The Queen's Birthday Weekend, June 2008

This weekend had been planned for Great Sandy Straights, but due to predicted weather, it was redirected to the Noosa River

Photos from the event

Outing Report for the Queen’s Birthday Weekend, 2008 by Les Tuton

Well, by Thursday 05/06/08 a number of boats were already loaded with gear and fuel for Hervey Bay on the long weekend. However, the weather forecasts for the weekend pointed to 40 to 50km/hr winds so at the committee meeting that night committee members phoned all those who had contacted Ian Bennett to advise that the Club’s trip to Hervey Bay was being cancelled with an alternative location at Woods Bay on the Noosa River.

Keith & Edna Miller in “Ande” had already arrived on the Sunshine Coast enroute to Hervey Bay so together with them Sharyl and I committed to put in on the Noosa River for the early part of the weekend, at least. When we got there the river was flowing quite strongly following the 200 to 300mm of rain on the Sunshine Coast at the end of May.

On Friday afternoon we were joined by Brian & Petra in “Sea Pet” and travelled upstream as far as the 6 knot zone adjacent Johns Landing. There we had a fabulous evening anchored in smooth water and with the current flowing the boats didn’t even turn on the anchor at change of tide. In the morning we awoke to a light fog. I think the photos in the Gallery show how peaceful that was. During the day I’d also heard that Bill Barrett had decided to head to Tin Can Bay to try a spot of fishing with a mate as he was all set to travel. Wayne & Rhonda also headed for southern waters to finalise some of the future arrangements for the August AGM, the November “Treasure Hunt” and the “Christmas break-up”.

Come Saturday morning at Noosa we got that alluring radio call on Channel 96 from that “Fox Sea Lady”. Graham & Sue Booth had launched off Gympie Terrace very late Friday night and were awaiting Artie and Lisa to arrive in “Smoke on the Water”. When Lisa and Artie arrived they’d encountered a bit of rain in their travels and the boat had taken on a bit of water. Up river the morning fog changed to a light shower of rain while talking with Graham who at the same time was in the sun at Noosaville. The rest of the weekend was a bit like that but mostly fine.

An advantage of a weekend outing at a place like Noosa R is the close proximity to 20km of river as well as walks to Hasting St or Noosa National Park, whichever takes your fancy. Both Hastings St and Gympie Terrace also provide plenty of opportunities for replenishing a whole range of food and drink supplies or just eating out. From the group of 5 boats we all found things to do to suit each individual. The Hastings St shops got visits and so did the National Park using Woods Bay as a base.

With inclement weather possible, the traditional Saturday afternoon drinks were held on the back of the boats rafted together. The accompanying photos in the Gallery give some indication of the fun and frivolity enjoyed by the group. I can assure those who didn’t attend and witness Sue & Graham’s Cobb cooker in action that they sure cook up an aromatic roast dinner in that thing.

Sunday “Ande” & “Monty” headed home while “Fox Sea Lady” and “Smoke on the Water” headed upstream for the most of the day and “Sea Pet” had a relaxing day at anchor in the downstream part of the river. When “Smoke on the Water” headed home in the afternoon the remaining two boats headed back to Woods Bay and anchored up again for drinks, good conversation and a quite night.

Les Tuton
09 June 2008