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SOUTH MOLLE ISLAND...continued |
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dropped anchor, again with minimal chain. Now she was upwind of us. Who would feel comfortable anchoring in the bay, or leaving their boat to enjoy time ashore, when this kind of incompetent behaviour goes on amongst the so-called professionals? We were immensely relieved when she left after lunch. |
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23 – 30 JULY. Like many cruisers, we try to avoid at all costs having to go into Able Point Marina at Airlie Beach. Why? Because of their ridiculous charges - $85 a night for Masala, double most other places. The marina is nothing special and offers no more than others – indeed the level of service is below par. We suppose it stems from arrogance born of ripping money out of the large captive charter fleet.
Sadly, this time we had no choice. There was stuff we needed to do, so we booked for a week. We sailed across early from South Molle Island, arriving at 8 a.m. It was a Saturday morning, the post office closed at 12 noon, and a parcel we had to have was waiting there for us. We phoned the office.
“We don’t have a berth allocation for you.”
“Why not?” we asked.
“No one from reservations is here yet. When they arrive, they will have to do a walk-around on the marina to find out which berths are free. We’ll call you back, probably around 9 o’clock.” What!!?? We had never encountered this sort of response before. Gladstone Marina, for example, opens at 7 a.m., will give you a berth allocation on the spot, and charges less than half.
We float around. At 10 a.m. the phone rings. “We have a berth for you. You can come in after 12 noon.” What!!?? Clearly this is not going to suit us. |
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Right: this is how far Solway Lass dragged her anchor before anyone acted |
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Now we could go ashore on the north-west corner of the island and climb to the top of Lamond Hill (133m). You guessed, perfect weather and more great views along the way (the view from the top is partly obscured by vegetation). |
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Above: Masala anchored in Bauer Bay, from the Lamond Hill track |
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Above: Butterflies mating, Lamond Hill |
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AIRLIE ANTICS |