Adventurer’s included Mornê, Rebecca, Michael and Myself. Bushy had been in our sights for a while now. We had been waiting for a break in the weather and just as it appeared we jumped at it. Forecast soured a bit on the day with a chance of a storm. We weren’t to be deterred and had to have a go.
Making our way out of Mackay Harbour at 0545 on the 90klm trip out. In close it was comfortable swell and lumping up a bit around Baileys Islet and varied around that for the outward leg. It wasn’t long after Baileys that we discussed a storm that seemed to be hanging out the back of Prudhoe Island that is south of us.
We made Bushy 0815 tide had peaked at 0740 that wasn’t ideal. The storm had closed over Penrith Island. Through all this it was easy to see Bushy to be a real Gem it is.
Done a circuit of Bushy then anchored on the western side. While Mornê and Rebecca put their drones up for some footage. I repaired a broken terminal wire on the auxiliary battery. Looked up to see the wind had picked up probably off that storm now engulfing Penrith with my anchor dragging. The crew had already made the decision to move up to north end.
This is were we struck a problem with one of the skis picking up a rope and wrapping it around the shaft. Some anxious moments while Mornê dived under the ski with a knife that was only just long enough to free it after several goes. Whilst the tide was falling, a storm 15 klms away and 89klms from mainland.
Rope freed and all breathing easier we fare-welled Bushy and made for Penrith that we could not see for the storm and had to rely Mornê’s GPS. As luck has it the storm had moved away north before we had reached half way.
We had stopped about the shipping channel to affirm our progress. As we started to move on a ski would not start. Unsuccessfully tried a Start Pack and then towed onto Penrith Island. We tried another Start Pack from a nearby fisherman who was happy to lend it. It started but would not keep running. Were once again Mornê went to work changing out the battery for a auxiliary that I carry. This solved the problem at this stage we had had enough with 70klms to Harbour we high tailed it. A lumpy ride home was a bit arduous, just part of the adventure and challenges that turn up. Helps to be with a good crew and as prepared as possible.
I cant wait to get back there to discover the Island and Cay a whole lot more. At least step foot on it as I never did this trip. There are a couple of treasures to be found I am certain, like a Carnivorous Tree for one.
Thanks until next time. Mornê thanks for the Feature photo.
Jet Ski North Queensland 