27/3/2014- Farm beach to Port Lincoln
Some of the places we have stopped at on our sailing around
Australia adventures have had pleasant surprises. We anchored Easy
tiger off a place called Farm Beach at the end of the long winding channel in
and out of Coffin Bay.
We arrived there about 4.00pm. I had read somewhere that farm beach
is known for a collection of tractors that people used to pull their boats into
and out of the water. So after untying
and putting the naughty dinghy into the water I headed off in search of the big
boys toys. Leanne declined to come and spent the time preparing more Oysters
and fried fish for dinner with B1 and Maree, who had already been to the beach
for a swim.
As I approached the beach I was met by six Pelicans and a few other
birds who quickly gathered around as I waded the last 20 metres. I pretended
that I was getting something out of the plastic bag so that they would pose for
some photos, but once they realised I had no fish they dumped me like a hot
potato.
A short stroll over the sand dune track that, according to the sign,
is a road and road rules apply, brought me to a fenced off yard that has about
30 old small farm tractors in it. The tractors ranged from 1950’s models up to
a Chamberlain that was 80’s. Many were reduced to rusting hulks and obviously
hadn’t pulled any boats for a long time, while some were kept under covers, possibly a little more "loved". One
even had the kitchen sink bolted on to the side, no doubt for cleaning fish
while you are getting the boats out.
There is a small caravan park there, with some people camped out
in their converted buses.That brought back memories of our bus and the trip we did in 2000.
I enjoyed a wander around the tractor yard and another chat with the
expectant pelicans on my return. They obviously hadn’t remembered that I was
the guy who didn’t have any fish.
The next night we anchored in the south end of Avoid Bay. A friendly
seal was the only other sign of life in the bay. The seal played with our
anchor giving it a few bumps. Not satisfied with that, the seal tried to
chomp on our stainless steel bridle shackle as I lowered that into the water.
Then it tried chomping on the bridle ropes and that was when I drew the line. I
grabbed the other end of the rope and shook it as hard as could. Job done. Seal
disappeared. One of those times when if only I had the camera!
Following our stay in Avoid bay we motored all day through glass out
conditions around to Memory Cove. As we rounded Cape Catastrophe we waved good
bye to the Great Australian bight. We had a little celebration and both agreed
that having been there, we wouldn’t ever plan to cross the bight again unless it is in a jet liner 30,000 feet above.
Memory Cove was a beautiful anchorage. Clear water, over white sand
and a few resident pelicans and seals. It looked like it would be quite protected but we had nothing to need protection from. The wind instrument was reading zero point zero when we anchored and didn't gain anything overnight.
This morning we really enjoyed motoring past Taylor and Boston Islands, again not a breath of wind. Some yachts were heading out on a race to nearby Islands but were battling to make any headway at all. We motored in an were to anchor at midday a hundred metres or so off the Port Lincoln Yacht club.
We both are feeling very happy to be in Port Linclon. This port
represents about a quarter of our planned trip around Australia that we have
accomplished. We both feel relieved that we are now in more sheltered waters,
at a port with many services (for repairs and maintenance) that we are far
better sailors and have grown together from our achievements over the past 5
months.
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| First view of Port Lincoln, with the green grain elevator in the forground. |
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| The point that marks our base for the next five or so months and marks a quarter of our adventures achieved. |
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