Darwin

After shooting through the narrower channels with the tide at over 10 knots we arrived in Darwin at about 8pm yesterday evening. It wasn't all fast as you have to ride the tide from Cape Don, then have a middle patch which is against the tide but wide so not much flow, then pick up the tide again for the last part. We came in with the radar on so that we could pick up anchored boats, and suddenly saw a large area of blobs just where we were planning to anchor. It was a strange shape so thought it was a fish farm so anchored to one side of it. This morning of course we realized that the blobs were all anchored boats! Haven't counted but there must be about 50 yachts here (plus 3 marinas all full). At the latest count 110 boats on the rally.

As we have mentioned the tides are up to 9 metres in Darwin, so the best time to get the dinghy to land is at high tide or you have a long drag up the sand. Our new dinghy wheels will be put to good use, though they do have 2 trolleys for the purpose at the yacht club. We went in to get our bearings and find out where things are, and tomorrow will take the bikes in as it looks as though we can easily cycle into the city from here. We have to visit customs for duty free fuel permits, and get our visas from the Indonesian consulate.

Glad we are anchored out as it is quite hot - 32 C today. A breeze on the boat and we have the sun awning up so not too bad. More when we have explored a bit. Nice to have radio reception and to have mobile and internet access again.