• 1.JPG
  • 2.JPG
  • 3.JPG
  • 4.JPG
  • 5.JPG
  • 6.JPG
  • 7.JPG
  • 8.JPG
  • 9.JPG
  • 10.JPG
  • 11.JPG
  • 12.JPG
  • 13.JPG
  • 14.JPG
  • 15.JPG
  • 16.JPG
  • 17.JPG
  • 18.JPG
  • 19.JPG
  • 20.JPG
Pin It

Although we were frustrated by the weather window closing sooner than forecast, which subsequently forced us to stop at Port Stephens rather than being able to continue on to Pittwater or Sydney, we're glad we diverted for a host of reasons.

At about 12NM out we had a wind shift from a northerly of 6 Kts to a southerly of 25 Kts in a space of two minutes, destroying our starboard genoa car stirrup. Fortunately the stronger winds didn't last long, allowing us to make our destination safely, but the winds have stayed southerly and in the completely wrong direction for us to head further south. Then, after we were anchored, had a nap and had just finished putting Paw Paw back in order, a thunderstorm developed packing winds of 32 Kts. Fortunately that too only lasted about twenty minutes.

Per the latest forecast, it appears we'll be here until after the weekend at least. However,  we're definitely not complaining.  The area reminds us of the Bay of Islands in New Zealand with the same "sleepy hollow" feel. It is very picturesque and, more importantly,  tranquil; a welcome change after our whirlwind trip to the US and the hubbub of Southport. There is, of course, one major exception to the Bay of Islands in that the majority of bays here all have bars, restaurants, shops etc, on shore. We're anchored in Salamander Bay, from where it is apparently a short walk to the Salamander Shopping Mall and various amenities which we hope to explore tomorrow.

The highlight of our day though, was our dolphin escort. A pod of about twenty to thirty dolphins frolicked in Paw Paw's bows and to either side of her from about 6NM out until we reached the entrance to Port Stephens and we were lined up with the leading light. At that point they simply disappeared. Although we have seen dolphins in various parts of the world, we have never had the experience of an escort. It was a very special encounter indeed! 

© Copyright 2011 - 2024 Elaine & Roy Cadman - Do not use any written content or photographs without written permission. All rights reserved

DMC Firewall is developed by Dean Marshall Consultancy Ltd
/*
Joomla templates by a4joomla
*/