Managed to tear ourselves away from Newcastle at last. We were very impressed with the work carried out by the MidCoast Boatyard and friendly help we received from everyone in the yard, including Brad the manager and Joe the owner who also looked after Timshel while we were away. We are also grateful for the generosity and help by the NCYC marina and also the Fisherman’s Co-op for giving us a berth for the 3 months we were home. E Coast Sails did a lot of work on the rig and sails so hopefully we are now set up for the next Ocean. They also generously let us borrow their big glue machine to stick up the forecabin headlining (again).

Saw lots of Dolphins on our way south and arrived at Broken Bay, which is the yachting Mecca just north of Sydney in time for Easter. We rendezvoused with Lynne and Andrew on Mischief (whom we met last year in Bundeberg), and spent some days in their company. We explored some of the remote and sheltered creeks that wind their way through the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. Following their lead we took the dinghies up towards the head of peaceful Smiths Creek to admire the birds and fish and beautiful scenery. They also invited us to a weekend ” Sailaway” meet of the Coastal Cruising Club of Australia held in a bay called Coasters Retreat where we met lots of friendly fellow sailors.

And the weather is hot and sunny.