Opal Lady leaves Lake Macquarie!

T’was a overcast day, wind SSE 20- 22 knts and we did a big sweep of Belmont Bay before heading for the channel. A sweeping turn took us into the channel and watching the depth sounder I progressed toward the bridge. It took a bit longer as the tide was running in at 1.5 knts, we only touched the bottom once off Swan Bay. Awaiting to wave goodbye was Roger and Shirley and also Mum and Dad, all with cameras in hand. Alan made a cuppa and then it was time to go through the bridge at full speed to make sure none of the paravains got near the bridge. Once out past the heads we settled down and Alan was snoozing off, it’s been a very hectic few days, he slept til 1pm and then I swapped him for the rest of the afternoon. The 3m swell and .5 m waves plus a head wind did nothing to alter Opal Lady’s first fully laden trip to sea. She performed well and we had a very comfortable trip south. We arrived in Coasters Retreat at 5.30pm and are now going to sit back for the evening. Yesterday we loaded all our gear onto the boat that had been in our storage shed, tons if you ask Alan!! Tomorrow is Australia Day!