Update Race 3...

We sailed Rce 3 in a light SW breeze - sailed the full course - breeze was just holding for us. Such tight racing. Here is a link to the regatta results  - it is updated daily. http://sa.sabre.org.au/?page_id=34
Race 4 was not held - there was insufficient wind.

During Race 3 I made sure I concentrated the whole time - focus, focus - remind myself of what to do - ask myself what I should do next. Any loss of concentration meant others came closer from behind. I was pleased with boat - had the mast straighter by half a hole on the shrouds.

Tomorrow will be a BIG day - Race 4 in the morning - 11.55am warning signal, then Race 5 & 6 after.

Morning Race 3 & 4

I spent some time in the shower thinking about today - I am pleased with my results yesterday - there were some risks I took - they paid off. BUT - I may have had some luck. The boat is only limited by ME - so if I can stay in the top third of the fleet I will be pleased - but to crack into the edge of the top 20% - that would be delightful. I feel scared about it actually. Getting the boat into the front row at the start is hard - and keeping it there is just as difficult.

My strategy today is - just sail the boat, get in the front row, don't have any infringements and sail a clean race - if anything special is to happen - it will happen. I hope we keep some wind though - the forecast is light and I don't find that as good for keeping focus out there - I focus best when I can feel the wind and the movement of the boat in the water and the effect of hiking and body position.

All that said - I am feeling more nervous today than yesterday.

Tomorrow we havae a dodge tide - check out the tide for 31 Dec to see what I mean!!! Only two places in the world where this happens - makes me feel kinda special.
http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/oceanography/tides/tide_predications.cgi

Race 1 and Race 2

Today saw 10-15k SW seabreeze which we all appreciated. Placings today for race 1 & race 2 for the Qld team were:

61, 37 Robyn Collins
66, 65 Anne Mussett
12, 22 Sue Hextell
9, 4 John Campbell
44, RET Peter Skinner
OCS, 44 John Nobbs
Here is a link to SA results page  http://sa.sabre.org.au/

The Nationals are great racing - but also socialising and having fun. Here is Jenny playing her piano at the '"Coffee Spot" - well its the cabin with a bunch of sailors who willing make coffee for anyone who drops in - which is what Anne and I did thid evening.

And ... here is a video of Jenny playing her piano .... sorry - my camera does not record sound

Invitation Race and Welcome BBQ

Here are some details about today's Invitation Race ...

- we had a very light SW breeze today (200 degrees was compass bearing to the top mark
- two general recalls before the fleet got underwy on the third attempt under a black fla
- the race was shortened, so we just had one triangle and one winward retur
- John Campbell finished 8th, best placed Qld sailo
- about 23 boats finished in the time limit
- John C was the only Qld entry to finish
- the rest of us were back in the fleet struggling against the tide and lightening wind
The forecast is for temperatures to rise progressively over the next few days - which may result in more light winds.

Pictures at the welcome dinner ...

Val and Peter

Anne and Robyn

John and Sue

Jacqui and John

Qld Sabre team all arrived

The last couple of days have been spent travelling.
All 6 Qld Sabre sailors at the Nationals have arrived her at Brighton-Seacliff SC, Adelaide.
I spent a very cold night last evening in Balranald.
It is cool here tonite at the beachside caravan park - I have a sleeping bag as well as blankets tonight.

Tomorrow is further registration and an Invitation race in the afternoon - 2.00pm start I think.
This afternoon was spent getting organised.

I am camping - typing this blog by torchlight. There is a band playing at the surf life saving club - which makes for a pleasant end to the evening.

Everyone has had some little incidents happen on their journeys - no injuries or serious damage.

the BIG drive

Flew Cairns to Bris on Thursday morning - first task once home was to get a renewal on my driving licence - all smooth - just took a bit of time.

Picked up Quicksand from Ian and Fran - great modification to my Sabre trolley so that the boat sits nicely. The boat/trolley has now done 1450km and still riding well. TY Ian.

Drove Bris to Gilgandra on Friday - slept in the car - no room at the inn!!
Today visited Janet and family at Warren, then Mum at Blayney.
Pressed on westward - in West Wyalong tonight.
980km to go - might get that done tomorrw.

