The Percy Isles

From Hexham to the Percy Islands the seas were also big and sloppy and devoid of wildlife, but as we neared South Percy terns began circling and diving.  The anchorage looked pretty but rolly, so we sailed on to Middle Percy, which also ended up very rolly on high tide, no chance to practice Tai Chi on board!    At least there is a campfire and BBQ on the beach. 

We took the “Long Walk” (4km) to the lookout, with great views of South Island and our friends on Kathamaria, the forest is a lovely mix of boronia, banksia, pandanus, massive hoop pines, strangler figs, cadagi and corymbia trees.  From the Homestead, where John and Cate showed us their historical collection and memorabilia, the “Short Walk” back to the lagoon is very steep but completely different vegetation:  paperbarks in open woodland with ground orchids and grasses, then mangrove around the lagoon.  Thousands of butterflies, Tiger Blues and Common Crows, were dancing around under the trees, so pretty in the sunlight.

With the slop and slap all night before and after high tide, and not much chance of a good night’s sleep, we hit the beach first thing for a BBQ breakfast on solid ground.

Island Head to Hexham Island

Island Head Creek – a great spot for fishing and crabbing, but the only place on Qld coast with no sunrise or sunset: it’s surrounded by mountains.

Our sail to Hexham Island was fast but exhilarating, with 15 – 20 knots SE and big seas.  At one point we had half a hull out of the water!  Alas no mackerel, no seabirds nor dolphins to amuse us along the way.  I suppose we can’t have them all the time.  Hexham is very pretty, with fruiting pandanus, hoop pines, and grasstrees amongst the heather, where silvereyes whistled away as they popped in and out of the heath and honeyeaters enjoyed the flowering shrubs.

Great Keppel Island

Peter testing his new ukelele with the band.