22 October 2003: Townsville, QLD

I must say we have had perfect sailing weather every day since Illywhacker's arrival here 7 weeks ago - something unheard of in the higher latitudes of Canada and Alaska. I'd forgotten why cruisers sail such long distances to get to Australia and experience this climate at an ideal location such as the Great Barrier Reef. Perhaps we have found a cruisers' paradise right on our own doorstep. It does get warm here though and in preparation for the coming Summer, our 2 air-conditioners are installed and humming away and our health restoration project is well underway. Life aboard illywhacker is relaxed and very comfortable.