We had a beautiful day to motor sail down the coast from Dunsborough around the two capes - Naturaliste and Leeuwin. Whales joined us during the day and were sailed close to the coast so that we could see the townships and pick out the geographical features along the way. Cape Clairault, Cape Freycinet, Hamelin Bay to name a few - sounds like wine country over those hills!!
The sun was setting as we rounded Cape Leeuwin and headed to Albany. The overnight sail into Albany proved to be quite choppy and uncomfortable and our comfortable anchorage in Frenchman's Bay the next evening was a welcome haven. The following day we tried twice to get an anchorage near the town however we were not able to set our anchor due to the thick sea grass. We headed for Oyster Bay where we picked up a mooring and spent the night, heading into Albany the next morning for some provisions and a coffee shop experience. That afternoon, Thursday 3 Dec we motored around to Two People's Bay for the night. Friday we sailed to Cheyne Island via Waychinicup Inlet, a small fiord with a narrow entrance between large granite bolders. As we sailed along the coast we could see the Sterling Range peaks in the distance. We were able to go ashore on Cheyne Island where there is a small Penguin colony and many seabirds nesting on the headland. A very picturesque anchorage and protected close to shore. (Photos to be added when we get to SA.)
Saturday we sailed to Dillon Bay, a large bay just east of Bremer Bay. There were people on the beach fishing and even swimming in the surf. Dillon Bay has some interesting homes located in the rugged but spectacular bushland. Sunday we headed off for an overnight sail to Esperance in confused seas and moderately strong winds so it was with relief that we dropped anchor off the sailing club in Esperance on Monday morning. We had a hearty breakfast then a sleep before hitting town to collect mail at the Post Office and do some last minute shopping as the weather looks promising for us to make our crossing of the Bight. We plan to arrive in SA on Sunday.
We are all well and enjoying this challenging sailing experience. Roy's sailing experience is helping us refine our techniques and it is a pleasure to have his company.
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