Sunday 3 March Coffee morning

It's still raining. We looked at the forecast and it seems there could be chance to head out to Port Stephens overnight juggling between too much wind and not enough wind with smaller swell and timing to arrive on high water midday tomorrow. While we wait we donned our raincoats once more and went over to Rob and Katrina's for Sunday morning coffee with them and the rest of the people we met last night. David (Bilyana) had brought his local cruising guide to recommend anchorages in Port Stephens and the club Vice Commodore had brought his list of people to contact as we work our way north, friends and the club's port officers to call if we need anything. We really are lucky to find such a warm welcome from our country hosts. It's what makes our cruising life so good.

Not so good was our decision to leave at dusk. Inside the protected Pittwater all was fine but as we stuck our nose out into the open sea we realised the forecast wave height was on the shy side and they had forgotten to mention to heavy black clouds rolling up the coast. When Jackster's nose went into the green water and a wave rolled up the deck and over the dodger we looked at each other and said 'this isn't going to be fun. Shall we go back?'. Yes. We turned around and were back in Coasters as the last light faded. There are no brownie points for enduring an uncomfortable ride when we have the luxury of time and a safe anchorage to wait in.