Friday 21st June 2013
MrJ and I decided to go further up the Prince Regent River
and the sky was still sending down light showers. We left Purulba Creek at 0645
going against the flooding tide till AR cleared the creek and was out in the
main stream of the river and then the tide was going with us.
Once again the anchor winch would not work but after a lot
of fiddling around MrJ and I managed to get the anchor up. My small gas stove
has been going on strike as well but I know which one will get fixed and/or
replace.
As we leave the anchorage MrJ see a croc swimming near the
SE bank. Going further up the river we have to negotiate more sandbars rocks
and small mangrove islands. With the anchor winch not behaving we decide to not
to explore any further upstream than Camp Creek. I didn't want to be stuck many
n/miles away on a falling tide with the tidal range that these parts of the
Kimberly’s get and MrJ was not comfortable with it either. The 4n/m ride up the
river was very scenic but not as spectacular as the Berkeley or King George
Rivers and maybe it gets better the further you go up but we did not find out.
MrJ and I anchored AR just before the mouth of Camp Creek in a small bay on the
northern shore of the Prince Regent River (15'32.340S - 125'12.113E) with me grumbling and cursing at the
broken anchor winch trying to anchor in deep water with a good wind blowing
which was blowing against the tide; wind against tide. I had to get MrJ to come
and relieve my anchor duties while I took the helm. I needed a coffee, I needed
some medication, I needed something as my tummy was in knots and I felt like I
was going through PMT again. Buggar!!!!!!!!
And then the skies opened and poured down rain! I think that the water spirit Kaiara on Bigge Island was looking over us!
resident croc |
rainy weather up the creek |
And then the skies opened and poured down rain! I think that the water spirit Kaiara on Bigge Island was looking over us!
shag on a rock |
We travelled over numerous submerged sand ridges up the creek to the first set of freshwater rapids at the rock bar. It was just on the turn of the tide when MrJ and I climbed out of the tinnie onto the rock ledge by the fast flowing rapids. At the rock platforms and ledges of the rapid, while keeping a wary eye out for friendly lizards, MrJ and I soon filled out water containers.
getting water |
Before leaving we climbed a little way further across the water sodden rocks in the creek bed at the top of the rapids to discover several large and small rock pools amid lush vegetation; grasses, bushes and small trees. Very beautiful but very dangerous, croc country!
rock pools |
heading back |
With the tidal change was also an increase in the wind which was now pushing AR towards the rocks on the river bank. Back on board with our water supply and the tinny hauled MrJ and I hauled the anchor to motor back to the Purulba Creek where MrJ had to put the anchor down but manually using the clutch. (I’m not taking about this anymore!!!!!!!) At least I felt more comfortable here.
After lunch MrJ and I tackle the winch motor again!!!!!!
Still not able to fix any part or doing any more for it so
we put it back together and went and had another coffee. Looks like I was going
to get a quick lesson in clutch controls!!!
back in Purulba Creek |
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