Waiting for the trades to ease

GRIB files are very useful maps of future wind speed and direction. We can get a fairly accurate image of the next 7 days, and plan accordingly. Over the last week we have been staring at maps with a mass of 20-30 knot arrows all pointing in exactly the opposite direction to where we need to go.


We use the PocketGrib app in the iPad, or I have recently discovered zyGrib for the Mac.

So we have been 'hanging out' or 'gunkholing' first in Island Head Creek, and today in Port Clinton. Another big crab. George cooks the most fabulous crab chowder.

Island Head Creek is one of our favourite places, so it has been extremely relaxing.

Island Head Creek

Island Head Creek

Port Clinton

But tomorrow is the big push, so we have to make it south to Rosslyn Bay marina, put the boat into mothballs, and then fly home on Friday.

Marty the Mudcrab

From Mackay, we made a break south to get to shelter before the next bout of predicted strong winds. First to Middle Percy,


then to Hexham Island,

South Passage - sail training schooner, at Hexham Island.

before sneaking inside the huge wilderness area of Shoalwater Bay. This is a military reserve that is sometimes closed for war-games, and hardly anyone goes there. The tides are huge.

We spent one night in Canoe Passage, and another up Mistake Creek. Beautiful and remote.

You may have heard the comic story of 'Marty the Mudcrab'. Hear it here. The good news is that we found Marty. The biggest crab I ever saw. 600mm from claw to claw.

Tonight we have made it to Island Head Creek, and are nicely settled in for a few days.

Coverage is extremely iffy. This is being written from up on the boom.