2002-2005 (c) GetJealous.com, All rights reserved. http://www.getjealous.com/ddawson/rss.xml In June 2004 we bought Sherbro, a 10.5m centre cockpit Jarkan yacht.. (She is hull #5 completed in 1980 by Kanga Bertels). At that stage we had learnt to sail in dinghies at Wagga Wagga and had bought a 16ft Hartley trailer sailor named Kalinka which we sailed on Lake Hume in Albury. Prior to making the decision on Sherbro we had a survey done and she got a good report. The next step was to find a mooring on the Pittwater, a beautiful protected waterway north of Sydney. We were very fortunate to be introduced to the Avalon Sailing Club (ASC) where we have received valuable advice and support in fitting the boat out for cruising. Ron was invited to crew on racing boats to learn some of the finer points of sailing while we both enjoyed and learnt so much from sailing to destinations with the ASC cruising division. We have found the sailing community extremely helpful. The skipper of a yacht moored nearby has been like a mentor to us, accompanying us on some of our early trips and introducing us to a local couple, former sailors, who have become good friends. Sherbro has already brought us much enjoyment and pleasure and we've only commenced our journey. We're excited about our future sailing adventures and look forward to sharing that through our web site. http://www.getjealous.com/ddawson http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=546143&go=ddawson Bermagui is a great little spot. The golf course is in easy walking distance and the Blue Pool, a natural sea pool, is spectacular. Local fishermen come and go constantly with their catch which is packed with ice and transported to the Sydney Fish Market. We were rafted up to the Lochiel and another yacht, Blue Lady, which left for Geelong. We now are on a floating dock which is much better. We ... http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=546143&go=ddawson Mon, 8 Dec 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=545298&go=ddawson Following a rough night at Square Head we were pleased to wake to a calm, cool, cloudy morning, We started the motor at 5:30am and headed into the rising sun toward the Tollgates at the entrance of Batemans Bay, then south toward Bermagui. The winds were light from the SE and the swell just over a metre to start with. The coastline along the south coast is rugged with lots of reddish brown cliffs... http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=545298&go=ddawson Fri, 5 Dec 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=545294&go=ddawson The tide chart told us we had an opportunity to cross the Batemans Bay bar about midday today Dec 3rd. That would not leave enough time to sail south but would get us over to Square Head where we could stay overnight. The bureau issued a strong wind warning but we didn't want to lose our chance so Jeff the marina manager helped us shove off at 11:40. Jeff has made our stay here very enjoyable. The... http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=545294&go=ddawson Wed, 3 Dec 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=536962&go=ddawson Batemans Bay is beginning to feel like home. The Yanmar dealer has a lot of work on his plate; makes, installs and checks moorings, services outboards and inboards as well as installing new engines. What we thought would take a few weeks has taken a few months and there are still adjustments to be made. However we hope to be on our way soon. The stay in the Bay has suited us in that we felt secure... http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=536962&go=ddawson Sun, 9 Nov 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=520814&go=ddawson The Yanmar 30hp diesel is in place. It's physically smaller but with increased horse power. There will be less noise and less vibration so should be more pleasant when we're motoring. Today Sherbro was slipped for a survey and a new propellor installed to suit the engine. A 'survey' required by the insurance company means that a marine engineer physically checks the boat over ensuring that it is i... http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=520814&go=ddawson Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=510823&go=ddawson The return flight from Seattle to Seoul and then Sydney was excellent. No problem taking the new Dahon Yeah folding bike purchased in Burlington Washington as check through luggage. Carla saw us off on the 25th July. At Incheon airport we were entertained in a cultural centre by musicians playing traditional instruments. We were invited on stage and were given a small drum as a gift. After a few d... http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=510823&go=ddawson Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=505489&go=ddawson Our friends from Quesnel, Bob and Lora, invited us on board their cruiser, Dreamcatcher, to give us an experience of cruising in the beautiful Gulf of Georgia Islands that lie between the BC mainland and Vancouver Island. We visited 2 islands, Thetis and Galiano, docking the first 2 nights at Telegraph Harbour and anchoring at Montague harbour. We managed a day trip by ferry to Chemainus on Vancou... http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=505489&go=ddawson Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=505479&go=ddawson Heading back to Vancouver we decided to head below the border through the Cascade mountains. Sagebrush and green valleys gave way to spectacular mountains as we climbed up to Washington pass. Winding but good roads with lots of motorhomes, campers and motorcycles.. Ross Lake and the Skagit River are a beautiful sight....turquoise water from glacial sediment viewed at Diablo Dam.... http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=505479&go=ddawson Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=501446&go=ddawson Kimberley was the town where we bought our first home and where Michelle was born in 1972. It was and still is a very picturesque town in the Kootenay mountains dominated by the ski hill and with views east to the Rockies. The Sullivan mine, where Ron worked, is closed and the town relies totally on tourism for income. The city has adopted a Bavarian look with the centre called a Platzl. An accord... http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=501446&go=ddawson Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=501443&go=ddawson We made an overnight stop in Kamloops to visit Aunt Bernie who lives with her daughter Marilyn and son-in-law Denis. We were really amazed at how much the city has grown since Dolores worked here in 1968. There are even large ginseng farms in the area.... http://www.getjealous.com/getjealous.php?action=showdiaryentry&diary_id=501443&go=ddawson Mon, 7 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT