Bass Strait Updates
Trip Notes for 25 February 2006
From Spike Cove (Clarke Island) to Lascars Bay (Cape Barren Island)
;)
Landing for a morning-tea break at Preservation Island
;)
A hug at sunset
Bruce and Adrian had to get up early since the incoming high tide was approaching their camp site. On the water at 9:20am. Destination for toady not decided, it could be any of the three camp sites Lascars, Thunder & Lightning or Cape Barren town on Cape Barren Island.
We are short on water supplies. Around Spike Cove, Preservation Island comes into sight. Again, currents in the Armstrong channel don't seem to have a major effect, it is all about the wind. We are heading into it again! Preservation Island turns out to be Rum Island, with Preservation Island on our right. We seek shelter from the wind, land, and have morning tea. Set sail to backtrack around the southern end of the island — that's the way to go. Sailing before tailwinds is so much more fun than battling into headwinds! Around to Horseshoe Bay where we find a house, farmers, a seaplane, and fresh water for resupply.
Restocked, we set sail for a dream run over to Lascars Bay on Cape Barren Island. Arrive at 1pm, set up camp very civilised on lawn near a hut, next to a fire place. Horseflies! Bruce dresses in GladWrap bags for horsefly protection. We are hoping for the southerly change forecast for the afternoon to keep us going north. These headwinds are certainly good to improve fitness, but no fun. CDMA reception. Contact to home and Keith's group (note: Keith, Andrew and Harry are paddling Bass Strait north-to-south at the same time).
Stats for the day
- 14 km in 3h40mins, incl 1h10 break.
- Average speed (excl. break): 5.6km/h
Peter's summary of two text messages from Claudia
"Arrived Lascars - Cape Barren Island at 1pm. Set up camp on beautiful lawn with shelter, waiting for southerly change before heading further. Very warm and very windy."
"We have good radio [i.e. VHF or HF] reception and don't need the BoM weather forecast sent by SMS tomorrow. We are planning to "fly" to Whitemark instead of climbing Mount Strzelecki. Spotted a huge stingray in the bay. Finally less wind ..."
Notes on the Weather (Issued at 11:20am on Thursday the 24th of February 2006)
Recent Events:
A high pressure system in the Tasman Sea directed a strong easterly flow through the northwest with wind tending more northeasterly through other districts. Cloudy to overcast conditions were reported in the north with virtually clear skies in southern and central regions. Drizzle was reported in some northern and northeastern centres with reports of fog patches through the Derwent Valley. Low swells were reported on all coastlines.
Minimum Temperatures during the 24 hours to 9am:
were generally between 2 and 5 degrees above average through the north with minima within a few degrees of average in all other districts. The lowest reported temperature was 6 degrees at Lake Leake, Ouse and Grove.
Rainfall during the 24 hours to 9am:
Light scattered falls were recorded in the north and northeast with no falls of any significance elsewhere. The highest reported fall of 0.8 millimetres was recorded at St Helens.
Coastal Waters Forecast (Issued at 5:00 am EDT on Saturday 25 February 2006)
Banks Strait and Franklin Sound:
Saturday until midnight: Variable winds to 15 knots tending northwest at 10 to 20 knots, possibly reaching 25 knots at times. Seas 1 to 2 metres. Confused swell less than 1 metre. Sea fog clearing.
Sunday: Chiefly southerly winds 10 to 20 knots tending westerly later. Seas to 1.5 metres. Confused swell 1 metre.
Monday: Westerly winds 10 to 20 knots easing to 5 to 15 knots. Seas to 1.5 metres. Confused swell 1 metre.
Central North Coast, Stanley to the Northern Tip of Flinders Is:
Saturday until midnight: Variable winds to 15 knots tending northwest at 10 to 20 knots, 25 knots at times, during the morning then southwest later. Seas 1 to 2 metres. Confused swell to 1 metre tending westerly. Sea fog clearing.
Sunday: Southwest to southerly winds 10 to 20 knots, 25 knots offshore at first. Winds lighter inshore with afternoon sea breezes. Seas 1 to 2 metres. Westerly swell near 1 metre.
Monday: Chiefly westerly winds 10 to 20 knots easing to 5 to 15 knots with inshore afternoon sea breezes. Seas to 1.5 metres. Westerly swell 1 metre.
East of Flinders Island, Northern Tip of Flinders Is to St Helens Pt:
Saturday until midnight: Northerly winds 10 to 20 knots, reaching 25 knots offshore, tending northwest at 15 to 25 knots, although lighter inshore. Seas 1 to 2 metres. Chiefly northeast swell to 1 metre. Sea fog clearing.
Sunday: Southerly winds 10 to 20 knots, reaching 25 knots offshore, easing to 5 to 15 knots later and tending variable inshore. Seas 1 to 2 metres. Confused swell near 1 metre.
Monday: Westerly winds 10 to 20 knots tending variable to 15 knots, with inshore afternoon sea breezes, then northerly later. Seas to 1.5 metres. Confused swell near 1 metre.