DEANBILLA REPORT by Artie Phillips

September 2008, as the alternative outing to Keppel Island (Photos)

The cruise to Deanbilla Bay was just fantastic. It started out for Lisa, myself, Graham and Sue Booth (Foxy Lady) and Bill and Susanne Barrett (Trust Me) on a beautiful Saturday morning from Rudi Maar’s Marina. It was decided to launch from there as we wanted to start our week-end with a reasonable run north rather just coming across the bay from Manly.

Graham led the way taking us into Main Channel and then turning nor-east to Karragarra Island where we decided to stop for a cuppa.  Having never been to Karragarra before though knowing that it is on the destination list for cruises, found it to be a picturesque spot.  One that I would like to come back to and explore a little more.

Weighing anchor we the proceeded until out along side Stradbroke Island passing Blakesley Anchorage and on to Deanbilla Bay.

After the obligatory kisses hugs and backslaps it was time to take the bus to Point Lookout. Problem was the bus never turned up so Ian Rennie in his usual persuasive way haled a maxi taxi. However the taxi wasn’t big enough to take us all so the cabbie arranged for another to arrive at the same time.

After Ian cut a deal with the two cabbies we were off the Lookout.

Upon arrival we found that Ian in his usual style had befriended a couple of American tourists, Chuck and? Lovely people. On to lunch and to admire to stunning view. After lunch Cylinder beach beckoned. The sand was white, the beach wide and the surf on the smaller side. But guess what---Ian found his long lost American tourists again, Chuck and? in a semi naked state enjoying the beach. More great company.

The walk on the beach was great and eventually led to the stairs back to the hotel for a well earned drink. But guess what------ Ian found his long lost American tourists again, Chuck and? So they joined us for a drink and a bit of further banter about the American economy. Drinks done time to head back to Deanbilla for a nana nap or fishing back onboard our respective boats. So upon boarding our buses we found a couple of extra passengers-----Chuck and? Good on you Ian!!!

The obligatory beach party was held from 4.30 to give us all just that little bit extra time to socialize. In all I counted 12 boats this trip including Chris (Reel Time) who had just returned from the Great Keppel trip. Interestingly enough whilst we all partied on, right out in front of us a dolphin was having his own party chasing fish and flipping them out of the water only to catch them for his dinner.

Dinner was held on board our boats and a peaceful night was had by all.

Rising in the morning to anther beautiful day with a 5 knot nor-westerly blowing. Looking across the bay Peel Island had the No Parking-Full sign out. Not surprising due to the weather.

Graham, Sue, Lisa and I departed Deanbilla around 10.00 and returned to Rudi Maar’s Marina via the Caniapa Passage. Again, and area Lisa and I hadn’t cruised before and found it to be another great water way. So much to be seen in our own back yard. We are truly fortunate to have great cruising grounds in our part of Australia.

Yours in safe boating.

Artie and Lisa Phillips (Smoke on the Water)