Prelude

Getting Ready….

We had always said that when Stuart joined me in retirement, we would take his “other woman”, aka Pyrenees and cruise the Eastern coast of Australia for a few months. Retirement came a little earlier than expected, so last November we started the planning. 

Of course, the now retired Engineer could not let old habits die, and everything was plotted on a good old spreadsheet!  All the jobs that we, or anyone we spoke to could think of that would make Pyrenees in the best condition possible was somewhere in that job sheet.  Some were super simple, like a new Wi-Fi modem; others like having the standing rig (the stainless cables that hold the mast up) involved cranes, electricians and riggers not to mention time.  Being amid a world gripped by COVID slowed progress at times as parts in Australia were simply not available or companies went belly up after we had ordered parts.

1. Stuart in his not so favourite hiding spot – doing a steering check.
2. Replacing all the mirrors on the boat is a job I added that I will never be forgiven for.
3. New Cushions for our sailing spot and a new tender after our ‘little toy’ gave up life and had to be replaced

With the jobs under progress, the next spreadsheet was the passage plan. What did we want to see, where were the great anchorages?  Many books, blogs and published passage plans were researched to give us an outline of our trip. Sydney to Dunk Island and return was the decision as it was doable in the timeframe, we had set.  We will take in Moreton Island, The Great Sandy Straits, Lady Musgrave (fingers crossed), Pancake Creek, Magnetic Island, Whitsundays, The Keppel’s’ just to name a few.  Oh, and for my sailor the Bundaberg Rum Distillery!

The passage plan was then turned over to me, time for planning the food (and yes it was on a spreadsheet 😊). Firstly, the nonstop run to the Gold Coast to feed and nourish our “crew” who are accompanying us on this leg.  The Woolies (supermarket for our non-Aussie friends) trolley was overflowing with lots of goodies for around the clock munching and all the boat staples to stock the tubs in the bilge. Next was the planning for the first leg on our own, and with not knowing what the weather will hold – we are all mapped out for 18 days, plus a sneaky back up box in the bilge (chocolate included) for just in case we are out longer than expected.  I presume of course; that my outstanding capability of over catering will be in full play during the trip, and we will not have to shop for the return leg home!

Time raced by in the last week – finalising the jobs, stashing the wine (had to take it so the kids do not drink it!), shopping, more shopping, and I mean Whitworths shopping!  (boat chandlery) and cooking. The day before departure arrived, the last prep was a diesel mechanic short course for Stuart, me to take the cooked meals to the boat and prep the cabins for the “crew”.   All done so what else could we do but have Pizza and a nice old bottle of red wine with the kids and Glenda (neighbour).

Tomorrow….

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