I gave fishing another go this morning but only managed a small Tusk fish and something that wrapped me around the coral taking my tackle with it.

After ham and cheese croisants for breakfast we pulled up the anchor and headed towards Gloucester passage on the bottom side of Gloucester Island not far from Bowen. Nyeki had left a couple of hours earlier to try and take advantage of the morning breeze. Crusing along at 5 knts with the screecher up was a very pleasnt way to travel. We deployed the lure but couldnt catch anything.

Arriving off Gloucester Eco resort at 2:00 we attempted to pick up a mooring buoy but the leading rope was very slimey and we didnt want to drag it up onto the foredeck. We opted for anchoring up the western end instead.

Gloucester Passage between mailand ( Hideawy bay) and Gloucester Island.

As soon as we were sure the anchor was set and we wern’t moving we went ashore for lunch and a leg stretch for Morgan. Lunch had finished however bar snacks were still on offer so two serves of Barramundi spring rolls were oredered and off course beer for John. We enjoyed lunch under the mango trees on the beach foreshore with Deb and Wayne joining us for an end of passage beer.

A stroll along the tranquil beach after lunch with Deb and Wayne brought us to Monties Reef resort. ( John went back to Ovive for an afternoon siesta) . Monties is a small resort with accommodation and beachfront dining. The other two opted for a beer which they enjoyed overlooking the azure water and listening to a talented fellow spontaneously play the piano for a couple of tunes. All in all an excellent afternoon.

Monties – very casual relaxed resort

Back on Ovive we dined on sweetlip in pepper lime sauce for dinner. followed by ,you guessed it , the cricket!