After quite a few days in Bundy marina, we set off for 1770 with a very civilised 8.30am departure .
Here is the chart of our course for this post - what a great idea, whoever suggested that (Scott).
We had a SW wind of 10-12 Kts coming out of Bundy, so had a champagne sail up to the town of 1770, sailing at 8 kts in a 12 kt breeze. Consequently we arrived way too early for the low tide at 1510 hrs. Had to wait nigh on dusk to come across the bar and anchored in fading light. We have been into 1770 several times before so know the unmarked channels - great place for walks, and this time we discovered the huge vanilla slices at the marina cafe. Top notch for this area.
After 2 days at 1770, so named because Lt Cook landed there on 24th May 1770, we sailed the 10nm further up the coast to Pancake Creek. Jo made the traditional buckwheat pancakes for lunch, and we did the walk up the hill to Bustard Head lighthouse - built 1878 and one of the first on the Qld coast. We went with the Upyerkilters - Colin and Kerry.
Lt Cook in 1770 is said to have shot a large bustard bird near there - hence the name. It was most likely a bush turkey - a most unattractive bird.
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Bustard Head lighthouse
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| Prefabricated in Bridgwater (no e), England |
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Small renovated cemetry attesting to centuries of lighthouse keepers and families. About 30% drowned while swimming on Pancake Ck. A creek up here is very like a large river.
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| Aircraft Beach - so named because day joy flights often used to land there - until an accident a few years ago - no one killed. | | |
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Overlooking Aircraft Beach on the walk up to Bustard Hd
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After 2 days in Pancake Ck., we then motor sailed up outside Curtis Is. near Gladstone in light following winds- a very busy port exporting coal and bauxite. At the top end of Curtis Is. is Cape Capricorn, where the Tropic of Capricorn crosses the coast. And of course there is a lighthouse on the tall cape. Not so important now with GPS navigation, but essential just 30-40 years ago for safety of all shipping.
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Cape Capricorn with lighthouse and keepers accommodation.
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We continued on and anchored in the small cove to the NW on Hummocky Is. A delightful spot.
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| Hummocky Island before sundowners on Kirra Kirra |
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Next day a nice sail the 25nm up to Great Keppel Is. Another favourite anchorage of ours.
Better for catamarans (isnt everything?). After a few days in the Keppels we got out of the 30Kt winds forecast and stayed in Yeppoon marina for a few nights.
Bird watching has become a favourite pastime, although capturing the birds on camera takes more patience than I have. Here is a selection of snaps.
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Brahminy Kite - eats fish and small prey plus carrion. A beautiful deep tan colour not seen from underneath
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Brahminy Kite
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Eastern Great Egret - hunting fish in the marina. We have even seen them walking down the main drag in Yeppoon.
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Grevillia and flowering grass trees
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Osprey nest on a lighttower in the car park at Yeppoon
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Red tailed black cockatoo showing off his bright red tail.
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Red tailed black cockatoos feeding on a Beach Almond tree
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Never swim in murcky water up here!!
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And watch where you walk - outside the marina - a Black Bellied Swamp Snake. Apparently a close relative of a politician. Your choice which one!!
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