Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

Monday 20th October we left Geraldton on a lovely sultry day. Perfect for motoring, or sailing, so luck was with us for once. The staysail that we borrowed from Rob worked a treat giving us more speed and stability while motoring. As we were travelling, we were accosted by blow flies, bush flies, wasps, midges and anything else that pesters or stings with wings! Port Denison was the first stop on our way back home. We arrived just after lunch, soon after another yacht, ‘Mind’s Eye’ who had also left Geraldton that morning. We picked up an anchorage and rowed ashore to try to get some relief from all the bugs and to cool down. It was actually HOT! It was not much better at nightfall and there was a notable absence of wind. What’s the use in hanging around here we ask? So we drop the mooring line and start on the next leg to Jurien Bay.

Gee, how lucky can you get, we dropped anchor at 8.15AM, just as the wind starts to howl in. While Steve slept, I watched the locals going to and fro on the town beach and thanking our lucky stars that we were not out in that weather. At 4PM we decided we better fuel up (don’t like this noisy, smelly engine stuff, oh for a mast) and head for the fuelling jetty. While there, Mind’s Eye ties up to the jetty as well, after a stressful sail from Port Denison in those awful winds. And the winds are just starting to die down now! Looks like another night trip. We head off at 6PM, into a spectacular sunset. There is nothing much between Freo and Jurien Bay for yachts to berth, thus while the going is good, we might as well make Rotto the next stop. Dropped anchor at Thompson Bay early afternoon, again just as the wind started to pick up. On the way we saw more whales, but as we have the motor on, they do not come as close. Maybe that is lucky as Mind’s Eye hit a whale on their way back from Geraldton last year and had to head to port for emergency repairs.

Thompson Bay on Rotto was deserted, probably cause it was ssssooo cold. We anchored windward of a big mooring, so that if we dragged (there is always that possibility as it is thin sand over rock there) we would just pick up the mooring. They are touchy there if you pick up a mooring and it is wiser just to try the anchor. Steve was intrigued by the maze of chain near the mooring and decided to investigate. It was too cold to dive so on goes the goggles and snorkel, and he plonks his head under the water to have a gander, while he is on the marlin board at the back of the boat. I am down below and I heard a plaintive wail. It sounded like ‘help Ally, come and give me a hand’ but I wasn’t sure. I mean to say, Steve sounded so far away, and when has he needed my help? Confused, I make my way to the back of the boat, glancing around for the camera as I go (didn’t find it though) and getting there JUST in time to see Steve FALL in the water. Really, I could not catch him, Really and Truly!!! Oh I do wish I had found that camera........

We left Rotto the next morning and motored to Freo, arriving just after lunch. It was good to see Mum and the kids again and catch up with the guys at the Freo club as well. The weather report was for a blow from the north tomorrow (Friday) so it was reassuring that we were secure for that as well. The next day blew and at nightfall, a fierce squall came through and we enjoyed watching masts of yachts in the pens swaying dramatically. Glad we were tucked up like a bug in a rug. Saturday morning we waken to a commotion outside and stick our heads out bleary eyed (I mean it was REAL early) and see Knee Deep trying to squeeze into the small gap behind us. No go though and they ended up, rafting to the FSC support vessel. They had just finished the Geraldton Return race in record time (along with 3 other yachts) after sailing in those stormy conditions for the entire race. Lots of torn sails, but easy fixed with a sail maker as part of the crew.

I was going to a sleepover at Mums place for the night, and Trev and Brownie were going to keep Steve company at Pig Trough Bay off Garden Island. They were under orders to catch heaps of squid, but did they listen, NOOOOOO! When I met them at Rockingham, after my bonding time with Mum(who had been great keeping her nervousness about the trip from me for the full 6 months) I saw nothing.... The boys had anchored next to the Silvery Wave, our old gaff rigger. She was looking neglected and sad. Inti was anchored nearby and when Rob came over later that day, we resumed our discussions with him. There is so much that guy knows about cruising and his stories keep you dreaming. By now Trev has nicked off so he could go to work and we head off for the last leg, as it looks like windy weather coming again soon.
Monday morning we left at 7.30 am and were soon bogged trying to find the channel under the Garden Island Causeway. After that time flew and by lunch time we were tying up to our pen with Gary and Evas help.

I was happy to be home, but not happy to have ended the trip. Steve just wanted to go out fishing again. Lots to do at home though as we were starting work in less than a week. Time flew and soon it was the weekend. I was already missing the sailing and competed in the dinghy racing. The following Sunday I had a new crew, Mady on the sharpie. We had lots of capsize practice, as any good coach knows that all the safety drills need to be done in theory and practicals. Sunseeker and Sail Away Too arrived that day after sailing through the night to get home. Also on that day a swarm of bees decided to make the wheel of a pushbike their home, not far from our yacht. The next day, while I was at work, they decided to find a new home. The club had tried to get someone to take them away but with no success. Well they swarmed over the boats, with Stan and Vinny shooing them off their boats, and headed for our way. Steve managed to close a few hatches on our boat and Gary and Evas, but Battlestar next door was wide open. Well we always said it was a comfortable boat and the bees thought so too. Rod turned up after work and Steve stirring him up while at work, armed with 2 spray cans and protective gear. He had no choice but to eradicate them, he is a brave man!

Life still has fun and excitement in it. We are definitely going cruising again and the sooner the better. It was the best cure I could have had for the fire trauma and I am happy again.
To all our friends, thank you for putting up with me when I went weird and everyone’s support. With all of your help, I have managed to go to a new phase of my life. No, it’s not old age, but it is finding the time to enjoy life with family and friends.
Just remember that you don’t stop playing when you get old, you just get old when you stop playing.

Bye until next time
Love Ally