Lots of water laying around low areas and beside road - well - many of the areas I have travellled the last two days. HEAPS of mosquitoes.

down the range to Cairns

Finished at the medical centre about 5.30pm, had the car packed from this morning - drove down the range and have found motel accom in Nth Cairns - same place I stayed on the way up. It's helpful to stay at the same place - they don't ask for a drivers licence!! The first place I tried turned me away - lol - their loss.

Having a meal at the motel restaurant - just had a tropical storm pass thru - now its just the rain - so my table is dry again!! I am no longer getting a fine spray of rain on me.

Alarm set for 4am, so I can get my 6am departure from Cairns Airport.

It felt oddly strange driving down the range away from Kuranda knowing I will be away till 10 Jan. It's a good thing to not be too connected to a place - otherwise you mis out on all the others you could have visited.

is this normal?

I dozed off this afternoon whilst working on my literature review. Is this normal? Or do I have a tropical disease? Like sleeping sickness??

Here's me at Yorkeys Knob on Sunday. Lots of people disappointed the beaches are closed.

Tomorrow is last day at the medical centre - then fly to Brisbane - to start the journey to Adelaide (after I get a new licence - no licence - no drive)!!

have i found a venue for the next sabre states???

... yes i have - Yorkeys Knob Boating Club ....
... because of the stingers in summer, i think a winter timing would be best
... all i have to do is start a Sabre fleet up here and away we go
... now the logistics ..
Here's a link to the club website http://www.ykbc.com.au/

weekend relaxation and study

Yesterday I did a trip to Mareeba, some coffee plantations and outlets, then down to Tolga and Tinaroo (almost made it to Atherton but the detours along the way were enough).
The Coffee World at Mareeba was heaven.
The Australian Coffee Centre (Skybury) was more like a traditional plantation visit.
Interestingy the bushland on the tablelands could pass for the NSW south coast as you drive along - except when you get out and go walking - you realise that you are a lot further north!!

Sadly for somebody, one of the bags of chocolate coated coffee beans seemed to be spoiling - so I have eaten them!!

Tinaroo Sailing Club has a HUGE rigging area ...

This pic was taken from the waters edge. There was a nice Se breeze while I was there - but their sailing season is in its summer break - there were a few water skiers the other side of the point. More pics are on my fb photos for those interested.

On the way home I called into Togla - where there is a war memorial dedicated to those serving in the field hospital that was located there in WW2. Across the road there is the relic of the field hospital!! I managed to get this pic placing the camera lens thru a hole in the corrugated sheeting wall ...

Today - Sunday - well and truly into the uni stuff - research project - dementia patients and their oral health - not a good combination!! Plus I wantched Monty Halls (again) .... I am starting to like his 'expedition'.

Planning now to take a break over lunch - will go down the range to Cairns and take a look at some suburbs I hear people refer to - Freshwater, Redlynch and Ellis Beach (maybe) or Yorkey's Knob.

I feel like I have been here months - but it is only two weeks. Will be at the medical centre Mon, Tues, Wed - I fly to Brisbane this Thursday, and return 10 January for the second half of the nursing placement. I am looking forward to coming back.

orthopaedics in general practice and a trip up the mountain

Now I know why it's called GENERAL practice!!
Today I had - orthopaedic patient with swelling of her arm within 24 hours of orthopaedics ward hospital discharge, pregnancy testing, diabetic/insulin review, removal of sutures from a childs head and a lady's leg, vomiting toddler (had drunk laundry liquid), clean-up of waiting area following the vomiting :-), wart removal, finger stump dressing ....

This afternoon I did the trip Kuranda to Mona Mona and return with the QHealth Indigenous health workers - we were taking some gift grocery baskets from the Kurand neighbourhood Centre to residents at Mona Mona. It's only 18km one way - but dirt all the way - up Black Mountain Road. The Mona Mona community has been in the media recently with Qld gov't granting lease to the local residents. The area has had a sad history. Kuranda is the closest medical, shops, etc for these folk. I had provided nursing care to a resident earlier in the week. I am really thankful for the opportunity to visit Mona Mona.

Trip to Smithfield

Sadly there was a drowning yesterday on the river - a kayaker from Atherton. Heard the helicopter last night and read about the incident in local news blog.

I went down to Smithfield yesterday afternoon/evening - restocked the food shelves.
The trip down and back up the range reminds me so much of the journey from Lithgow to Mt Victoria - via Victoria Pass. Happy thoughts.

