Leapfrog - The floating Kombi

Scott skipperd on departing the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, and Tony was Chauffered on the Frog, Leapfrog has become a floating Kombi, and has embraced her new adventures in FNQ. As the sensational news reported Cyclone Tasha hit just south of Cairns on Christmas morning. There was no evidence of even a deck chair moving on the balcony, or a leaf falling from a tree in Whitfield - it was wet though, so a drive just south of Cairns we found the Mulgrave River at Gordonvale in full flood - what once was a picnic park toilet bloke etc was gone - under water - we drove to Josephine Falls and WOW what a falls it was - gushing like a mad thing. There were some banana trees down and some minor flooding o the highway - in fact it was cut off, but in gerneral all was OK.

After monitoring the weather, and checking the Frog Scott and I decided to set sail on the 27th, and head south with the predicted N/E winds - planning to get as far as Hinchinbrook Island.

Leaving late in the day - we made for Fitzroy Island - and being after dark on arrival threw down the pick amongst the moorings and set for a rolly night sleep.

Waking early the next morning and wanting to get south, we had a big sail on the nose to Mourilyan Harbour - the predicted northelies were now southerlies - 10 hours later we arrived through down the pick. Beautiful spot, very calm and sheltered harbour.

Then onto the North Barnard group, a quick sail - 3 or 4 hours and we were on Kent Island, next to Jessie Island, it was a great spot, and a part a few day trippers we were the only ones there - a deserted Island paradise. The snorkeling was OK lots of fish, but coral a bit on the biege side.

Then it was New Years Eve so we set sail for Dunk Island, and checked into the resort for a much appreciated comfy bed, some fine food, ice cold drinks, and live music - it was expensive but great. The weather turned nasty so we sat out the storm on Dunk Island.



The weather wasn't looking great, so decided to head north again in the predictedd southerlies, that were now northerlies, we sailed to Mourilyan Harbour to sit and wait for high tide and go up the Johnstone River in Innisfail, although we slept in and missed the high tide - now saved for the next adventure.

So headed straight for High Island in the Franklin group and got a doozy of a storm on the way, lightning is scary when you are the only thing in the middle of the ocean.

High Island had a mooring so we picked her up, and sat there for the night - crocodiles were a problem here so only quick swims.

Back to Fitzroy Island - beautiful day - great snorkeling, lots of fish and good coral for Island coral.


And home again - what an adventure was had. If anyone would like to donate to the bigger faster yacht fund - please forward the appropriate funds to the "Frog Sailing Appeal".