Departure

We are finally departing to the Lousiades. The trip is 501 Nm at 50 degrees true from Cairns.

Once we pass through the Grafton Passage we are into the Blue Water of the Coral Sea.



We can be tracked on the following web site Lousiades Rally

Our first landfall will be Duchtateau group of islands ( 11` 20S  152`21E ).

The wind on the passage will be 15-20Knts from the east, but there will be wind squalls so we can expect much stronger winds. Initially there will be a westerly current set and as we get closer to the Lousiades we can expect a northerly set

Count - Down for Start of Rally to Lousiades.

Hi

Sorry for the delay in writing, but time has been a bit tight for us, not only getting ourselves ready, but also helping out the other boats. This has been a learning curve for quite a few of us....
It's now Friday September 10th at 2200 hours, and only 12 hours before we leave Australian shores!
This week has been chock-a-block with more preparations:  Weather briefings; Passage Planning; Safety + Sea rescue talks; Life Raft demonstrations; and Tropical disease, stingers etc lecture.

At 1500hours today we, (and the boat) passed through Customs Clearance, and had our Passports stamped.

So our leaving now feels more final.

After tomorrow and due to the remoteness of the area we'll be visiting, mobile or internet access will be absent.

So check this Blog again at the end of October/beginning of November where we may be back on line.

In the mean time try google earthing the Louisiades. We will be exploring Misima Island; Panasia Island; Nimowa Island; Bagaman Island; and Hoba Bay. Just to name a few.

Our boat is very full, with every storage space taken up, not just with our gear but also   containers loaded with medical equipment; books; fabric etc (donated) for the local  school, clinic and hospital on some of the islands.

Will send photos as soon as we can.

Missing you.

Love Gabrielle and Greg

Dash to the Tropical Rainforests

Before the Rally count down begins (one week before it starts), we thought a few days in the rainforests would be good therapy.


Another advantage in doing this, was to visit my niece (Mel), and her family, who also live in the rain forest belt of the Atherton Tablelands - Mt Molloy.

Here we could get away from the humidity and cool off in the pristine waterfall -fed creeks! The temperature up here is at least 5 degrees cooler than at sea level.

Cooking Techniques

Many novel cooking techniques are used on the boat.

The pressure cooker has been an invaluable device, it makes a excellent risotto's and soups with out the risk of spillage. 

Bread making and Ginger Beer brewing are some of the creations