Lindeman, Goldsmith and Brampton Islands.

 

We sailed through the southern islands of the Whitsundays. We noticed that the water was less milky and far more sparkling again. We visited a few less known anchorages on our way through. We passed by the famous and now empty Club Med: Lindeman Island. It sold for under $8 million, and plans are to upgrade it with the injection of at least $200 million. 7 resorts have closed in recent years. I think that 4 remain within the Whitsundays.

 

Empty for the past year.

Plantation Bay on Lindeman Island was a good anchorage in the north easterlies. Excellent snorkelling and much less visited than many of the northern islands. As such there is more coral and aquatic life. We saw lots of turtles popping up to take a look at us. Boy are they hard to photograph! I've just about given up on the perfect turtle photo.

This turtle spotted a camera and sped away.

Sayonara .

We had a great sail down to our next anchorage, in the southern bay on Goldsmith Island. As we rounded the point we could see another yacht at anchor. Glenn said "that looks like Sagittae" and so it was. We never have any idea of where we will meet up next. It was great to catch up with Sylv and Rob. We had sundowners on ST3 and discussed our future sailing plans for next season including the Louisiades in PNG. There are about 3 or 4 boats interested at this stage. We are trying to do it without it becoming a rally, just "like minded" capable crews who would like to make the trip and look out for each other along the way.

Both the southern and northern anchorages of Goldsmith Island make a worthwhile stopover for cruising yachts heading either north or south.

 

Another Island sunset.

Glenn did a bit of scraping under the yacht and encouraged the appearance of these sucker fish: Remora. Normally they suction themselves to the underside of sharks, large rays etc. but rather fancy the yachts of several people we know. Their upper body looks like to sole of an old jogger.

Look carefully: can you see the tread of an old jogger?

Dinghy Bay on south Brampton Island was well worth exploring. It's not often that a school of fish can be observed so close to shore.

Clarity: a school of fish.

Fish playing.

We went exploring the national park walks, through to the other side of the Island: Turtle Bay looking out to Carlisle Island. We got the surprise of our lives to look up from trudging in the sand, to see this huge Kangaroo. He seemed reluctant to move from his position. We followed him down the track.

Solitude disturbed by bumbling humans.

 

Back at Mackay marina to avoid the blustery southerly weather approaching. The usual round of laundry and reprovisioning. Last time we were here we socialized with lots of friends. This time is so different. The skies are threatening thunderstorms, and the rich and famous have come in as well. This mega yacht is Sarissa: 139 feet long with 6 crew but apparently it is so sophisticated that it can be sailed by one crew. It was built for a family. Worth a look on the internet.

Sarissa Super Yacht. Note that surfboards and SUP's carried on deck just like us!

Crew busy even at night.

Too long for the finger.

A feeling of the end of the season for us.

So onward and southward when the winds settle.

 

Posted with Blogsy