I had arrived back into Cairns a few weeks eariler
After having being away from Delos for over a year and a half
We spent a pretty sweet couple of weeks getting back into the rhythm of things
We took Delos out to Fitzroy island, did some diving
out at the Great Barrier Reef, explored the Mossman Rainforest
Drank lot's of wine, and got our first sponsored item
Our new tender.. Maggie
Last but not least, we stuffed Delos with as much food as we could fit
And we felt pretty ready to start the 1300 mile journey to Darwin
So we checked the oil, took a last glance of the skyline of the city, and picked up the anchor
It was pretty weird to be sailing on Delos again..
I was having flashbacks of us arriving into this very same channel
only 18 months ago from The Solomons. Such different people
A lot had happened and a lot had changed,
but it was a really good feeling! Nothing really mattered but that very moment
and the journey ahead.
So our first stop was to be Lizard Island.
Only 140 miles North.
"It's exactly why down-wind sailing is so awesome!"
"fishing line project going on"
"Karin's doing some awesome splicing"
"Sh *t everywhere!"
"And we're washing our car up at the bow!"
"it's the middle of the night.."
"sail ripped.."
"JESUS"
"F * * *ing sucks man. No good"
But we made it to Lizard island by first light
And definitely in high spirits. It was the 4th of July!
Of course, we started off early with some Gin and Tonic's
And decided it was perfect occasion to dress up!
"It's America Day! We are at the Lizard Islands
"LEZERD!" "LEZERD ISLANDS!"
"It's like 140 miles and we did it in ahhh 15 hours!"
"or 16 hours or something?" "Little over-night sail" "Yeah!"
"But it went good, except we broke my favourite sail last night" "Uh oh"
"Forward mizzen balloona"
"It's an old sail and I shouldn't have been flying at night"
"It's sucks.. but hey!" "Always something eh?"
"Yep, that's sailing!" "So, what have you got going on over there?"
"Oh, we're sizzling up some bacon!" "Ohhh, who have we got here?!"
After some bacon and egg's for breakfast
We spent the rest of the afternoon doing what we do best. Not much.
Although feeling a little hazy, the next day we put on our walking shoes for a detoxing hike
to the top of the island. Cooks Look track.
Caption James Cook had climbed to the top back in 1770.
To look for a pass out of The Great Barrier Reef.
So it was actually quite cool walking in his footsteps so many years later!
Some parts were pretty tough,
and the heat was really intense, not really the best combinations
for some of us who were feeling pretty hungover...
"Almost to the top!" "Mm hm..."
"Pooks Look!"
"F * * * it's hot!"
But we pushed through and we made it!
And had the most stunning 360 degree view!
We found a box at the top
with a can of 4X Gold. "Full can of beer!"
Some history about the track
and a visitor's book
which we leafed through, and found some fellow friends, who had cruised through only a few weeks earlier.
Hopefully we would catch up with them in Darwin.
"Happy Birthday Tiffaaaaaay!"
We'd been stuck at anchor for about a week at this stage. Constant strong winds up to 50 knots.
At least Delos was holding well
"What are you doing Braidster?" "Making Moonshine"
"Making homemade liquor"
Despite making alcohol,
cabin fever, and boredom got the better of us, we came up with a stupid but brilliant idea
That lasted about 2 months.
Princess of the week. "They get treated like Royalty for one week"
"Pretty much anything you want..." "You get!" "No?!" "YEAH!"
"Don't look!"
"The first Prince of the week is...
"Caption Breyawn!" "OHHH B *TCH!" (laughing)
"Wohooo!" (clapping)
Stay tuned, as we pick up the anchor, unfill the jib,
and continue the journey north. Onto secluded bays,
exploring secret trails. More silly adventures..
And much more sailing!