Sorry it's been a long time since we've updated our Blog.
One month has gone by since our return crossing of the Coral Sea back to Cairns.
The trip back into Australian waters was longer than the 'dream run' we had going to PNG.
During this return trip we encounted every type of wind and sea condition you could think of, (barring the heights of the southern ocean seas!).
It's amazing how the Coral Sea differs from the Tasman Sea, which differs from the Pacific Ocean!
In 3 words, I would describe the Coral Sea's sea-state as: Short, Sharp and Lumpy!
Not a smooth ride, but rather a jarring or 'bashing' (into a headwind) experience!
Arriving into Cairns with salt encrusted, sleep deprived, wind-blown bodies was a welcoming but mixed experience.
Welcoming....the familiar feeling of a fresh water shower; a cappacino; and the ease of obtaining fresh food/vegies;
Mixed....my mind was still back with the Louisiades indigenous people and the daily island life.
Compared with some tribes of mainland PNG, The Louisiade people are built of slighter frame. We found them extremely gentle, shy, but welcoming.
The surrounding sea is their home. They own the islands they live on, including the surrounding waters enclosed by the reef.
So if one wants to fish or collect crayfish, it's polite to ask their permission, or even better, to invite them along (as they are faster and more skilled in catching whatever you want)! Then in exchange we would trade a T-shirt or fish hooks.
Money is not as valued, as there are no shops!
....Anyway back to present day happenings in Queensland waters.
"Out There",Greg and I are High and Dry... getting some repair work done to the Rigging ; along with general repair to keel, rudder, and water blasting of hull, anti-fouling etc.
During the leg from Magnetic Island to Cape Upstart and Gloucester Passage, we hit 'washing machine' conditions....or as Kirsty Brown would say: "Ripping + Curling" (esp off Cape Bowling Green where there's lots of shallow banks).
Strong squally winds and steep (short wave-length) seas hitting us at the wrong angle, was the straw that broke the camel's back. This was when Greg saw one of the starboard shrouds starting to come apart.
We quickly dropped all sails, so as not to overload the rigging (as this is what keeps the mast vertical); then started motoring to the nearest port which has riggers available.
Fortunately, Airlie Beach Slipway had an immediate vacancy. So to our surprise, we motored into the Marina straight towards the "travel Lift", where two shipwrights were standing with ropes in hand directing us onto the lifting straps.
So here we are High and Dry with first floor ocean views with live-a-board permission.!
Don't you love Queensland's insurance and OH+S standards?
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