Day 4 (Feb 03, 2016)
With the sky clearing, and the correct part carefully replaced in one of our gensets… we are off and racing… and across the GAB (Great Australian Bight) we headed after raising the anchor at 0657. Yahoo, we are homeward bound!
Another fantastic start to the day!
We travelled north out of Proper Bay, around Cape Colby and down the eastern side of the southern part of Eyre Peninsula. Through the islands we saw history on the chart. Thistle Island, so-named for the leader of an ill-fated water-gathering expedition in this area for Matthew Flinders and his remaining crew aboard Investigator in 1802. The seven men were never found, but the wrecked cutter, an oar and a water keg were beach-cast. Flinders named the surrounding islands after his lost men. Thistle, Taylor, Grindal, Smith, Williams, Lewis and Hopkins remain forever on our charts, reminding of valiant acts attempted in survival situations, especially during those early exploring years along our southern shores. As we rounded Cape Catastrophe with huge swells and waves smashing onto the rounded, eroded rock platforms creating impressive waterfalls in white, lacy patterns on the black outcrops, one could imagine the type of disaster that might have unfolded.
Cape Catastrophe-so named for a maritime disaster in 1802.
By midday, we were leaving the western side of Eyre Peninsula and entering the eastern part of the GAB, the Great Australian Bight. Heading 270 our track took us westward, south of West Point into the lowering sun, now peeping through the heavy cloud, which had shrouded us all morning. Five metre swells from the southwest and wind waves from the south east and south made for a confused sea and some feeling a tad uneasy. Five pods of dolphins kept Skipper happy and scampering across the deck under my watchful eye. He was particularly enthused with a pod of 6 Short-beaked common dolphins that rode our bow for 12 minutes. Leaping a few times, we were concerned the dolphins and the quite vigorous waves also defying gravity, might meet Skip and I leaning over the handrail! Wow! Three weeks of being land-locked and missing dolphin friends was soon forgotten as Skipper barked and barked delightedly from the forward fairleads.
Skip has company! He was so happy!
Several flocks of seabirds with 50-60 individuals overtop jumping fish reminded why the Bight is a productive zone and especially now as there is a strong upwelling occurring along the south coast. The Bonney Upwelling occurs every summer and is currently in full swing with algal blooms, krill swarms with fish and cetaceans gathering to feast.
A Shy albatross looking a tad tatty, either mottling or chomped by a shark?
As we headed west the sunset was as lovely as the beginning of the day. Yahoo, we have recorded some cetacean sightings and all is good.
Enjoy each moment.
Mich
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