Eden to Ulladulla Thursday 22/4 to Friday 23/4

Ulladulla 23/4 to Wednesday 28/4

Having reached port in Eden, and after an extensive breakfast, there were things to do. The most pressing was refuelling, and some reprovisioning. That done, we became latte tourists and examined the admittedly modest retail offerings to be found at this southern port. It is surreal to be in the cosy, predictable and secure surrounds of town life after being out at sea. Seeing teens strolling the streets with attention glued to mobiles and i-pods made us even more aware of the value of our journey on Calista. Later we were back on board following an evening repast at the Fisherman's Co -Op Club, examining the latest forecasts for coastal NSW. There were some cold fronts on the way, and if we delayed our departure from Eden we would be likely to be held there for several days at least. Friday morning saw us planning, not a day as a tourist in Eden, but our next move, an overnight passage to Ulladulla to beat the cold front now marching across the Great Australian Bight. At 10.30am we cleared the harbour, advising Marine Rescue, who would inform Ulladulla of our departure and eta in Ulladulla, heading on a bearing to pass between Montague Is and the mainland by about 8.00pm. It was an agreeable passage apart from some contrary airs around Montague, and we drew abeam of the lead lights into Ulladulla Harbour on the new dawn. We slid into the delightful boat harbour and tied up alongside the historic ex Navy survey vessel Sir Joseph Banks at 7.45am. We were now only an full day at sea from Sydney, but we were looking forward to some shore time in Ulladulla.

Calista dwarfed by MV Banks

20 laps of the ocean pool

Our delay at Ulladulla has been due to NW tending weather which has worked against a passage to Sydney, and our hope that we might have been able to break up this passage with a call in at Jervis Bay to visit an anchorage called Hole in the Wall. We have been working towards entering Sydney Harbour by daylight, just so we can take in the surrounds of this majestic harbour. To sail into Sydney is something that we dreamed of doing, and it is not far away now. It is a pity that the winds had hung in the NW because we would be in Sydney now.

In Ulladulla we took the chance to go on extensive walks to nearby beaches and headlands, inclding the picturesque Mollymook Beach to the north. We have a saltwater pool nearby - unheated- and have used its availability (it is free) to churn out some laps. We get to stay in the harbour, courtesy of the local Fishing Co-Op at $25 a night. We have the best view in town.

Celebrating Colin's 60th birthday at Dao's Thai Restuarant

Colin (reluctantly) celebrated his 60th birthday on the 26th and in the eve we enjoyed a stellar meal at a local Thai eatery. It was a night of extensive bonhomie! The food was sensational and we hope to return to this gastronomic gem before we depart for Sydney.