Day 5 Horeshoe Bay, Magnetic Island

7^th  January 2011

Horseshoe Bay Magnetic Island

We woke to another beautiful day, yet again with no wind. An early start with only a chain wrapped around the anchor winch marring a beautiful motor to Horseshoe Bay.

Travelling in a boat one isn’t aware of what is happening in the outside world. The weather here is beautiful. Brilliant sunshine, blue skies. It comes as a surprise to learn that Brisbane is getting pounded by rain. In Bundeberg, on the Burnett River 70 yachts were lost or damaged when the river flooded and washed their moorings away. 70 yachts! Bureau of Meteorology told us that the Whitsundays must expect destructive winds last night. We will be there in three days, but right now we are enjoying the best weather I can remember in a long while.

During the crossing Isabelle, the human energizer bunny decided to clean. She drafted Mark and Rona  cleaned the cockpit, rearranged the lazarretts, and the cabin. We then had a self cleaning session of indulgence, showering in fresh water. Our intention is to get a berth at Nelly Bay on Saturday so we can afford to be extravagant with water. It’s funny how little luxuries take on great significance at sea.

We anchored in Horseshoe Bay, the only boat here. Last time I was here was in September for the Magnetic Island Race Week and the place was packed. We dinghied ashore to one of my favourite places on the East Coast, Cottees Fish and Chip Shop. Purchasing mackerel and chips and eating them in the shed on the beach looking out at a sunset over water while drinking wine out of a brown paper bag decanted into disposable cups. A marvellous end to a beautiful day.