We figured we needed to leave early to cover some miles before the wind became too strong. Just on daylight we upped anchor and headed off passing three other boats with their occupants snugly tucked up in bed. The plan  didn’t really work because by the time we had gone an hour south the wind was already picking up.

We headed out to the east to get an angle to clear the headlands and capes and hopefully clear Abbot Point. Well we bumped and bashed and rolled along managing 8 knots but then getting slower as the day wore on.

We got a good look at the Abbot Point coal loading facility, I thought we were aiming to dock alongside the bulk carriers at one stage.

We tacked away from the wharf and headed towards the northen tip of Gloucester Island. Bashing into the shallow waves in Edgcombe Bay was not very pleasant but finally we got into slightly protected waters and the sea flattened. It was a relief to arrive at Gloucester passage and drop anchor off the eco resort among seven other boats. We found we had anchored next to Clear Horizons a boat we had spent time with in Island Head creek months ago.

The wind was still howling but the waters were flat. We put the bridle onto the anchor chain but 5 minutes later with a loud crack it snapped on both sides. We thought it was the stitching but when we had recovered it and John tied the bridle back on with a bowline, it promptly snapped again. I guess snatching straps do not like UV and salt water. John made up a temporary rope bridal.

We took Morgan ashore for a well earned walk, she hasn’t been on land for two days . She charged up and down the beach running in the shallows and going mad. John and I bought a beer and a Kahlua at the Eco resort then ambled further along the beach to Monte’s for an early dinner. The sun dropped over the horizon as we ate sticky pork stir fry at table that wasn’t moving.