Community clinic and a treat

This morning I joined the Kuranda Medical staff (dr, nurse, health worker) at Kowrowa a small community about 15km NW from Kuranda. QHealth child health nurse was also part of the clinic service to the community. Lots of people arrived, and even more children. Children and teens who were due for follow-up health assessments attended, plus some adults for their own health assessments. Most of these are delivered as part of Closing the Gap initiatives.

As a student nurse, this provided a first hand opportunity to see the adult health effects of alcohol and smoking. Many children have low haemoglobin - making them vulnerable to colds and infections. Gained some more experience listening to children's apical pulse.

The clinic was held in a community hall - only has one power outlet - so lots of extension cords to run the laptops. I didn't take any photos - it would not be appropriate for me as a new person. The Indigenous health worker visits the community on a regular basis - maintaining relationships and making sure follow-up of medical care happens. She is fantastic how she does her job.

My treat ... the car key arrived, and one of the staff has loaned me a steering lock - so if the thief returns with the car key that was stolen - the vehicle will be a little bit harder to get out of the driveway. Another treat - I bought some lasagne at a takeaway on the village, and had it for dinner with some salad. Made a change from rice!!

Babies and a walk around the village

Whilst my placement is with Kuranda Medical Service, the building is shared with allied health professionals ans QHealth community health. This morning i spent time with the community nurse and child health nurses at their immunisation clinic. I conclude that blowing bubles doesn't create much distraction when a kid is getting a vaccination.

Anyway - here is a picture of the building ... yes - it is just like the google earth images ...

This afternoon I went for a walk around the village. Would this be a bush turkey? Maybe it is too small ...

I have had a couple of items returned - my stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, a couple of cards (not the critical ones), and a video I borrowed from the medical centre. Unfortunately I cannot get another driving licence - I don't have any Category A Evidence of Identity documents up here!! So I will have to do that on 23 or 24 Dec - it is critical - as I cannot set off for Adelaide without a driving licence!



Sunday evening

I went for a walk this afternoon - around the village and down to the river - along the river back to the highway then up through the markets. Along the river I saw a lizard about a meter long - it was as scared as I was when I first saw it - then I wished I had my camera with me - darn - so I must take the camera on all walks. Sat and watched people for a while. - locals at a gathering in the park and tourists making their way about the shops.

The things you do when you cannot driver your car!!

Late thunderstorm has just come through - heavy rain - the only kind I think here in Kuranda - interesting - rain smells the same here as in Brisbane.

Diet of can two fruits and boiled rice today - saving my bread for breakfast and lunch tomorrow :-)
I had brought 5 tins of two fruits in the car from Brisbane - I had thrown them in the boot in case I was isolated by flooding on the journey - so glad I brought them into the unit when I unpacked - otherwise I would not be able to get at them during this little predicament!!

a quiet Sunday

Last night was quite noisy - in the streets anyway - but this morning is quiet and back to the regular tourist bus traffic. It's still a jungle here ... I think another Jungle Walk would be in order ...

end of week 1

WOW - end of week 1 - Friday we had an emergency at the medical centre - that gave me an opportunity to apply some different skills :-)

Friday afternoon/evening I went for a walk around the village - did the Jungle Walk via Jum Rum Creek, then along the Barron River. Here is some pretty growth. The rainforest is so lush. I didn't see the tiger that walks along my verandah - but I was very vigilant.

Here is the Jum Rum Creek crossing - it flows into the Barron River not far from here.

And - of course - here is the Barron River .. upstream from the falls, Kuranda

I wasn't so vigilant at 4am this morning! I and other houses along the road were robbed - I am now without ID, money, mobile phone and car keys!! Alas, also my stethoscope, some uni papers etc are also gone. Police notified - I was about to embark on a walk to the police station - but they passed me on their way to the house opposite where the resident had phoned.

So my Saturday outing to Atherton etc has been cancelled. Instead - well - my washing is now up to date!! God bless the front loader!! I will make some toast and then get into the uni work - some uni stuff was also in the stolen bag - so I will have to redo some work - bugga. TY Bron for helping with mailing some stuff to me.

Coffee drinkers - you know who you are - no stress - I will get out and buy some yet - maybe next weekend - by then I will have money and car keys!!

