzly.  But it didn’t matter as I think we were all happy to ‘chill out’.  We played ‘Sleeping Queens’ a new card game Chloe got for her birthday.  It was a hit with both Luke and Chloe, so a big thank you to Bec and Vali for giving it to Chloe, I think it will get a lot of use over the next 6 months.

When the rain had finally ceased, we went ashore in search of internet reception so we could check the weather.  This meant walking/climbing up the hill and I think the kids thought we were mad, but they enjoyed the adventure.  

Alas we did not get any coverage, however we did run into other yachties on shore and as the conversation turned to weather, as it inevitably does with sailors, we discovered they had internet coverage on board their yacht and invited Rich over to check the forecast.

Oberon Bay to Refuge Cove, Wilsons Prom

Rich and I got about 2 hours sleep before the kids woke up at 6am.  We had a short sail around the bottom of the Prom to Refuge Cove.  We had quite a few gusts of wind sweep down off the hills and the kids thought it very exciting as the boat heeled over.

I’d forgotten how beautiful Refuge Cove was, even the kids were pretty awestruck.  It was a warm day so after we anchored, we braved the cold water and had a very quick swim.

We took the dingy ashore and explored the creek and campsites.  Chloe swam some more and Rich and Luke kicked the footy.  Luke even managed to find makeshift goals using a sign, although they were more likened to Gaelic Football goals than Aussie Rules, so he told me!