We all had an interesting time in Dharumbal country, AK and Marg being very productive and Jacki and Ruby taking ownership of the dog friendly marina.
AK and Marg worked to fund the next cruising season, which was made much easier by the drive along beaches fringed with coconut palms! Breathtaking most mornings.
We also used the time on shore power to revamp the v-berth, creating a beautiful new space, whilst checking the hull for signs of rust. Rust never sleeps on a steel boat, fortunately Manatee's hull remains virtually clear.
As working was our priority, socialising took a back seat during this time. Any spare time was taken up by exploring and swimming.
Jacki and Ruby made lots of doggie friends, enjoying the "dog paddock" which is land earmarked for a resort, but in the meantime used by dogs to socialise and stretch.
threadfin salmon at the marina
The marine life which we all never tired of watching included huge barramundi, threadfin salmon in their hundreds and the odd seahorse pottering about the hulls.
Rosslyn beach(our local) was glorious, we went walking and swimming there most days. During the summer months the water felt like a soothing bath and box jellyfish were only a concern if the wind was blowing from the north (or so we were told and chose to believe).
We spent as much time as possible exploring the Keppel Islands, with Great Keppel remaining our favourite. There was much controversy in the area regarding the proposed redevelopment of the closed resort. Many locals wanted the return to the era of thousands of tourists flocking to the area to visit the island. Conservationists were horrified that large portions of the seabed were to be dredged for a marina. We felt very privileged to experience the virtually unspoilt island and to see our first dugong in her natural habitat.
We also toured the "inland", enjoying Byfield and Rockhampton. It was a weird experience transiting fantastic beaches and the beef capitol of Australia! Cowgirls/boys are plentiful in this region and one of the local pubs had a rodeo for entertainment.
AK particularly loved the numerous bull statues that littered the streets and we both developed a fondness for country music, enjoying a Kasey Chambers concert during "beef week"(now that was something else!).
The Fitzroy River flooded twice during our stay in the area, causing heartache for the residents and the boaties moored in the river.
Crocodiles were seen paddling around the streets so Police warned residents not to wade through the water.
We certainly felt the effects of the second flood early in 2013 when "ex- tropical cyclone" Oswald roared through the area. The sound of the wind was the most frightening aspect. Parts of the marina broke away and AK could touch the top of the piles. For the days following there was no phone coverage and the supermarkets were virtually empty of goods. Some boats in the marina lost biminis and windows, one plastic fantastic was washed onto the rocks and a small yacht anchored outside the breakwater was also washed onto the rocks . Manatee was not damaged. Satellite images of the area showed the sediment from the river spreading for miles from its mouth. It was close to time to leave the area!
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