11th Sep Cape Upstart to Gloucester Passage 45nm

Echo Beach rounding the barren cliffs of Cape Upstart

We were well rested and ready to face another sea journey. This time we only had 42nm to go but we had a time frame. We had to be at Gloucester passage and on the beach before 2.30pm. We had been told by many cruisers over the years you have to have the seafood platter for 2 at the Eco resort. “It is to die for” “Extravagant but sensational” “Best seafood you have ever tasted”. Why would we hunters and gathers that are successful in catching all the seafood one could eat would want to pay for it?? This was a treat for the girls - a day off from the cooking and cleaning. We had to get there by 2.30 before the kitchen closes.

The sea state was calm with little wind and we had to motor all the way. The conditions were great for catching fish but that was a disappointment with one small spotted mackerel. I was hoping to catch several fish to restock the freezer as it is rare to catch good fish in the Whitsundays with all the tourist boats around.

We arrived in time for our extravagant lunch and it was worth it. The only issue was it was very hot on land and the flies were in plague proportions. It was a race to eat the seafood before the flies spoiled it. The seafood consisted of Morton bay bugs, cooked prawns, bbq prawns, oyster shooters, natural oysters, scallops in a shell, mussels, sashimi tuna, calamari, pipis, soft shell crab, barramundi, crumbed seafood balls with a mixture of seafood, and salad all washed down with a nice chilled white wine.

Worth the effort for getting to the restaurant before 2.30pm

After our gastronomically delightful indulgence we walked along the beach and adjourned to another nearby resort bar called Monty’s and had cleansing ale.

There was no need for an evening meal but we had to have 5 o’clock drinks on Echo beach with Graham and Leanne. Graham and I enjoyed a few rums and we were all very contented. Back on Billabong the rest of the evening was spent in relaxation mode. The day was complete. With the seas flat we had a great night sleep.