Another wonderful aqua session

Met some new people - plus a few came from Tuesday  - we start at 6.15pm - so its still light but quite shady - the clouds hid the sunset - but the 1/4 moon broke through the clouds and was obviuous in the sky by the end of the session.

GP nursing is the bread n butter of health.

a morning thunderstorm

Another thunderstorm - came through this morning - being light now I had a peek outside - well I stood on the verandah in my PJs - to watch the toads hopping from their hideaways under the bushes out onto the road and driveway!!

This morning - I am glad my accommodation is in Kuranda - so I don't have to drive up the range.

Tropical Thunderstorm

It's 9.30pm and we are having a thunderstorm here - surprising how cool it feels - I will have to turn the fan off!!

First exposure to ATSI health assessments today. Starting to apply some basic skills.
Went to the local shop on my way home - enjoyed an icecream on the stroll home.
Cooked a delicious warm lamb salad for dinner.

BOM forecast is 24-32 tomorrow, chance of thunderstorm.
Planning to go to aqua tomorrow evening.

Aquaerobics at Kuranda in great

the pool is on the side of a hill, and when in the water you look across to adjacent hills - and then the clouds roll over and the sun starts to set and it all looks magnificent - and we continue with the class - wow. I will be back again on Thursday evening and Saturday morning - so apart from the wonderful outlook - I will be getting some exercise.

Maybe Kuranda is not like Katoomba - depends how close you look!!

Good day at the centre - new learnings - I almost feel proficient with the steriliser, and am moving onto cold chain!!

Day 1 at medical centre

Already have a feel for the nurse role here - very wide range of wounds come for dressings, spirometry, diabetic patients, mental health (depot admin) - plus nurse function with maintining procedur room, sterilisation of equipment and follow-up tasks with patients. The medical centre also has pathology, dental, visiting allied and QHealth community health incl weekly child health clinic - it is a busy place - lots of variety.

Today after my shift I am going to aqua with one of the staff. Apparently the pool has a view to die for.

it's the little things ..

... Kuranda is now reminding me of Katoomba ... its just hotter and more humid
... my poached eggs were much better this morning for the inclusion of white wine vinegar ion the water and a touch of olive oil for the mushrooms
... just up to date with uni work
... not much exercise has been happening the last two days (bad Sue)

... first day at the medical centre today

Noises in the jungle & Sunday morning in Kuranda

... I thought when the sun went down all would be quiet - but oh no - very noisy here - wildlife running around - I thought there was someone on the veranda!! Pleasant this morning. Cooked my fav breakfast - poached eggs and mushrooms - alas - no mango chutney for the eggs !! How ironic!

... I would like to take this opportunity to thank Julia Gillard for her donation to this practicum.

... the village will come alive when the first train arrives, the train impressively signals its presence on arrival and departure - so I will know the time then

Cairns to Kuranda - the final leg !!

... slept in this morning - I needed it - my internal alarm was getting earlier and earlier knowing it had to get me up and driving - so this morning when it rang (in my head) at 4.30am - I gave it a good talking to, looked at the hint of light on the horizon - and told myself to go back to sleep - which I did - and didn't wake till 6.30am ... fantastic

... brunch on Esplanade at an Italian restaurant - nice coffee, eggs, tomato and mushrooms - unfortunately - there was no puppy at my feet waiting to have my crusts .....

... Cairns Central for a haircut and shopping, then up to Kuranda and unpacked into the villa.

... the villa is very comfortable, and the temp is a bit lower here than in Cairns. No aircon, but I have ceiling fans in all rooms. Plenty of space for my gear - and the car has a carport. I have only forgotten one thing - a USB cable for the printer - so back to Cairns tomorrow to get one at Harvey Norman. With the small laptop screen - I need to print my uni materials.

... just been for a stroll around the village - it is deserted once the last train has gone, apart from a few locals packing up. Wandered to the railway and across to the Barron River - quite cool down there - but warming for the walk back - there are lots of little hills in Kuranda :-(

... continuing the mango theme

... the coast starts to look different north of Townsville - and when I came into Cardwell I just went AAAHHHHH - this is another place on my list of "i have to come back here" places!! I stopped in Cardwell, it was time for some breakfast - the bakery looked welcoming - and I HAD to have a prawn pie and coffee. Delicious.

