Tropic of Capricorn

While it is not quite like crossing the Equator, and went largely unnoticed by the kids, we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn yesterday. As we sailed out of The Narrows and into Keppel Bay, we crossed north of the Tropic (23.5 degrees S) on our way to our anchorage in a cove on the western side of Cape Capricorn (the NE corner of Curtis Island). As their science teacher, I think it will be the subject of a science lesson this week ...

Seasprint anchored at Cape Capricorn.

We have decided that Yellow Patch must be overrated, and this cove is a great place to spend a day or two. We got in reasonably late yesterday, so first went ashore this morning. We explored the beach and the sand dune, and then headed over to Yellow Patch to spend the night. It was not the easiest anchorage to get in and out of, was crowded, and also very exposed to the southerly wind, so we came back to the cove wondering if we knew something everyone else didn't. (By the time the sun set, there were seven other yachts anchored here as well, so probably not!) We went ashore again, played beach cricket, sat and read, and generally had a good day with glorious weather.

Tomorrow we plan to go ashore quickly in the morning and explore the path up to the lighthouse. We will then sail north to Hummocky Island and spend the night there, before continuing on to Great Keppel Island for a few days.

I tried our first roast in the oven tonight. While it took twice as long as it should and we had to steam the "roasted" vegies for a few minutes to finish cooking them through, we got dinner on the table. I need to play a bit more before we have the oven mastered!