Monday 10 December Serendipity

The day was devoted to cleaning up the good ship Jackster. An ocean crossing and 12 days in the city had left her covered with a coating of grime inside and out. We began by scrubbing the top decks and the bimini, cleaning the dust out of the cockpit and giving our lady the tlc she deserves.

Helen, Steve and David, Tangalooma

In mid afternoon we spotted a catamaran approaching the anchorage, something was most familiar but we couldn't quite put our finger on it. And then it clicked. It was Dignity. Our long time friends Helen and Steve. It was a profound moment. It was serendipity. The last time we saw them was in Fiji in May when Steve was first feeling unwell. He and Helen left Dignity in Fiji and flew to Melbourne where Steve was diagnosed with multiple lymphomas of the brain and spinal cord. He has responded well to treatment but the sad legacy is they are finished cruising, selling Dignity and returning to the UK. Today's cruise into Moreton Bay was to be their last on the boat as Dignity is for sale.

Tangalooma wrecks

We were invited on board and spent a wonderful evening together on Dignity, setting for many fun parties over the last three years, drank far too much gin and wine and laughed and cried over the good times we've shared; our first meeting at a bar in Grenada (where else), arrival in the Marquesas, diving in the Tuamotus, regattas in Tahiti and Tonga, NZ and then cruising in Fiji. Wonderful, cherished memories.