A Rest Day in Mackay before moving on again

Saturday 24^th June 2017

All the chores and shopping are done and it is a rest day in Mackay. A little bit of tidying up on Kite Runner first thing leaves the solar charging system performing well and a very happy Phil and Wendy.

High tide is at 11am, so I decide to do my jerry can run to get some diesel at 10am, when the slope on the marina access ramp is manageable. At low tide it is a hell of a climb up. Once refueled, it is a good opportunity to go for a walk and stretch our legs.

Initially we had a walk around the marina, and noticed that the small tug, Harwood, is still here on its outer berth (on it’s own), and renovations look to be getting near completion. We were berthed beside him 2 years ago. Part of the reason is that he is now all on his own, is that many of the fingers on the outer arm are missing, presumably the work of cyclone Debbie.

Harwood looking lonely on the outer marina leg closest to the outer harbour

The outer arm fingers have disappeared, with only a few remnants and the piles left

Just past the fuel wharf, there is a replica of a Portuguese Caravelle tied alongside, and is in town on display for the public, for a modest charge. It seems to be very popular with the locals and will be here till 2^nd July.

The Caravelle "Notorious"

We had a walk around the business ends of the marina, where to tugs and boat ramps are located, and one of the boat ramps looks like it also sustained damage and is undergoing a complete rebuild.

Our walk continued back past our marina leg, and around to the entrance to the outer breakwall. Just near the entrance is the Great Northern Sports Club, where we have enjoyed a few nice lunches and cold beers before. Sadly, it has gone out of business and the site is being re leased as a function centre (yet to open). The feeling as you walk around, is that Mackay is still doing it pretty tough.

The Now Closed Great Northern Sports Club

The walk out along the massive seawall provides great views of the marina and the nearby islands. The weather is a bit overcast, and a little cooler, but it is Saturday and the locals are out fishing, or just driving out to the end of the wall for a look.

Looking back towards the marina from the seawall showing the entrance from the outer harbour to the marina

On the way back we stopped and watched a huge sea turtle swimming around in the outer harbour, probably feeding.

More excitement coming to Mackay next month, looks like we are a bit early

It is getting close to lunch time, so we headed to a little café right back at the other end of the marina for a light lunch sitting out in the sun overlooking the marina.

This afternoon we had a bit of a rest and also noticed another Hanse Etre Jeune, had arrived and is on the marina leg opposite us. We later caught up with the crew and and the joined us for dinner with Phil and Wendy at the Italian Restaurant at the marina, Angelo's. Food was great and reasonably priced.

Dinner at Angelo's with Kite Runner and Etre Jeune

Tomorrow we are heading to Brampton Island.