The Navy’s in town

Monday 4th April Nauti Time 028

Good adventure day today, we awoke with the announcement that there was military action in Twofold Bay and lo and behold there was a submarine that pulled alongside the pier, just in front of us. Just appeared like magic – these things are really stealth!!!! We knew something was coming as there are warning about military action and exclusion zones, but …. No one expected a submarine. There was also a range of vehicles on the dock including two big B doubles – I don’t know how they got there – hell of a backing exercise as the pier is over 600 m long. They spent the whole day loading and unloading (and we even had a period when the “BRAVO” flag was up – EXPLOSIVES. ) and we may have seen or not them loading an unloading long tubes - but it was a bit glary).

We had planned a restocking mission ourselves with a trip to Eden township– since the weather had cleared, so measured it out and if we go slow we were able to maintain a 500 m clearance and abide by the exclusion zone. The trip across was smooth however when we got there the tender mooring was a construction zone for a new wave attenuator (?? Wall), The existing wharf construction was all taken up with fishing boats and cruise boats and most of the other yachts had been moved out to next bay. Nola‘s got on the radio to Marine Rescue Eden who gave us the number for New South Wales Ports who directed us to the local harbour master who told us we could tie up at the end of the jetty next to the tugs. Not ideal but safe as long as the tugs don’t secede to move ( these were the ones helping our sub – so we felt safe.) Did a rubbish dump and headed into town to have a look around and restock. As with most places a number of shops are closed down and it seems Monday is the I’ll close today cause I can day. But there were some lovely buildings and magnificent houses close to the water’s edge. Lots of manicured lawns – Jims must do a roaring trade here.

We walked to the petrol stateion and got gas and fuel , Coles for food , bread and veggies and headed back to little Pus.

On the way home we went exploring Quarantine bay – which was the other option to anchor here – especially in a northerly, but decided we were where’s the prime spot.

Back on NK we were fascinated by the restocking of the Sub, and then, they lowered the flags and the tugs returned and they left.

I caught some Taylor for dinner which were very tasty as fish and chips. I has a long line and float out to try end entice some of the bigger fishes, but instead the float was attacked by a sea eagle, thank goodness I didn’t hook it.

The weather is lovely, just warm enough to need a jumper to watch the sunset , what else do you want.

Today was a good boat life day.

Ben Boyd National Park

Rain, rain and more Rain