First solo trip since the shark encounter and was a little shaky on it in the preparation. Decision to go was made at 0700, probably gave me less time to think about it. Not like 2 Fridays prior, 0530 at the boat ramp full of nerves I pulled the rear door of the van down on top of my head to produce 40mm gash on my scone to cancel that run. I mention this to say how great this trip was despite it.
Brampton Island is 35ks to Turtle Bay that sits between it and Carlisle Island. The feature photo taken 12ks out of the Harbour shows the conditions, small wind lump on a tiny swell.
Made a line north for Brampton Island, spotted a vessel in that line after 12ks out. Took me another 10ks to realise going same direction. Caught up in there wash in behind and jumped out over there wake to the right, heading to the eastern side of Brampton. Following there wash is marginally flattened water, not certain as to the aerated water a pro or a con to the jet ?
Arriving Turtle Bay an hour off high tide, another first for me it has always been at the bottom end of the tide. This is now five Brampton trips.
At the abandoned resort there was a boat beached with its passengers taking a walk. Made way through the top of the passage thanks to the tide was able to get through passage and up close to Pelican Island.
Pelican Island would be wade-able at most times except at the top of larger tides and walk-able at the smaller ones, from Brampton. This Island is not on the chart above due to zoom out to squeeze in the river.
Across the north end of the island to Western Point and south down the western side.
Its about 15k trip across to Keswick from Brampton. Found myself enjoying the crossing so much that slowed I down to 25klph, conditions could comfortably of been 50kph +. I had a couple of beaches on Keswick’s western side that I wanted to explore. Inexperience has kept me at a distance to the shores, the fear of rocks and tides stranding me. Step by step expanding my adventures to another facet.
I have read somewhere that those blocks were up for sale for a 96 year lease ?
This beach in Singapore Bay seemed like a real good landing beach in the sense that it drops off sharply allowing a bit of water under your ski at a short distance from beach. Keeping in mind that this conclusion is drawn at the top of a big tide. Will be interesting to visit on a lower tide.
Found at anchor current or breeze put the ski side on to the beach, easily rectified but being solo need to be sure using techniques that suit me. Am sure that tide and wind will ensure those techniques are tweaked. Challenges that are all part of the adventure along with the elements changing all the time. Eventually having an understanding to all this to allow camping overnight.
Another nice beach in Basil Bay, not steep beach but sand allowing to sit on bottom.
Basil Bay table and ramp too a building.
Basil bay is popular for yachties, always has a boat or more moored there. This now my sixth time to Keswick, and counting. The day was complimented with stacks of schools of Fish, a Ray in Basil Bay, a few Dolphins spotted but no Whales.
Made way back to the mainland and decided to take a run up the Poineer River crossing the inside of Flat Top Island over the bar at East Point. Plenty of water should still be there when I arrive. Going in was a breeze and after short look around and back to the Harbour. Confronted at the bar with these strange waves only a meter but sharp, curling and very close to each other. Reminded me of the teeth of a circular saw. I eased up over the first and dove straight into the second. Up to this stage I was as dry as bone after 100ks at sea. Hitting the second wave I was hit by this wall of water that saturated me. Going easy was no good, so hit the power still got wet but way more fun. Wet and now fresh (no wet suit) made a dash for the harbour, small waves created a bit more fun giving it a bit.
Most enjoyable day faced the demons of my previous encounter. Fuel being my only reason for returning. Cant wait to get back out.
Thanks George.
Jet Ski North Queensland 