#77 NOW November 26, 2005, 0845—UTC +11 hours (New South Wales, Australia) Anchored in Iluka Harbour on the Clarence River. Temperature 79 and rising. Greetings, and Happy Thanksgiving from New South Wales, As you can see from the above, I have crossed the boarder from Queensland to New South Wales. Queensland stays on standard time and New South Wales switches over to Daylight Saving time, thus the hour change. I left Tulleen Island around Noon, at high tide. The anchor was very muddy, reminiscent of what I might see in British Columbia. Heading down the main channel, I pulled up in front of the VMR (Volunteer Marine Rescue) station. It was a good place to anchor, near the seaway and yet right in the heart of Australia’s playground. The Gold Coast (also referred to as Surfers Paradise) is the area where all the “schoolies” flock to this time of year, similar to Spring break at Daytona Beach. Of course, the same problems exist as in the U.S., and there was a great deal of commentary and news on TV about these kids letting off steam. From my vantage point, the water born schoolies were a definite threat. Fast runabouts, water-skiers, and personal watercraft of ever description were constantly churning up the waters—somehow Done Dreamin' survived. Early Tuesday morning I departed via the Gold Coast Seaway. It was a 69-mile run to Ballina on the Richmond River, and a daylight arrival was required. Setting the RPM at 1400, and with the South setting Australian coastal current, I was soon making 7 knots SOG (speed over the ground). I ran with the para-vanes up, encountering only light swells out the East. Most of the harbors along the East coast of Australia are associated with a river. Thus crossing the bar becomes a critical part of your planning and timing. The Richmond River Bar is no exception. I arrived at 1545 local with just a slight ebb tide. This created some breaking waves over the bar. However, by staying off to one side and using sufficient power for good steerage, I was able to negotiate it with very little ado. A mile up the river I found Mobbs Bay. This peaceful spot had a courtesy buoy, which was greatly appreciated. The next morning, while the tide was flooding I departed Ballina for the Clarence River. Once again, the seas were calm and I made good time. Departing Ballina the Coast Guard called me and wanted to know where I was going, my ETA, number of persons on board, etc. This they passed on down to Yamba Coast Guard on the Clarence River. Big Brother is very much alive and well in Australia. It is nice however, to know that help is available if needed, and they are very courteous and professional. I arrived at the Clarence River just as a major thunderstorm hit. At the Coast Guards suggestion, I pulled into the wonderfully protected harbor of Iluka, which is just across the river from Yamba. By the time I got the anchor set, I was totally drenched. Since I was already wet, I got out the deck-brush, some soap, and went to work. Within a short time, my boat was looking in Bristol condition. There is nothing like a good rainstorm to clean up a boat. I then enjoyed a hot shower, light dinner, and a relaxing evening in my sung little ship. There is something about being anchored out in a boat with the rain coming down that is—well, "just special." Life is a Cruise, Larry -- Larry Rick Done Dreamin' Nordhavn 40 #33 Site: http://gricknet.homedns.org/Dads%20Web/doneDreamnHome.htm