Wednesday - 13/11/2013
Up before first light and prepare to get underway by 0500
hours, as we prepared to leave the fishing boats were also getting underway we
waited for the last of these to leave so we did not hold them up. The seas had
settled down which was good in the sense that ports on the side of the GAB have
the SW swell roll in and going out of these port places the sea on the port
side beam of the boat, this can push the boat sideways.
'Banyandah was in front of us so we took a track a little
further to the north to head out to sea which was close to the track that we
came in on, our plan was to get out at least 8NMS off the coast and if there
were problems with lobster pots we would go further off the coast.
We are fortunate with our boat that we have a good view from
the shelter of our cockpit, we noticed that Glen and Nigel were taking turns on
standing out on deck looking for lobster pots and it must have been freezing
cold out there. We learned later that not long after leaving they actually
picked up a lobster pot, the first they noticed the yacht slow considerably, as
it would dragging a lobster pot behind them, they got it free but that gave them
concern enough to keep a watch out on deck.
(Glen standing on watch for lobster pots)
Many of the fishing boats went well out to sea when they
left the marina which pleased me but a few went south in the direction we were
heading. There was a positive in this as when we went along you could see the
boats working in the distance so that gave some pre-warning that there were
lobster pots in the area. Initially we came across a large number of pots that
we had to change course to get around, however, as we got south of Southend
they seemed to be closer inland than the 10NM from the coast and we had a clear
run although we still kept a close watch.
When we left the marina we knew that we would have to motor
sail most of the way, we did sail out to sea but then had to motor sail until
near the Victorian Border after passing Port McDonnell where we changed course
and was able to sail until near Port Fairy. It was a long overnight sail with
the bitter cold weather, everyone we meet complain about not having a spring it
has been winter all the time with very strong winds.
Port Fairy
Thursday - 14/11/2013
As we arrived at Port Fairy Nancy contacted the Harbour
Master who was actually the Dredge Operator standing in for the Harbour Master
who was away. This proved handy as he was dredging the entrance of the port and
was able to give us directions. The port is a narrow river with docks along
each side as you get further in. It pays to book well ahead as there is little
space left on the docks.
I was quite taken with Port Fairy, the port itself is very
attractive with all types of boats lining the river on docks and a small marina
at the end near the bridge. Many of the houses go back in time but have been
well looked after.
(Port Fairy water way and Alana Rose alongside)
'Banyandah' was about 20NMS behind us so after we docked we
went for a walk and a look around, we chatted with a local and the dredge
operator and got information of where the best place was for a feed for
tonight. We figured we deserved a night out. As we walked Glen called on the
phone and said he was about an hour away. We told him the directions in and
that he would have to raft up with us and we would be back on board to assist
them.
(A shady street)
(No 16 Wishart Street)
(Below: great old buildings)
We walked some of the streets, one street in particular had
a lot of heritage with the old houses all in good order. I really liked the
character of the place, Nancy said to me "you like this place don't
you?" I said yes I could retire to a place like this if it was in a warmer
climate, if I had to give up sailing there would still be the waterfront and
boats and boaties to chat with. Let's hope that day is a long way off yet.
We returned to the boat and waited for 'Banyandah' they came
up the river and secured alongside us then when they were settled we all headed
off to the Caledonian Inn locally called 'The Stump', it is the oldest hotel in
Victoria established in 1844. It is very homely and the meals are very good and
reasonably priced, plenty of food served up on the plate.
(Banyandah coming up the river)
It was a quiet night as we were having another early start
tomorrow morning, it was a very nice night.
('The Stump' or Caledonian Inn)
Cheers
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