North Sound

Yesterday we threw off the lines and headed out.  Freedom.

For the last week we have been constrained by appointments with contractors, and deliveries of our new toys, not being able to taste the true freedom that comes with being a live aboard.

We made a beeline for North Sound.  On our voyage, we went past the Dogs with their dramatic coastline.

We also passed a surprising number of charter boats, complete with their fenders over the side despite being in the middle of the channel.  It escapes me how these people are able to helm a boat safely.

At the entrance to North Sound is a little island called Necker Island.  You may know it’s owner Richard Branson...

As we came into anchor, I was again amazed at the colour and clarity of the water.  As soon as we had anchored (thanks to our new windlass), we both jumped straight in for a swim. 

After cooking another gourmet meal, I felt exhausted and to be honest, a little grumpy.  I took refuge in the cockpit and read my book.  Gary has hooked up the cockpit light, which creates a nice ambiance.  Gary decided he needed to shake my grumpy mood.  In the glow of the new cockpit light I saw Gary’s white behind flash past and jump right over the side.  Shocked (more because of the fact that he had got in before me), I disrobed and jumped in too.  Sorry guys, no photo of that one.

This morning we went ashore to the Bitter End Yacht Club.  the BEYC is a rather upmarket resort/sailing club which holds some big name events attracting some very prestigious sailors.  

We took a wander around the resort and decided to walk the Mangrove Trail, just to see where it went.  The path creeps along the shoreline, with mangroves and native trees enclosing the path.  The sound of lizards scurrying on either side almost drowned out the sound of the waves lapping.  The path finally opened onto a brand new road.  We had found ourselves at the Biras Creek Resort. 

Further along the path I glimpsed something large scurry into the bushes.  We went to investigate and found a bright green Iguana.  

The gasps and cries of some other visitors called us to this sight...

The “PRIVATE RESORT” signs placed ever few metres encouraged us to take our leave, and go back along the Mangrove Trail to the Bitter End Yacht Club and a Mango Smoothie.

someones tender