2020 was a weird year for the world. For us it actually turned out better than okay.
January through March was spent exploring the Whitsunday Islands before we set sail south to find the right angle to head away from Australia and sail to New Calendonia, well that was the plan.
During a stop in Mackay, covid hit the world stage and we ended up sitting in their marina for two months waiting along with everyone else to see what was going to happen. Once we realised it was not going to just disappear we made the decision to head back to Townsville to the free anchorage in the duckpond and look for work, which we did.
After our 5 month stint at Mungo in NSW we made it back onto REAO just before Christmas. With some borders still closed and covid still very much a thing we realised we wouldn’t be sailing anywhere soon. We headed off the boat to do a two week pet sit looking after four doggies before jumping on the train and travelling up to Cairns for xmas and new years staying at our friends apartment while they headed south for their break. It was a very restful relaxing three weeks with the absolutely gorgeous warm days punctuated with tropical storms.
We have now been back on REAO for just over a week and have settled into a daily routine of going to the gym in the morning, relaxing during the middle of the day and then doing some work on the boat in the cooler hours of the evening.
The hope is once the vaccine is available and we can prove we have had it that the pacific islands will welcome us. Obviously that is just wishful thinking on our behalf however we live in hope as we are both ready and biting at the bit to get back to the islands where we can just jump off the boat and swim around without the worry of stingers, crocs or sharks.
Our biggest downfall currently is because our three year cruising permit expired last November we are unable to pick up the anchor and go sailing. The only time we can now move is when we are going to reposition ourselves (ie: sail down to Bundaberg) in preparation to sail out of the country. However despite being currently stuck in one place we are making the most of it. We have found ourselves in the awesome position of having a little extra savings which means we don’t currently have to look for work (as long as we are sensible).
2021 is currently a blank page. The big sailing adventure we would love to undertake is out of our hands. While we sit and wait we will make the most of our time and when finally the pacific islands reopen their borders and welcome cruisers back we will be one of the first yachts to set sail and head their way.
Many live in dread of what is coming. Why should we? The unknown puts adventure into life. … The unexpected around the corner gives a sense of anticipation and surprise!
I love that you always look on the bright side Aron. Your optimism is a strength. It looks like you’ve been on an awesome adventure anyway, despite not being able to sail. Great photos!