Forecast had been conflicting and fluctuating all over the place but at least providing a few windows. Like Sunday being borderline and worth a look ? With high tide at around 0900 falling through out the day. I couldn’t bring myself to commit to a group ride. Fortunately Duane had no reservations and had one on the go.
My plan started off solo out to Calder investigate a cave and catch up with the others later. Making my way out of harbour just before 0630. It didn’t look real promising out the back seemed pretty lumpy. Get out 10ks and it is lumpy and much the same out further.
So I turn back and it flattens out not completely but improving. Sat north of Slade Island waiting for Duane and crew. They comes out of the harbour and head north for Brampton Island 34klms.
So I hang out wide shadowing them for about 15ks before they pull up and I join them. A diverse bunch with 2 skis that are 2 up and another 3 up. Thinking this could be interesting watching this day unfold. At Brampton its meet and greet all and reacquaint with Justin, Brad & Duane.
After a spell and a chat were off to Calder to see the cave. No I did not shanghai them that’s what was decided. Cockermouth Island the first way point that we edged along. Past Silloth Rocks and over to Calder shaving Wigton Island. Sea was good for this part.
Just south of Wigton Island I spotted something in the water. Turned out to be this massive log with maybe `5 meters of rope hanging off of it. This was well out of the path of the crew as I was riding a wide flank to the south of the group.
I should of put a SAY-CURE-E-TAY over radio only thought of after I moved on and realised I couldn’t remember how to put the call over and left it. Should of at least contacted VMR and they may of broadcast it. (see below)
We arrive Calder all in tact even the pillions.
At the cave get up close and stick our noses in. A little choppy to go all the way in or just plain gutless. Had visions of a swell running in smashing me ski to pieces and spitting me out in great wash of white water. I do have a plan for next time.
We go around the end of island and along the southern side were we break off for Scawfell Island about a 10k crossing.
Arrive at Refuge Bay, Scawfell Island to find the Wild Cat there chartering visitors to the Island. A bit of droning, swimming and snorkeling seemed the order of the day. Curious to know how the pillions were traveling. I had to ask and to my surprise they were all wrapped and happy as. I am astounded and as if that wasn’t enough they were up with the front skis most of the time.
Brad and Melissa headed back a little earlier that made us conscious of time. Forecast was strengthening winds after lunch. So got ourselves together to head across to Egremont Passage through St Bees and Keswick. Starting get a bit lumpy on a fair swell we get to the Passage and cruise down that and out the southern end heading for the harbour. It was sloppy enough but the shoals probably added their lumps to it. At one stage Duane waved me on while he checked on the back runners. I was siting on and around 40kph sometimes under and some over. Checking behind now and then, there they were the 2 skis with passengers the other (Brad) had gone earlier. Just goes to prove I was wrong in my statement 2 up should only be in smooth waters. Duane thank you and well done in putting it together. And thanks to the fellow explorer’s for being part of a not so cushy ride that was a great day and toughing it out. (scroll down to video)
SAY-CURE-E-TAY
Thanks and bye for now George.
Jet Ski North Queensland 