... then to the toilet ... which one ...

or

I chose NO MANGOES, and then found this delightful toilet seat ...

... inlayed with shells but rest assured, the seat was smooth!!

Arrived cairns about 1.00pm, founnd an exhaist repair shop, guy diagnosed which part of exhaust has a hole - I then went up to Kuranda Medical Centre to say hi to my preceptor RN for next week, cam back to Cairns for the exhaust repair then found some accommodation in Cairns for tonight. (Kuranda accom starts tomorrow - I had spare time in the schedule in case of delays).

Bit of luxury tonight - 5th floor, ocean view in Cairns. I could put a photo in here - but I know you believe me. Check out is 10am in the morning - I think I will have an easy start to the day after the early mornings the last few days.

NOt idle however - getting into the uni subjects - I have some work to be done there.

the final leg to Cairns

... 4 to 5 hours drive Townsville to Cairns - heavy rain/thunderstorm here overnight and more forecast all the way up the coast - overcast this morning - roads appear to be ok at this stage.

...  answer to quiz question from yesterday ... the floral emblem of Queensland is ...... the Cooktown Orchid!

Why didn't anyone tell me about the BIG MANGO?

This is a serious question - I had never heard of it - till today - so I pulled in - took a picture - then scooted off again ,,,,

Rain again most of the day - finally got a break from a bit north of Bowen to Townsville - threatening low clouds in the west all the way and thunderstorm brewing here for tonight. It's not really that much hotter - but it is more humid - ahh - the tropics.

Just north of Bowen the road was cut northbound due to water - bit of a wait for traffic to get around using a traffic light system. Other areas had a lot of water beside the road - an added incentive to stay ON the road.

I think I have developed a hole in my exhaust system - I took off from Proserpine and thought - gee that vehicle beside me sounds like a hoon ,,, it is me - well the Subaru!!! Will see what it is like by the time I get to Cairns - otherwise all good.

Quiz question ... what is the floral emblem of Queensland?
Accommodation tonight - on The Strand, Townsville!! Plan to get a meal at the Sea View Hotel. So I am off there now for a well deserved cool one.

Rockhampton!

OK here's an outline fo today .. packed the car ... back seat has luggage bag, two plastic cubes (books etc, one for each subject) ... computer and electrical cords on the floor.

 

.. then in the boot ... I have the printer (it is still in its box), umbrella, and some fishing gear. So there is some " white space" in the vehicle. weight is all loaded forward.

 
Heaps of rain from north Brisbane to gee, just before Gladstone - then it cleared - so I pressed on to Rockhampton. The roads don't drain well in some places and water was laying in depression in the tar caused by vehicles - so I had to make sure I was driving on the ridges - not in the tyre depressions.

Here's a shot - about to totally lose visibility!!

Coming into Rockhampton I was driving beside the rail line - realised I was gradually passing a train travelling in the same direction. And as you can see - it was FINALLY sunny.

I stopped for food at a Hungry jacks - been a while I thought .... well .... when I went to the counter after my meal to get something to have with my coffee.... one of the staff cleared my table .... I looked back ... there was a little kid sitting there - no coffee and no book that I was reading - eeekkk - I had to recover the book - it had been placed with the newspapers and a man had his hands on it ... the book - Prevention of Oral Disease - the staff were concerned for my coffee - I was concerned for my $70- book!!!!
Alas - the dangers of dining alone!

Big day.... now for some relaxation.

Road conditions ..

Just checked RACQ website - there are cautions on some roads up north - but at the moment - all open, with care. Should be interesting!

1 sleep till I depart - but 1 workshop to be done first

What a way to spend the second last night - reading about tracheostomy suctioning!! Sail Brisbane are using a GPS tracker on each boat - Trac trac? No no - back to suctioning  :-)

Dropped Quicksand to Ian and Fran - trolley modifications so that the baby blue rides well on her trips.
Picked up the Falcon - with CB installed - should make the Adelaide trip more interesting.

Reading time at UQ Ipswich library yesterday confirmed my selection of oral health for the interprofessional research project - now I need to narrow my focus within that landscape. Received more info yesterday on all the extra bits to be done with the prac and translating research into practice unit.
I keep forgetting each of the two subjects is a double subject!!

No time for a haircut! Gifts still not wrapped! Mmm - still a lot to do.

