Well, Crazy Horse and Ocean Jasper made it to Darwin and are anchored inFanny Bay. We arrived at 5pm Darwin time and yes, in time for Sundowners. Captains and crews were all equally proud and excited about our venture over the top of Oz and making the 1100 miles safely from Lizard Island. The navigation was tricky at times and weather give us a challenge at times. We heralded our successful captains! Of course we all had to process the trip at length over Sundowners and later dinner. We had our water treatment at 9am this day (Sept 2) and must stay here in Fanny Bay until tomorrow before proceeding into a marina called Tipperary Waters Marina.
Matt, Bob, and Maggie just went ashore to scout out the Sailing Club nearby and bring back us back information about the area and resources. We were able to contact Paul from Rally Control and learned that several other boats did not make the start to Bali. We are sorry but glad to be able to connect with some of our fellow ralliers. We hope to touch base with some of them before the next leg of our journey.
There is much to accomplish before we leave this harbor in Darwin. We have to stock up for one month since there is not much in the way of supplies at Cocos Keeling. Australia has the best of fruit and veggies and meat of any place we have been so far. There are many stores and even a top rate mall here in Darwin. I hope to add to my reading supplies while here. Andrew brought us the Slocum book of Sailing Alone Around the World which we have all read some for the 2nd time. It is a wonderful read and is an amazing feat to have done back in 1895. I recommend the book to anyone who has an interest in the power of the human spirit.
Jeannius just dropped by to say hi! They are on their way tomorrow for Bali. We hope to catch up with them tonight for an update on their progress.
I hope to be able to Skype tomorrow after berthing at the marina. It will be good to see all the folks from home.
Rosemary , Bill and Matt hot once again in Darwin