Monday 17 December Coffs Harbour

ice cream and a chandlery - David heaven

inner harbour marina

Yesterday we were bowling along the northern NSW coast and started hearing weather warnings on the radio – a change to strong southerlies forecast from midday today. Crew member Prudence suggested pulling in to Coffs Harbour to wait for the front to pass would be a good idea. We agreed and came in a little before sunset and dropped anchor between the inner harbour wall and the pier.

Dinner was tuna we'd caught earlier in the afternoon and the back drop a travelling fairground at the land side of the pier; ferris wheel, waltzers, assorted high spinners and the smell of candy floss.

Pier with fairground in background

Despite rumours this is a rolly anchorage we found it calm and slept soundly. This morning we re-anchored to suit the change in direction of the prevailing wind and once we were happy with the new position we popped ashore where David found a chandlery with things he wants to buy! Anodes for the rudder and fish hooks at bargain prices which is a double scoop. We wandered into town for lunch and pick up fresh groceries then noticing the sky was looking menacing decided it was time to head home for more weather watching.

Coffs is a holiday town with a marina in a man made harbour – a causeway was built to link the mainland to an island creating a sheltered haven inside. In the beach area there are the usual seaside shops, many restaurants and holiday homes. The main town is 4 miles inland and poor bus connection so we are unlikely to visit this time. Perhaps when we're heading back up this coast in April we'll have more time to explore.

We're anxiously waiting on news of our friends CD, Chris and Dave, who are in a marina in Fiji and Cyclone Evan is passing over the islands this afternoon with winds expected to reach 200 mph. It puts our concerns about 30 knots into sharp perspective. We hope they and the boat emerge undamaged.