Burnett Heads to Pancake Creek

Sat 14 to Sun 15 August 2010

Burnett Heads sunrise

The sun was coming up as we and every other boat seemed to join the procession out of the Burnett River to head north or south. We turned north along with several other boats-a bit to soon a turn north as it turned out because the shoal waters north of the entrance we crossed with 2m depth. Its a good thing we are a shoal draft boat. On plotting our course later Michael saw the shoal ground on the chart that we crossed so carefully (it was lucky it didn't become Captain Mick strikes again ie the bottom).

Anne dressed for Tropical Sailing conditions!?!?

The wind was at 10 knots from the SW so we had full sail and the motor going for the 60nm trip to Pancake Creek. After Anne enjoyed her tropical sailing go at the helm it was decided that Benny Boy would not cope so Raelene took over for most of the day. We were making 6+ kts to make sure we got to Bustard Head in plenty of daylight to avoid the rocks (always a good thing to miss).

Winkali zooms past

Megan & Bruce

Winkali with Megan & Bruce onboard did not catch up with us the day before (cos Saaremaa was zooming) but surprised us when they came past at noon (we thought they were ahead of us already).

Bye bye Winkali

You can always count on an Adams to make good passage times. Winkali is an Adams 36.




When the wind came in from the NW at 1300 we had to exert ourselves and change over to the other tack, pulling on ropes and everything. The arduous life at sea means that sometimes Michael has to remove his slippers in the cockpit and put on boat shoes.

Mr Cool of the Fashion World, such style!!

The fashionable sailor this year is wearing burgundy leggings from Supre and a burgundy top from Lowes exclusive range plus a daggy old pair of slippers to set off the ensemble. For safety a Burke vest is included when offshore but we won't mention the socks.

On entering Pancake Creek at low tide we followed the buoys around down the lead lines over the shallow bit and anchored after a trial go with the sandy bank 2 boat lengths off. We think its always good to come in at low tide then you see where the shallow bits are when anchoring. There were a dozen boats in the anchorage and plenty of room.
A BBQ on the newly bought charcoal saw Michael turn out 'Black Assed' steak to accompany Anne.s chips and salad. Tip Use less heat or less time Michael.

Sunday morning was time for a bit of a lay in (none of this 5am stuff) and another inside shower. Sorry to the faint hearted for Michael in porno mode but as one can see there are clean bodies on Saaremaa, sometimes! Our apologies to the world for Porno Boy. (Picture removed in the interest of good taste by Michael and so as not to frighten people).

A late breakfast early brunch was enjoyed and we stayed on the boat all day as the forecast 15kt NW winds turned out to be 20-25kts and it was a bit choppy.

Tomorrow Mon 16 Aug we are off to Cape Capricorn 42 nm away so we hope the forecast SW 15kts is what comes in otherwise its another day in Pancake Creek.