Fog, Fog, Hay Point, Fog

Plan was a round robin trip Bailey Islet – Scawfell – St Bees – Harbour. Not to be, after 11ks into the 33ks to Bailey Islet 77° out of Mackay Harbour. That heading is + 5° of the sun rising that day at 72°, so had a pretty good marker.

Fog wall and dark, couldn’t muster the guts to try and go through it. Conditions were good otherwise with a flattish sea. Spotted a whale on the way out, a fair way to my right (south) so I was crossing its path and concentrated on my path in case there was a mate in the lead.

No destination in mind I was just heading back to the coast driving around wasting fuel. Realised intended trip was dead because of fuel, the fog seemed to lighten to the south (could now see the coal boats). I will see if I can get to Bailey and return, made the same distance as before to be same confrontation only a little lighter. Over 40klms wasted back at the harbour, aimlessly driving around went down to the river bar that was too low of water to cross. Out around Flat Top up into the river, I needed to warm up a bit. The chill factor changes dramatically even in light wind from going with it to against it.

Hay Point harbour become the next port of call. Made a line for the coal terminal docks, about 3ks south of Round Top there was a rim and tyre floating along. I couldn’t think what I should do with it at the time and left it. Tonight thinking about it again, I should have let the air out of it, and some environmentalist would condemn me for polluting. Hopefully it makes it to shore without killing some poor bastard on a jet ski.

Dalrymple Coal Terminal wharf is 3ks long. Only one ship tied up and a couple of tugs there.

Approaching the end of the wharf another tug towing a work platform with a pretty big crane on it. All vessels towing have right away, gave me a chance to take it in and photograph. The harbour in the background behind tug in image.

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My original plan was thwarted but still managed some interesting finds along the coast and a first to Hay Point harbour.

On my return passing the wharf tugs looked to be preparing to pull ship off the wharf. Looked empty to me ? Maybe they fill very quickly ? To the other side the fog was closing in, I could see its front moving over the water. I made a direct heading for the harbour about 19klms easy cruise of 50kph too Round Top, then moved along to a comfortable 65kph to the harbour.

Slade Island sits 1klm from the Mackay Harbour. Taken 5 hours after my run around. Fog was over the top of the island and by 5.30 had enveloped the northern suburbs of Mackay. I dont think this a common occurrence, yes fog can roll off the sea in the tropics occasionally, not sure to happen in the afternoon like that to often. Mostly the wind would have blown or the sun would have burnt it off ? No in my opinion, I would have thought uncommon and it could have been very thick and very wide out there this morning.

Thanks for reading George