CLIENT: Sail and Walk
VOYAGE NUMBER: 20260530
FROM: Townsville To: Townsville
POSITION: Pioneer Bay, Orpheus Is
DATE: 3 June 2026
REPORT: White Watch
We woke in the beautiful Hinchinbrook Channel near Haycock Island to low hanging cloud along the mountains. Overnight there was a magnificent meteor that streaked across the sky for what seemed like forever.
As we headed south, we sailed through thick sea fog that Peter and Tom did their best to blow away with the fog horn and bugle. Mal explained the fog was due to condensation just like on the outside of a beer glass. Something we all identified with.
All the fog cleared as we approached Lucinda and its extra-long jetty. We raised the sail and headed for Pelorus island where we anchored and snorkelled. We found a big clam (at least metre in width), lots of fish, corals and sea cucumbers. Also a pipe fish and a walking fish.
We motored past the Pelorus lux resort where the guests waved. A helicopter had circled overhead earlier. We obviously were a tourist attraction. Onwards towards to Orpheus Island and Pioneer Bay. We raced Winston the Ketch to the best moorings. We won.
Roger wanted to try a new walk. Due to the receding tide we had to get out in knee deep water. As we waded through a giant stingray was seen which then scuttled off. We all headed up past the pioneer ruin and all imagined how hard it would be to live there. After about a km we crested the ride for an amazing ocean view to the east overlooking the rocky eastern shoreline of the island. Some scaled the peak and Roger went off to find a new route to the Indies.
On the way back as the last group was getting in the boat and evening was coming a shark was seen in the shallows. We all got closer.