Report Number 6

Continued to explorue Tuncurry and Forster, but weather was not pleasant. Ventured out in dinghy - briefly then returned to the dryness and warmth of Jess. Met Andrew and his daughter Lilly who called in to say hello. Andrew is a plumber and like all plumbers on the water is a very nice guy. In fact, he turned up again next morning to fix a tap which had been leaking for a couple of days, well, since I had pinched an inch of the copper tube from it to bypass the fridge supplementary heat exchanger.

Monday 5th June we decided to get going because the weather forecast was OK but predicted to get bad again on Tuesday. So, as soon as Andrew had fixed the tap (thank you Andrew ) we set out for Camden Haven and Laurieton. The timing was good because the tides were right for leaving at 9.20 and for arriving at Camden Haven at 4.30. Out we went, with the blessing of Tuncurry Coastal Patrol and found conditions quite pleasant, with half metre waves on a 1 metre swell. However (how many times have I used that word in my reports?), as we travelled along, the waves stayed much the same size but the swell gradually increased to 2 and 2.5 metres, making the journey moderately rough and unpleasant, and the alternator gave notice that it was sick of working if we didn't. But, like the intrepid sailors we are, we pressed on to Camden Haven. On the approach to the ubiquitous bar we radioed the Search and Rescue at Laurieton and they said everything was great and to just come in. Well, it didn't look all that good to us with waves breaking all over the place, but in we came. Then a guy appeared from the entrance in a 16' aluminium runabout and came alongside to offer guidance and ultimately led us into the long entrance channel. Our trouble seems to be that neither of us can see the leads that are provided to guide mariners in. Anyway, we made it OK (with Bushy's help) and headed for the wharf at the Servicemens' Club. It was fully occupied. so we pressed on to a public wharf a bit further on, where a couple of locals (Charles and Linda) magically appeared to help us moor, which was greatly appreciated because the wharves are not the floating type and the tide is about a metre from low to high. Charles and Linda joined us for a welcome drink and then we went to bed early because the day had been a bit wearing. Early next morning (Tuesday) we were awakened by the sound of voices just outside the window which turned out to be three locals fishing from the wharf. Staggered out at about 8 to say g'day and offer coffee. Talked to them about the electrical problem and one immediately offered to drive me to the local auto electrician where I was able to arrange for him to come to the boat later to fix the alternator. We basically sat around waiting for him to come, because I had to lift the floor of the main cabin to provide access to the engine. Eventually he arived, fixed the problem quickly and efficiently, then apologised for having to charge me $30!! Ran the motor for an hour or so to charge the batteries. Saw Charles again and he invited us for dinner (or I invited us - its hard to say!) which was simply magnificent. Linda had been at work all day but managed to turn on a three course banquet with little apparent effort. It transpired that Charles is a retired engineer and Linda is a Aged Care worker, so we all had interests in common. Charles was particularly interesting bcause he and his boat "Witchdoctor" have been in 25 Sydney Hobarts (this is equalled by only one other boat and it isn't going this year). As you can imagine, Charles had the odd story or two. We wandered home - about 100 metres - and slept the sleep of the well wined and dined.

Wednesday again dawned dull and cold, so we went to the movies and saw "The Da Vinci Code", had a bit of a look around, lunch at the Servicemens' Club, and back to Jess where we are busy plotting our next step which will be either Port Macquarie or Trial Bay some time possibly soon.

Thanks to all those who have sent messages - we really appreciate them, but just find it difficult to reply to each individually. To members of the BWMYC, please offer our apologies on Friday night, but assure everyone that we will be having a fish dinner to be with you in spirit.

Love to all

Karen and Warwickw