After much rain in Forster Tuncurry we woke to a bright sunny day with light westerly winds on Wednesday the 11th May. Our original destination was Crowdy Head but as we were making excellent progress we decided to continue on to Camden Haven and stopped at a little place that Rob from North Arm Cove had recommended called Laurieton. Cambden Haven was about another 10nm down the track, and made a total of 36nm for the day. 
We arrived late into the afternoon and negotiated the bar at the entrance easily with Di's excellent navigation. Luckily the bar was quiet today but dolphins were there to greet us and accompany us on our way in, which is always a bonus. We headed for the visitors pier where we could tie up for the night. We rafted up next to a boat belonging to a couple who had already been stranded in Laurieton for two weeks as they had engine problems and didnt want to push into the wind (as they were heading south) so they were waiting for some more favourable weather. They were very friendly and gave us all the inside information on the town. Not quite the extravagant facilities we had experienced recently but at least there was one shower for us to use (just clarifying, one at a time!). We ate at the Laurieton United Services Club on our neighbours recommendation. Quite an impressive building thats for sure and quite popular with the locals. The surrounding area was quite pretty and it looked like a place that would have been nice to spend a bit more time. That would be for another time.
Next morning we were up early again on left for our next stop, Trial Bay, approximately 50nm away. Again we ended up having a lovely sail and arrived late in the afternoon. The weather was beautiful and it seemed the water was a balmy 23C according to the Sally's sea temperature gauge. This got Di excited and next thing she was in her bathers and in the water. Mark wasnt far behind her. Despite me not feeling so warm and inspired to swim compared to Costa Rica what was I to do? I couldnt be the only one not to go in, could I? I was pleasantly surprised with how warm it was, but still comparatively cool compared to what I had been used to. Still it was a nice way to end the day and get ready for happy hour!
We had an unexpected early start this morning (Fri 13 May) due to rolly night! Our next stop was Coffs Harbour about 36nm away. Heading off at 6am the weather was mild with a beautiful sunrise. Once the sun was up it warmed everything up, the sea was calm with some swell but nothing major. The wind was abeam so we actually managed to sail without motor for about 4 hours today. It was nice to finally have the peace and quiet from the engine. Dolphins were with us again today on and off. In the afternoon we had about 6 very playful ones jumping out of the waves ahead of us, it was awesome. We arrived at the marina late afternoon in time for a late lunch on deck. I was a true grotty yachty today, not leaving the boat until dinner time and not bothering to have a shower...eek! Despite this (or because of it) I happened to win the meat tray in the raffle at the yacht club. We also had a delicious meal there, atlantic salmon with warm vegetable salad and a bottle of wine, one of the best meals we have had on the trip...it was a sweet day topped off by a great evening despite the ominous date.
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