Self sufficiency and social distancing

We are spending our time exploring the Great Sandy Straits, enjoying different anchorages depending on tides, wind and comfort! There are so many places to explore in this vicinity I think it will take us a while to get sick of it, and there is certainly a lot to see and do.

The atoll appears

South White Cliffs is about 3/4 down the west side of Fraser Island. There is a small sand atoll that appears at low tide, and it is about 2km to walk around; up and down the dunes through soft and often wet sand it is quite a challenge and good for the legs! A swim afterwards in the balmy water is always welcome. In the past week we have stayed here twice, both times for two nights, lazing around while the tide is high and the wind is light. Other boaties are also taking advantage of this peaceful location, fishing, walking or just lazing around. It is particularly good when the wind is from the east or south, as Fraser Island protects us from lumpy seas. Smaller, shallower boats can venture further in past the shallow water and get more protection, but I wonder whether the midgies might be fiercer at low tide.

Kingfisher Bay

North White Cliffs, just past Kingfisher Bay resort, is also lovely but only when the wind is from the south or east - otherwise, waves push across the bay and it is quite uncomfortable! As the only land nearby is on Fraser Island (closed during the current situation), it is a good place for relaxing maybe with a fishing rod or a book. The resort nearby is closed but we have seen the barge come across a couple of times.

Hervey Bay wharf

Marina, Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay is a lovely town, with terrific coastal walks and bike paths and a long wharf to walk along, watching the fishermen try their luck along the 1.2km length. We spent two nights at the Great Sandy Straits marina while we restocked with food, water, grog and hardware to keep us busy and well-fed. We got out our bikes and rode along the waterfront up to the shopping centre (and Bunnings and Dan Murphy's), then back along the old railway track which led to the wharf - it was quite a while since either of us had ridden so far and our legs certainly felt it!

Olive focaccia

Hot cross buns - yum!

Social isolation is also a time to try new things or hone old skills. We enjoy cooking new foods on the boat, and making marinades and sauces out of what we have on hand. We have mastered making yoghurt out of powdered milk and we regularly cook bread or foccacia. This easter, hot cross buns were on the menu, and spending time in Hervey Bay encouraged us to visit the local fishmongers, enjoying scallops, prawns, coral trout and red emperor. A home made seafood sauce or marinade complements our cooking.

Crafts and small renovations or improvements have also been undertaken; the captain has replaced all the flyscreens on the windows and we have installed new magnetic screens on each door, while the first mate has been turning her hand to knitting, with towel toppers the first project attempted. We are well set up with plenty to do as we had always known we would be spending a lot of time on our own - with plenty of books, puzzles and other projects, plus opportunities for phone and video calls to friends and family, we never feel bored or too lonely.

Soldier crabs scurrying

Butterflies fluttering

There is also plenty of wildlife around - dingoes on the foreshore, turtles in the water, butterflies flying by in their hundreds, soldier crabs scurrying across the sand. The birds on the island wake us each morning and we see fish jumping out of the water (but not onto our hooks!). Life is peaceful and serene and we consider ourselves very lucky to be here.
CAPTAIN'S LOG:

Distance travelled - 70.8 NM

Travelling time - 11 hours, 35 minutes

Fuel consumption - 58.4 L