Wind SE 10 – 15 knts

Another beautiful day in Mackay although the breeze is a little cool. Temperature is only about 23 ° in the day at the moment. I sure hope it gets warmer. At least its better than Khancoban at  9°.

Gave Bryan a hand to take down his baby stay for his storm jib which he hardly ever uses. It is getting in the way when he wants to tack the jib. Deb, John and I hoisted him up the mast on two halyards for safety. Deb and I had some fairly hilarious moments with John guiding Bryan into his harness.

Bryan and Deb had hired the car for the arvo so I hitched a ride with them and got them to drop me off at the botanical gardens. It was time to see a little bit of Mackay other than shops and marina.

The gardens were lovely and peaceful and green, quite a change from the blues we have being eyeing lately. They stretched for several kilometres along a man made lagoon. The wide variety of habitats was rather interesting as they ranged from tropical to cool temperate. I even saw everlasting daises which I can pick in the Snowy Mountains.

Just after I ordered lunch at the cafe overlooking the bird filled lagoon Paul and Kath arrived with friends and invited me to lunch with them. Very pleasant interlude especially as they gave me a lift back to the marina.

Paul , John and I strolled up to the sports club for some oyster shooters ( best I’ve had) and to meet up with Joel our nephew who is currently working in Mackay.

Oyster shooters are only $3.50 which is a pretty good price considering they have vodka and the oyster and tomato juice. We had 18 between the three of us, Joel abstained as he had to drive and also isn’t fond of raw oysters as he put it. Great to see Joel.