6 December 2009 Lemon Tree Passage

The injector pump was repaired in 3 days at Airlie Beach and we once
again took to sea for what turned out to be 4 great days of sailing
under NE winds over the aft quarter. The motor was barely needed which
was fortuitous since when it was called upon the alternator threw it's
drive pulley and the engine fresh water pump which shares the belt also
stopped, subsequently overheating the engine. Another tow saw us in Tin
Can Bay where we managed to obtain a new alternator after 2 days. A
frustrating further 3 days of motorsailing with much of my time spent in
the engine room saw us in this lovely marina in Port Stephens. I am now
1000nm from Townsville and just 80nm from illywhacker's home port
calling in initially to wait out 5 days of strong southerlies.
I must be settling back in to cruising as I rather like this place and
have decided to stay for a few months. It is an ideal location to fit a
new engine and as Lyndall always wanted a larger Yanmar I once again
find myself carrying out my Captains orders. Over the xmas period though
things quieten down even more around here so I will travel to Tasmania
to check out my ultimate destination and catch up with a few friends.