| The journey from Hinchinbrook to Cairns featured one weeks stay at Dunk, a two week stay on the Johnstone River at Innisfail (to check out the local croc’s) and a weeks stay at Fitzroy Island. This is beautiful Dunk Island. On the Island we met two couples who are heading to Darwin for a Kupang, Indonesia Rally. It sounds like they are in for a treat and we wish them boat speed! |
|
 |
 |
|
View from the Jetty Cafe on Dunk Island |
Looking out over Coconut Bay from Dunk Island |
 |
 |
|
A view from with in the Resort (restricted to resort guests) |
Relax Dave |
 |
Our plan was altered at Innisfail when after crossing the bar at the Johnstone River on a 2m tide we discovered that 2m was not sufficient for our 1.8m drafted vessel and whilst we continued to cross the bar unobstructed by any obstacles our depth sounder alerted us of the shallow waters regularly. Unfortunately for us, once we actually made it across the bar we proceeded to go “aground” on the inside of the first river bend. Yes, a complete halt and with Dave’s reverse/forward manoeuvres were we freed a few minutes later. A note was entered into the captain’s log – take that corner a bit wider next time and wait for 2.5m tide! And, this is where our plans changed – the next 2.5m tide was not for another two weeks. Thankfully Innisfail was pretty and abundant with facilities and entertainment. On our exit we managed to avoid a similar mishap to our entrance and made our way to Fitzroy Island where we stayed for some snorkelling and more walks before heading to Cairns. |
|
Innisfail with blue skies (must have been the first day we arrived) |
|
| Our activities during our leg from Hinchinbrook Island to Cairns included walking around parts of Dunk Island, collecting coconuts, a visit to the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm, snorkelling at Fitzroy Island and catching a 3ft reef shark. At the reptile park we handled a friendly snake, a 6 month old crocodile, blue tongue lizard, a frill neck lizard and was accosted by a black cockatoo. |
 |
|
Looks like we have a candidate for our “Pirate Bird” position. |
|
 |
 |
|
Bron taking advantage of the hands on experience. |
Dave makes out like a tree to accomodate the snake |
 |
 |
|
The snake has a good look around |
This is Gregory – a big ancient croc! |
 |
 |
|
Did you know Crocodiles come in green? |
Watching the sun go down at Fitzroy Island |
The Adventures of the Sailing Vessel 'Anais'
