Year 2 – 10 April 2025 –Facing Island -Gladstone Marina – Guest Blog
Paul wrote
We both awoke quite early after interrupted nights' sleep, wind blew strongly throughout the previous day and through the night. It was predicted to continue. Seas outside Facing Is. were up to 3 meters (approx) yesterday with no protected anchorages. Except where we were inside top end of Facing island.
A cereal and coffee breakfast was consumed before recap of the plans for the day. Hummocky Is. had been planned previously however with the 30+ SSE winds and little protection anywhere, there with no alternative (except Whitsundays!) so it was decided to return to Gladstone for now to minimise risks all round.
Anchor came up easily and we set a return course as earlier plotted by Nick (thanks Nick) south through the channels to the west of Facing Island. Tide was full and outgoing with the current ebbing at about 3kts. Notified VTS at 9:15 of our intentions to enter Auckland channel and David booked the Marina also.
It was a smooth entry into Marina; Stormbird was secured on the orange hammerhead pontoon as previously. 12.63nm travelled arriving 11:45hrs. Weather situation being monitored closely, local knowledge suggested Pancake Creek inlet which is well protected but that is ~20nm south, so deliberating on this mid afternoon. Further plans to be discussed during the evening. Wind whistling in the rigging atm. ! The 100 Magic Miles of the Great Barrier Reef book does not have one picture with a howling gale!
Chilled during the arvo, boat checks etc then walked to the town centre, almost everywhere closed, Paul had a kebab for dinner and David enjoyed another barramundi with a red at the Yacht Club as we sat on balcony enjoying the sunset. A pleasant warm Gladstone breeze wafted through as the sun went down.
Looking at having an early jog around the parks tomorrow before anything else, then later a visit to the local Maritime Museum with HMAS Gladstone on display. Weather permitting plans to go sailing will be further explored.