We finally head out through the Port Macquarie bar
after much farewelling 
and even an escort or two-thanks to Jeremy and Brenda, Lou and Denise our neighbours from North Harbour.Thank you to all those who came and gave us such a great send-off-we'll be thinking of you when we're cruising the Whitsundays in a few short weeks time.
There's only 3 of us now,as "the girls" couldn't come-We lost our beloved Winnie in a tragic river accident in April,and Tigger with her seasickness problem and fearfulness had to be sent into retirement at Beechwood-thanks to Elaine for her kindness.Maybe all for the best-after all they were 16 years old!
Our first landing was at SouthWest Rocks-actually the Macleay River-crossing the bar by moonlight was a thrill.Found a good mooring upriver outside the Riverside Tavern and became their only Sunday dinner customers-great food and superb service.Next morning we went for a walk and were caught in a sudden shower.Later while heading out through the bar we were caught by a sneaky greenie and ended up with 3 inches of water through the cockpit,all drenched including Bodi-we'll duck faster next time-even the sailbag was full of water-but Two XS handled it well.
Coffs Harbour was next-staying longer than we planned because of rugged noreasterlies.Bodi suffered separation anxiety when we went to the showers the first evening and fell in trying to jump ship and ended up swimming 200metres then climbing up rocks,standing there howling until we turned up to rescue him.
On Thursday 31 we reached Yamba
with the aid of reasonable winds making good time,moored in the bay next to town for the night then into the marina as planned for our big liftout at 8 Fri morning.
We're 20 feet up now and in a great position, our back deck overlooking the river.Bill has been working flatout-so much for retirement-and the antifoul job should be finished by Mon night and back in the water by Tuesday-Bodi is not thrilled at having to stay down below but is being taken for lots of walks to make up. Yamba is such a lovely little place.
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