3 sleeps till Kuranda departure

I have so much to write.

Yesterday I went to Pick n Pull - at the rear of Capalaba Wreckers to get a replacement passenger sunvisor for the Subaru - some Lancer visors are a close enough match. I found one. The chap held it - said it was a bit soft - and I agreed with him. I can only conclude that a 'girl' in very short shorts and white legs gets a good price :-)
Maybe that explains why the Repco guy was so keen to help me with my wiper blade replacement. It rains every second day in Cairns at the moment - nothing worse than not being able to see where you are driving in the rain!!

It's wierd - I am counting down to Kuranda departure - but  I only have 4 sleeps at home till I depart for Adelaide - I really should have done a Gantt chart for this - it would have been beautiful!! Ah well - I am saving my PM skills for the uni research project - in fact - I have found a freeware PM tool that is just sophisticated enough for the job - wonderful find - GanttProject.

Moviemaking is very time consuming!! I spent 5 hours making a 14 minute Qld nationals promo  - and then I should have spent another hour putting some captions into it - alas - time and sleep overcame me. Still - it should do the trick - the Qld host is two years away - so this promo is a mix of "showing off" the fact we have a decent number of Sabres in Qld and demonstrating the features of the RQYS venue.
The other movie I have done is 16 minutes of tacking !!! Limited distribution until I get feedback on it - I don't want to demonstrate the WRONG techniques.
NO more movie making till the end of Summer Semester.

Today - yard work, vehicle tidy up, then sorting books and papers for the two uni subjects.
Tomorrow - Falcon gets a CB installed while I am at Ipswich for uni workshop #1
Tuesday - uni workshop #2 at St Andrews, Spring Hill

5 days till Kuranda departure

The little jobs are starting to melt away and my resin skills are improving - a miracle. Final gym session this morning - feels a bit sad - I will miss them - the challenge will be to work doubly hard on pavement/non-gym workouts - not my strength. My theory is ... you sleep in the bedroom, you cook in the kitchen, you workout at the gym!!
Lucy just loves Bron's Christmas tree - sooo entertaining!!
Last sail tomorrow before the Nationals - not ideal preparation - best I can do.
Looking at the Vic States - they are aiming for 100 and its in February - how grand would that be - and it is between Semesters!!
Shopping and library in town today - where is Turbot Street?

Progress on the priorities ...

Aaarrgh - slow progress on the centreboard - my resin (from the same batch) doesn't go off at an even rate - why?
Good Susan - gym sessions doing fine and working on a plan for pavement / non-gym program
Slow - prep for workshops
Moderate progress on my research project - definite to be dental/oral health sphere - doing some reading on reserch process
Well I did clear some stuff from th Falcon so I could give Anne and Phil a lift to Hell - so I guess that was progress!!
NIL - spray the weeds
NIL - mow the grass (weeds!!)
Yes - good progress on a bit of Christmas shopping
In your dreams - tidy up the house a bit (low low low priority)

Priorities ...

... just a few days till I leave for Kuranda ... plus I have UNI workshops 29-30 Nov ... so I need a task list:

• fix centreboard
• keep up with gym sessions (sort out a non-gym program for the next 3 weeks)
• prep for workshops
• advance my research project
• clean out the cars
• spray the weeds
• mow the grass (weeds!!)
• do a bit of Christmas shopping
• maybe tidy up the house a bit (low low low priority)

... best start on ... breakfast!!

Qld Sabre States finished

Day 2 was quite windy - but we were able to sail east of Cleveland Point. The to placings were closely fought out - all he results are on the Qld Sabre website ... http://www.sabre.org.au/queensland/index.html including some pics opf me that make me look I have been throught the wash - if you can imagine that!

For the windy conditions I was pleased with my 5th - although if I can pull 4th, and a 2nd (due to another persons mistake) - why can't I sail that hard all the time? I think it is psychological!! I fear that is going to be my next area of weakness to work on!

I am repairing my centreboard!! WOW I sure did some damage with two groundings on the Saturday - each catapulting my forward in the boat - with subsequent bruising now coming throught to show for it. The repairs will be a further skills test.

UNI break is finished really - we have readings and prep for Monday and Tuesday workshops next week.

