DESTIN8TION UNKNOWN!!

G'day All, This week has to start with a really BIG- HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMERON!
My not so little man had his special day on Tuesday this week, and while as usual I didn't get to see him I did take thyme out to stop and look over his photo album with a slice of cake and a pint of Fellixer. Congrats Cameron!
I'm thinking of you Always!

The title will become clearer half weigh through this update.
I've spent the better part of this week turning a big cat into a zebra!(anatomically impossible)
Galleycat has now got stripes, 5 of them 2B precise. These "stripes" will allow the dinghy or kayak to tie up along side without the need to put fenders over to protect the paintwork. I found out during previous trips that the fenders caused more problems than they solved. So when I saw this design on anuther cat I decided to copy it onto Galleycat.
Does this make me a "copycat"?

After several attempts the final result should both look right and work! as the initial layout proved 2B flawed in design with not enuf angle and too short rubbers above the water. So once the dinghy was placed along side and the mistake realized the fender sections were lengthened by around 200mm. Once the whole thing is trialed it'll be sanded, faired and painted.
With the increase in temperature and the readiness of Galleycat to go 2C again itz "finally" thyme for Kenny and I to head towards The Gr8 Barrier Reef for a spot of fishing and relaxation (wkoa) which as you can see kenny has already begun!
However rather than twiddling my thumbz for a few days until Ken is ready on Wednesday I've pointed the Yot seaward again for a short trip to partz unknown!
I wanted to see were the wind would take me as I left the Harbour around 2pm Monday.
Turned out it took me to Florence bay on the very southern side of Magnetic Island. Normally I wouldn't be able to stop here with the constant Southerly winds blowing straight into the bay but Monday night saw a stiff Northerly breeze blow in making this little piece of paradise a suitable place to rest for the night. While it is very nice it is alas a "green zone" which means no fishing ! So I kept myself busy with music and bourbon while undertaking a few last minute maintenance issues. Still an enjoyable thyme.

I've set sail this morning around the corner towards Horseshoe Bay where I'll try to catch some Garfish for our Big reef trip and spend the day servicing my fishing reels in preparation (wkoa) for what I hope will be a really memorable trip. I'm looking forward to having Ken aboard with his knowledge of both sailing and fishing the reef. I'll be taking lots of notes.
The weather Godz look like they're on our side with lite North and Easterly winds predicted. Which of course means it'll blow itz tits off but one has 2B optimistic.
On the uther side of the country Mum and Dads new house is now well underway with demolition set to take place this week. Brother Andrew has realized his recovery will be a little slower than he had hoped. Big Ash is very busy with his grass and landscaping while Miss Mermaid and Brad and Dee are both missing in action!
Fridays lunch was a huge B.B.Q with steak, satay chicken, rissoles, grilled asparagus  and also roasted pumpkin with balsamic and cashews, fresh bread rolls, tomato and onion salad along with a tossed salad as well. Lotz of food with very little left over.
Last night while anchored and excluded from fishing I put the kitchen to good use with a chicken and asparagus soup and a very spicy thai red curry. All washed down with a few boubons and loud music.
I'll no doubt have anuther update upon my return from the reef so look 4ward to lotz of fishy foto's and some tall tails.
That's all 4 now!
Captain Felix.