8th and 9th August Hazard Bay to Pioneer Bay Orpheus Island 4nm

We motored to the northern end of Orpheus to Pioneer Bay.

This bay is renowned for its large giant clams growing in colonies in the bay.

We anchored not far from the giant clam colony and I took the dinghy over for a snorkel. Unfortunately it was low tide so only saw a few.

In the afternoon Peter from Novae took me fishing in his dinghy. We caught 5 fish including 3 coral trout. It was a really good one hour of fishing.

We had drinks on Nirvana’s Kitchen in the evening and decided to cook the fish on Novae the following night.

Leon our cruise director phoned the James Cook University Research Centre and we were invited to a tour of the facilities the next day.

We had a great time at the research station and was fascinated to learn how it works. They say they can have up to 60 scientists and researchers working there at the peak of the season. That is when the annual coral spawn occurs. Volunteers can assist and are provided transport to and from the island and accommodation. Food and drink is for own care so you need to take a good deal of supplies for a week.

On the return from the research station I had a fantastic snorkel over the giant clams and took some nice pictures.

Peter and I went back to our favourite fishing spot but did not have the repeated success of the previous day. 3 fish added to the fish dinner that we cooked that night.

Everyone got plenty and it was a very enjoyable evening with friends.