I have impoved my video skills and now able to put the ccamera footage onto DVDs - which makes them easier for folk to watch. Still much to learn - but not a priority - just a fun thing :-) and an added communication channel :-)

Day 1 - Qld Sabre States

WOW - strong winds - over 25k at Peel Island weather buoy - racing changed to western side of Cleveland Point in Raby Bay. Twelve Sabres launched, with eleven seeing out the three races. Here's a shot leaving shore.... just before I ran aground - flinging myself forward over the thwart - no damage to me - just the centreboard!!

Racing was close - top boats were John Campbell, John Nobbs, Peter Skinner and John Ludwig.
Four women went onto the water - Anne, Kathy, Peta and myself. Kathy swam and retired. Pete swam and kept going. Anne and I had some close tussles, especially at the gybe mark - what she was gaining upwind I had caught by about that point.

Here's me on a gybe ..

Forecast is 15-20k today, getting up to 25 in some areas. We'll be on our toes out there again.

the space around us ...

I have been pondering/reflecting on some of the theme ideas Adrienne has in her book.
She talks about planning to achieve new levels in her sport - I think that is quite a useful approach and may be useful for goal setting - something I find difficult in my own sailing experience.
I am concluding from her story that we each have a space around us - and we fill it - by choices we make - though some say they cannoy make choices - that in itself is a choice.
How we choose to fill our space is interesting - could it be that if the right events, people, relationships don't make their way into our space we fill it with something else ... do others then perceive us to have our space filled - when in fact we have made a temporary allocation?
Maybe I will never know.

38, 13 and 2 ....

Getting keyed up for the Sabre States this weekend - 2 days to go - finalised the Sailing Instructions last night so they are off to competitors today - learned a lot from that exercise - but I have no desire to move into that side of sailing - committees, protests, rules .... the little trophies I am preparing are much more fun! Only dampener on the weekend is the 20-25k wind forecast.

Cars booked for serviceing today and tomorrow - time consuming but worth the effort, and cost, hopefully. Minimise risk. Started reviewing the interprofessional subject for Summer - it's a double subject - a lot of the process is familiar - hard part will be to settle on a topic to research! Planning a trip to the library tomorrow with the aim of getting that side of it sorted early. Then I can plan to plan.

Nationals - seem a distant event at the moment with so much other activity - maintaining training - doing extra work on upper body for mainsheet trimming - hard work - such a range of muscles to coordinate. Should be worth the effort - no real signs of last years shoulder impingement - so I am pleased about that. Currently - injury free.

Read Adrienne Cahalan's book this week ... Around the Buoys .... it reconfirmed to me I am not a big boat girl ... I like to own my own boat - so own something affordable .. I like to travel with my boat - so it must be small and light ... and I do like having a shower and nice meal at the end of the day.  Regarding the boys in the book ... I think she left a lot out ... there is no mention of love, romance, emotion ... general girly stuff ... 

I best go check on my varnish and put those extra bolts in the chainplates before the weekend ...priorities ... no room for emotion? ..... or is there?

40 and 15 to go

Time is flying.
I have decided to follow the Cairns Fishing blog for a while - decided fishing would be a suitable and easy recreational activity to do while I am at Kuranda :-) So I will take my pink fishing rod!!
Sabre States this weekend - we might get to 16 entries - whoot whoot - I'm excited.
Will do some final boat preparation tomorrow.
But tonight ... delicious linguini for dinner with my fav pesto - and some delicious KING prawns as accompaniment. mmm...

42 days to Nationals departure and only 16 days till Kuranda departure

Countdown!! means activity.
Mainsheet needs some modifications - should I try the old one as well to see if grip is better? MMM!!
Quicksand seemed well balanced to winward yesterday in 15k - not had such an experience before in my Sabres - but it didn't result in more speed - so what am I doing wrong - what can I improve?
Learned a bit more yesterday about where to NOT place the camera in the boat :-)
Considering a sail at CYC today.

43 days to Nationals departure

Saturday - about to leave home to sail at RQYS this afternoon. Will add new mainsail halyard - vectran - to see if it is less stretch under tension for the afternoon - the existing rope was unsatisfactory last week - had to even alter my traveller height to accommodate the stretched halyard - bad!

Forecast is for 15k, with some gusts above - strategy - take risks - st 1/3 down the line - push my envelope.
:-)

Semester 2 nearly over and Quicksand prepares for Qld Sabre States

Semester 2 exams finished today - just have to do some more clinical skill assessment next week to finalise the semester - results due 1 Dec. Summer Semester starts 29 November - so just a 10 day break between semesters.

