Paradise Point…

Apartments, Ephraim Is, with their own marina

Thursday 5th October

Back to our nice Paradise Point anchorage where everything is indeed a little paradise – we have an amazing anchorage just metres from the public jetty (almost too close sometimes – once when the wind was blowing I needlessly worried that we would hit it!!) Ashore are numerous restaurants – including two fish & chipperies almost next to each other – we tried both and both passed the Jamie Docker Fish Test for taste!!

A perfect anchorage in Paradise!!

There is a fenced swimming pool area, yes, we did have a swim, with shower and toilets, BBQ and playground – all of which are extremely well used. And, it seems almost everyone on the Gold Coast has a dog and a penchant for exercise whether running, walking or Tai Chi - even as early as 5.30am!!

Derek and Debbie took us on a “tiki tour” one day and very kindly loaned us their car another which made the shopping trip a breeze (well, physically – Jamie never thinks of shopping as a “breeze” unless it is a marine/hardware shop!!).

This is an absolute haven for jetskis and fast motorboats - some of which have kept us well entertained with their antics.

Whilst here we have found crew for the Tasman crossing, although we did not end up with a couple, which was our first intention, we are pleased to have joining us on board, two singles – Philip and Lynette. Phil, from Adelaide, South Australia, has a lovely looking 43ft wooden Gaff rigged cutter which he sails around the gulf area there. Lyn is part-owner of a Lightwave 38ft catamaran which is currently in Malaysia. Both came to SOL one Tuesday evening and we enjoyed a “getting to know you” meal together. They will meet us down in Coffs Harbour a few days before we leave.

As part of our preparation for the Tasman we have purchased a life raft – which we hope never to have to use. Murphy’s Law would say that if we didn’t have one……. So… I hope we have appeased Murphy!! We also got these natty little MOB watches – the crew on watch – two at each time, will wear these which are set up to an alarm on the boat (app on phones and ipad) that if the wearer gets out of a certain range for 8 seconds the alarm sounds like a fire siren, the best vessel to save you in a man overboard situation is the one closest to you – the mothership.

I also made us a Q Flag - this is a flag which you are required to fly upon entering a foreign port to alert Customs and Immigration of your arrival and must be flown until they have cleared you and your boat. The "Q" stands for Quarantine, of course!!

Q Flag to be flown on entry to foreign ports

We took a few days break from Tasman Prep with a visit from Grace and Cal who drove up from Victoria for an extended weekend. They left home about 4am Friday morning and after a mere 19hrs drive we dinghied them to SOL.

South Stradbroke Island, seaward side

Saturday dawned yet another perfect Queensland day and we had been invited to join Ian Cooper and friends at Dux Anchorage on South Stradbroke Island for a pot-luck curry evening hosted by the Southport Yacht Club. Delicious food and lovely people, a great night was had by all. We walked over the island to the seaward side and spotted some whales in the distance putting on their usual show for our benefit.

We have been incredibly persistent with our fishing endeavours, and, incredibly unlucky. Grace managed to hook a catfish and then Cal and I hooked what we described as eels - we have later discovered that these very sharp toothed, long shiny creatures are what is known as Hairtail, and the ones we caught were between 1 and 2 metres long, with the most horrendous teeth. We were very happy to return all to the sea.

Sunday – what has happened to the perfect Queensland weather – it was grey, overcast and moody looking. We decided to take a trip out the Gold Coast Seaway and give Grace and Cal a real taste of this sailing life. It is not always flat calm as they soon discovered!!

Yes, I had to include the "skipper picture"

Cal and Jamie hoisted the reefed mainsail and with just half the jib out we were soon flying along in 20knots. We saw some dolphins and more whales then, luckily, they had put in the third reef by mistake, not the second, as within a very short time we had 30-35knots and turning back to shore we flew through the seaway entrance under sail. Exhilarating!!

By this stage the rain was coming down in bucketloads, nice to wash the salt from the boat but not so pleasant for visitors, but we had a great time indoors playing boardgames before going to a nice restaurant for dinner (thanks children). Monday was still wet, but who cares really, Cal’s mum came down from Brisbane for a quick visit which was great – we hadn’t seen her since Grace and Cal’s wedding two years ago. Then Grace and Cal threw out the fishing lines again - Grace managed to catch a nice crab on her line which we later enjoyed as a snack. And the day ended with MacKenzie, a mate of Cal’s also coming aboard. They left around 5pm to make the journey back to Victoria – a long drive again but with plans to stop en route for the night should be fine – sadly they collided with a kangaroo on the way and although they damaged their car it was still driveable. As always, it is so nice to have the children visit with us and sad they must leave.

We also are leaving this Paradise Point, after a farewell breakfast with Derek and Debbie we will leave tomorrow for Yamba/Iluka, sailing overnight on the next leg of our way south.