5/6/2026: Chandlery and a Fun Run by the Sea
My new Honda generator was ready to collect, so I did. This will be a standbys power source for Clancy. I dont like the idea of burning fossil fuels, but the space for solar on board is pretty limited. I'm also expecting the autopilot will draw a lot, especially on heavy weather.I then dropped into Whitworths for some paint & bolts to mount Ilona's bilge pump. Hopefully come Monday she will be up for sale & Clancy will get my undivided attention.
Afterwards the dog & I hit Nobbys Beach for a run. Apart from the strong icey SWer, it was a nice day. Clear of the main beach, we hit the sand, the only ones around & it was beautiful. Around under the lighthouse & onto the break wall. The swell was pretty small, but the seas were looking storm tossed & sailing south would be mighty tough.
Along the walk I started noticing whales all about. One big breach directly off the harbour entrance, but they were well offshore heading to Fingal Island lighthouse. But it was a pointer to winter conditions, strong offshore winds, whales &, as I later found out, cold water.
After the break wall we skirted Horseshoe Beach & then ran up to Parnell Place. Standing room only from the Cowrie Hole back to Nobbys, but lots of dogs which was cool. Someone called Cuddy "cute" so I whispered she should get her eyes checked. The dogs around here are all nicely manicured pedigrees, Cuddy is an unwashed mongrel. A good pal though.
We hit the beach for a swim. All of a sudden I took a great interest in tugboat movements on the harbour, but I had to do it. Brrr.
Wimhoff would be proud!