8th Oct North West Island

3am we were all awake with constant roll of the yacht. The wind was keeping us broadside to the swell and it was not comfortable at all. The tide changed and kept the stern into the swell but the constant crashing of waves into the stern was not allowing us to return to sleep.

We were all up at sunrise and boiled the kettle for our early morning cuppa.

Breakfast along with big rolls in the swell made it a little uncomfortable so the decision was made to relocate to the NW preferred anchorage as per the Curtis Coast cruising guide. That was the right decision. Isabella followed us and in the afternoon the other yacht Skylark joined us.

We launched the dinghy and headed to shore for a walk on the Island.

The water was crystal clear and just a delightful turquoise colour. The beach sand was white as white.

Crystal Clear Waters of North West Island

The Island had a Turtle cannery operating in the 1920’s which closed in 1928 due to Turtle soup becoming unpopular. That was a good thing as there are so many turtles around this island in the clear waters. The sea life is prolific as well as the Black Noddy Terns nesting.

Black Noddy Tern

Talk about sex on the island.

Turtles were at it. Rays were at it, Birds were at it, Sharks were at it, Fish were at it, and even sea snails were at it!!

Turtles mating

Shark School

Rays Mating

Fish courting

Noddy Terns mating

Sea Snails

It was amazing to see so many activities of the marine life.

We had a fantastic walk around the Island which was approx. 3.6 km.

2 large turtles courting?

A big Turtle leaving the beach

3 Turtles behind the tree which shows the erosion that occurs with cyclones.

Turtle Tracks

Team photo

White sand and turquoise waters

Billabong at anchor outside the fringing reef.

We returned to the yacht for lunch and a swim. Eric and I took the dinghy for a fish but not to any success. They say the island has been hammered by fishos that come out for a week.

It was a lovely sunset and we witnessed “The Green Flash” as the sunset. This is a rare phenomenon seen by few. It has to be the right conditions with a clear sky over water not polluted by smog or industrial pollution.

The green flash that was not captured in this photo

We really enjoyed this Island and I will be determined to revisit again one day. It made for great conversation over evening drinks and dinner.