In the midst of a strong wind warning the BOM site showed insipid yellow, progressing to a complete whiteout for the area around Peel Island returning to a westerly lemon yellow. Was this area sacrosanct or did the computer modelling get it wrong ?
The rain gave us optimism that this was indeed going to be one of those limpid days when you get a rinse not a wash. We pulled into Masthead Drive and were met by George. To our surprise the cool wind was due north and around 10knots. The bay looked grey and a bit lumpy. Brian and Carol pulled up but when it was clear that
Robyn must had given the paddle the thumbs down, we carted the boats down to the water's edge. North was not a direction the BOM had given much credence to and we wondered if the predicted wind strength might be a bit off. After casual deliberations over the radio we took the less exposed option to head north for Wynnum.
After 15 minutes into the wind and against the tide this paddle was rapidly becoming a drudge with good odds for more of the same on the return leg. The wind had remained steady and shifted slightly NW. Peel was looking better all the time. A radio call bought about a right turn. The voting sails drew an effortless
9kph while the bay became progressively lumpy. Just off Peel a
design fault of the Raider made an unwelcome appearance. The right rudder flap suddenly went slack. The last time the rudder strap broke was in the midst of a messy bar crossing. While the fin stuck on the bum of the boat made involuntary pirouettes less
likely, the left arm had a good workout.
We scooted over the SW rocks to find Horseshoe Bay calm and deserted. Platypus was a jewel brimming with clear deep jade. We were quick to change or add another layer to block out the sneaky fingers of the wind. After lunch we were treated by Carol to a gorgeous rich dark chocolate cake imbued with orange zest - Carol's cakes are SOOOO delicious, especially with a black coffee. Mark did a Rambo on the foot strap (thank you, grovel grovel, grovel). Someone had camped in the charming hibiscus cove but had to build a levy to keep their possie out of reach from the tide.
The casuarinas were silent and the bay became smooth. It looked like the BOM had the progression right. Heading counterclockwise it was into a W - NW. The ebbing tide had already exposed the sand bar which hooks off the NW corner of Peel. The group
diverged for a break in the bar and regrouped as washing machine lumped up. By now the 10 knot westerly rendered the sails of no assistance. A solitary dolphin, came in close, disappeared, circled, swam under the bow of Brian's boat and trailed Carol for a while before slipping away.
When the swell settled I set out up
to catch up with Mark who was out front but could not get a decent purchase on the beam sea for a lift. The cars were not visible from the water so we made for the beach with the loo block. Coming ashore in calm waters drew to a close an enjoyable paddle in the midst of a relative wind shadow. Despite the wind warnings the BOM's model had been pretty much on the button.
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