Gypsy Cruising

24 June 

Hexham Island to North East Island

We have a weather report forecasting an increase in winds to 25+ knots from the SE.  We’d originally planned on heading to Middle Percy Island but the pilot books suggest this might be unwise because the anchorage doesn't provide adequate cover.  North East Island (I assume this is short for North East Percy Island) looks like a more protected anchorage, so that’s where we decide to go.  First, though, we cook pancakes with bacon and maple syrup for breakfast.

Pancakes, bacon and maple syrup breakfast with Hexham Island as a backdrop

We have clear skies, so I want to get the drone up before we leave.  I'm worried, though, by a pair of nesting ospreys in one of the rock spires just off the boat.  They've been kept busy, feeding a noisy clutch of youngsters since we got here.  I'm concerned they might see the drone as a threat and have a go at it.  So, this time I'm planning no fancy photography, just some quick shots close to the boat in this beautiful anchorage.

The Gypsy's shadow clearly showing on the bottom

The Osprey nest is on the top of the left-most rock spire

Our view for the last couple of days

The first hour and a bit out of Hexham was pure fun sailing. Broad, two sail reaching was letting us average almost 8 knots in flat seas and I was having a ball on the wheel.  It was just over 20 miles to North East Island, so we were getting there quickly.  From about mid-way the seas got bigger and more confused, the wind built to 25 knots, gusting 30 and the sky got very grey.  Nothing worrying but enough to take the fun out of steering and make it a little more demanding.  By the end I wondered how any anchorage could offer protection from the prevailing conditions.  However we rounded the headland into the anchorage and the seas flattened and the winds abated and we were done.  For a third night in a row we had an entire island to ourselves. 

Leaving Hexham Island, I think we agreed it was one of our highlights 

Some fun sailing, leaving the Shield Islands (including Hexham) in the distance

I was exhausted by the end of the day.  Spencer decided to watch The Big Country, which I half slept through.  One of my favourite films, with wonderful actors, a superb script and directed by the great William Wyler.