Following our exploratory run to Lady Elliot Island we headed next to Lady Musgrave Island.
This stunningly beautiful coral cay and vast coral ringed lagoon is well known by yachties and the odd ship which has strayed too close. We however had never been there before .
From my marina berth it’s either a 24 hour run or two day jaunt with an overnight anchor somewhere convenient , weather dependent. Always no matter where we are heading when going north, it requires juggling the tides through the Sandy Straits ,a small price to pay for my choice of marina.
We chose the 24 hour run. The tides for Sandy Straits were late afternoon so we left the marina after all the usual pre voyage checks and inspections at 1145. We have developed a routine that seems to work satisfactorily .Arrive at the boat, Jo then goes to the local supermarket to obtain all the provisions required, whilst I check the engines and run them up, opening all the appropriate through hull valves and ensuring the log and depth sounder have been put back and the blanks that I leave in when in the marina are removed. Depending upon the amount time available we may depart and stow the recently acquired victuals enroute ,similarly distributing the comfort of the cockpit cushions and actually unpacking and stowing our gear once underway. The beauty of my playground is it is rarely rough or choppy waters for at least the first six hours when heading north.
The midday departure and the 24 hour distance would be perfect for our first arrival into the lagoon. The sun would be at its zenith and a rising tide for the channel entrance.
Averaging a nice 5.5kts , with 2 reefs in the mainsail for the 20kt wind we arrived on time, on budget at the entrance to the lagoon.
The entrance is well marked and I’m guessing enhanced by mankind. It's straightforward once you have seen it and using some nautical nous in predicating the time you attempt to pass through, it presents no problems.
The generally navigable areas of the lagoon are 7-8m deep, totally scattered with bombies only a few of which actually dry.
There are some Marine Parks mooring buoys but also masses of area to anchor safely in, without causing damage to the reef and the existing bombies.
The SW corner of the lagoon has a tree covered sand cay , home to thousands of nesting sea birds, as well as those ground nesters, mutton birds (shearwaters), who build their homes in the sand. Turtles nest and hatchlings emerge as the seasons progress. It is possible to camp on the cay -but there is no fresh water, or facilities, other than some eco toilets. The cay and the western edge of the fringing reef through which you enter the lagoon are a designated Marine Park. The rest of the lagoon and fringing reef are not, so fishing , spear fishing are allowed within the limits of a nature reserve.
It is stunningly beautiful, it rates right up there with some of the glorious exotic locations K’Gari and crew has already visited, and its right here in my backyard.
We snorkelled here, we snorkelled there, we snorkelled snorkelled everywhere!
No comments:
Post a Comment