Anchored at Horseshoe Bay

Saturday 22^nd August 2015

This morning we are moving off the marina and around to Horseshoe Bay for 2 days, before commencing our journey South. It is a cool and overcast beginning to the day, with the cloud almost completely burnt off by 10 am. We did a bit of last minute shopping, and cast off just after 10am.

There was not enough wind to worry about putting up a sail, and it is only a short trip around the island. We also wanted to try our luck at fishing on the way around and towed a lure all of the way with no result. At least the scenery is spectacular as we pass all of the little bays that we had walked to over our time at Nelly Bay.

The old ferry landing at Geoffrey Bay

Arthur Bay

Florence Bay

Radical Bay (left) and Balding Bay (right)

Initially we thought we might anchor at Radical Bay for lunch and Koonya were talking about coming around. However, when we got there , the swell was coming from the wrong direction and it was quite lumpy, so we continued on to Horseshoe Bay.

As we rounded the point we saw Ruby motoring out for a trip somewhere and the motor boat we spent some time next to at Airlie, Tokeresa, was arriving from the North.

Horseshoe Bay from our anchorage

We were all settled at anchor by midday, had lunch, and later on I had another go at fishing. I got a few small bites and caught a small stripey. I then thought I would get out the big rod and put on a decent sized bait. Within 10 minutes, the drag took off on the reel and I had a battle on my hands. The rig I have on the rod is relatively light for up here, so I had to be patient. It took about 20 minutes to land the fish, which turned out to be a fork tailed catfish (also known as a salmon catfish). They are well known for their fighting qualities. It was about a metre long, and whilst the book said they are reasonable eating, I threw it back.

Catch of the day

I persisted for another 30 minutes or so, but just kept losing baits to small fish.

Tonight there is a party to celebrate Geoff Fogarty’s ( from Ruby) 60^th birthday. The crew from Koonya and ourselves were invited as we have been spending a lot of time with them sailing and golfing since Yeppoon.

They have rented a house at Horseshoe Bay for the occasion, and it was a great night, with a gathering of family and friends ( around 20 people), catered for by a local restaurant. We arrived by dinghy.

Having a bit of fun at Geoff's expense

We said our goodbyes at around 11pm, and headed  back to the boat. Both Ruby and Koonya are staying at Magnetic Island for Magnetic Island race week which starts on 27^th August. We will reunite with Koonya at Airlie in early September and Ruby plan to head further North.

Tomorrow will be our last day at Magnetic Island before heading South.