Hotham Island July 11, 2016

When I looked out we just had a few little white bugs on the boat today, so I was able to make short work of them with the mop. Peter and Marianna motored over about 10:00 to discuss plans for the day. We decided to move to Hotham Island. It is one of their favorite anchorages. Marianna wanted to stay 2 nights in one place, either where we were or where we would move to next. We decided to move in part because it is pretty, more sheltered and would be easier for us to kayak.

Anchors were pulled up at 11:00. We were anchored by 1:00. It was 10.8 nautical miles at an average speed of 5.8 knots. Our speeds are a bit misstated because we spend time slowly easing into the anchorages and also anchoring. On the way we passed Fox Island, which one cruiser had recommended to us. We saw some beautiful anchorages on the NE side of the island. Here is a typical rock formation we passed.

The mystery of why my Garmin was giving me false indications about my heading has been solved. It worked perfectly today. The only change I made was to switch to true instead of magnetic headings on the chart plotter. I don’t know why that makes a difference, but it does. If I run into an island now, it is my fault and not the chart plotters. Kip Schmidt won a pitcher of margaritas for suggesting the change. He says he will hold me to it. I know he will too.

We had lunch and then our longest kayak ride to date. Hotham is big, but has several little coves. We are in a very nice one and kayaked all around it, even going through some tall reeds. Of course I was afraid we would run aground and puncture our kayak, but Kerry navigated us safely.

My solar panels set a new record for charging today. I saw them putting out 22.8 amps at one point – totally amazing. I was able to get a picture at 21.7 amps. They make a huge difference in battery life. The day after it was cloudy all day I had to run the generator twice. Some days I don’t run it at all, or only once.

I thought I saw the bow roller platform lift a little off the deck today when Kerry raised the anchor. I tried to tighten the bolts but the nuts appear to be turning underneath. I went into the v-berth with my tools, but got thrown out by Kerry who was ready for a nap. I will have a, hopefully, small project to do tomorrow.  She promised to help then.   

Peter and Marianna came over for dinner on Annie tonight. The menu was dipping oils with parmigiana cheese, grilled Italian sausage, relish plate with deviled eggs, black bean salad, and coconut cookie pudding for desert. It was excellent. Peter and I are lucky to be experiencing all this good food. Both Kerry and Marianna are having fun serving delicious meals with style. We ate up on the top deck, and it was beautiful.  

What will I do when Jimbo and I are alone on the boat? Oh boy - standards will be lowered. The new strong clothes pins I bought held Kerry's sarongs in place to block the sun for Marianna. Dinner was finished in time for the Orros to make their dash home before the mosquitoes attacked.