It’s such a different perspective seeing the old town from the ocean.  We had to refer to our charts to locate Yirrkala, Nhulunbuy and Wallaby Beach.  Rainbow Cliffs stood out as the obvious landmark, glowing in the sunlight. 

The Surf Club and town flats were easy to see as we sailed closer, then the rusting old refinery loomed as an eyesore.  

The ship loader for bauxite ore is still in full swing next to West Woody Island, a popular fishing spot.  We were surprised that there were very few boats out fishing on a Sunday but it was still a bit stormy.

Best of all, we anchored next to our old Crowther 29, Snappy Tom, looking good since the new owner has spruced him up.

The Boat Cub, which used to be The Yacht Club is looking very flash with new tables, new fencing all around and a new campground where the old boat sheds were along the beach.  As temporary members for $10 we could use all the facilities, plus Sarah, the manager, will take yachties into town for shopping and sightseeing.  

We did our shopping in the morning then went out to Yirrkala Buku Larrngay Arts Centre for the afternoon.  There are some amazing new styles of artworks including traditional stories etched into metal sheets which look stunning.  My favourites are still the ceremonial poles painted with the white ochre Milky Way designs and all the pandanas weaving using plant dyes.

Nhulunbuy is a bit quieter, with a few shops closed down, but the Yolgnu girls have been painting the rubbish bins to spruce the place up. We only met one familiar face in town, Landcare Supervisor Bruno, but the girls were all out hunting somewhere.  The fishing tackle shop was doing roaring trade as usual.

As we returned to the dinghy jetty Nigel had warned us that a croc was hanging about and there he was, near our dinghy.  Apparently he’s a “pet” of the Boat Club!

(Now we will try to send a blog from the IridiumGo! - a new gadget to learn.)