Summer Semester has two subjects - a research proposal and a placement. Mostly by distance, minimal face to face. My placement is at Kuranda Medical Centre, Kuranda (25k out of Cairns) - leave Brisbane 1 December to drive up. Start at the medical centre on 6 December.

Quicksand, the new Sabre is giving me a lot of pleasure - she travels well through the water, and the new mast/mainsail (Quantum) seems to be working well - yet to have her in a real blow or strong wind - should be interesting - I will at least be familiar with the footing etc by then.

Qld Sabre States are 20-21 November - so lots of effort to get the boat and me ready for that. The event is at Cleveland YC. Six races over the weekend. Should be a lot of fun.

A pic of me doing a NOT very good tack!!

More pictures to come :-)

Its been a while since I posted

Quick update:
I am still at UQ studying the Masters in Nursing Studies. Semester 1 went well and I am now just past halfway for Semester 2 - busy times at the moment.
Semester 3 for me will be over Summer - with practicum at Kuranda Medical Centre in parallel with a major research project.  Semester 4 (assuming all goes to plan) will be have practicum back at St Andrews War memorial Hospital, Spring Hill (medical or surgical).
So far I am on track to graduate June 2011 as planned.

Sailing:
Yep - I am going to the Sabre Nationals in Adelaide this Christmas/New Year - a bit of logistics and planning was required - with a fair amount of driving and flying yet to be done obviously - so that I can complete my practicum requirements at Kuranda and also make the Adelaide trip.

Slow Hand:
After the Sabre Training Day in August I decided raking the mast straighter was needed - and this seems to be paying dividends in boat speed in light winds and downwind (as would be expected). I am yet to get the boat really going - I think the nut on the tiller is a bit daft and slow to learn :-)

More soon,
Sue

Official start to a new chapter in my life

I am really very fortunate to be able to embark on what I am about to do.
Some people simply won't understand, others will think I am crazy or even irresponsible. Back on 12 January I alluded to some changes that were probably going to happen - those changes have eventuated. Before I go into detail - do not assume I am having a mid-life crisis or going thru the change - this is just me.
Working in admin/management just hasn't been doing for me what I want to get out of work - but I love going to work - so I am making a change - going back to uni full time, and studying nursing. The course I am doing is thru University of Qld (UQ), and will take 2 years, or 18 months if I do a summer semester over the 2010-11 Christmas/New Yewar period. the course is designed for graduate entry - so my initial degree (maths/computing) and more recent psychology studies got me in fine.

After the March 2009 Qld I was made surplus - since then I have tried a couple of different jobs - but I have been unable to fit in, or lift the assumption that I am an auditor, and other positions have not come up that I could adequately meet the requirements. This has been a struggle for me. I am a pretty good audit manager - but I am not qualified - and it doesn't excite me to be doing the job for another 30 years.

I will be taking Leave Without Pay from 1 March 2010 while I at at uni. Hopefully I can do well academically, and be back into the workforce as a graduate nurse in mid 2011 - that is my aim. Yes, that's a big salary drop as well - but I want to enjoy the next 30 years, and I want to make those years count.

Since I will be doing a Summer session, it means that I am very unlikely to be sailing this coming Nationals in Adelaide. At present, the summer semester break ends 3 Jan 2011, and I would need to be back into it on 4 Jan - if that changes in my favour - I will rethink going to SA, but it's a long shot at present.

You will agree that this is a BIG change - and carries some risk - what if I fail, wat if I am not suited. If those risks eventuate, I will do one thing - fall FORWARD - make the most of the experience and pick up the strings again. I do not plan for those risks to eventuate - but some things are not in my control.

To start out strong, I have to give this 100% effort - that means time, energy, focus - it is my #1 priority. Sailing will have to be #2 for a while. Apologies to friends and family - you have just been moved down a notch, but you are no less valued - otherwise I would not have ever started this blog, or written this post.

Susan

Phil Briggs Australia Day Regatta

We had 16 boats entered for the day - and still there were Sabres in the shed at CYC!
Three races - the start is always important in short course. I did ok on Race 1 and 2 at the start, but in Race 3 I held back and didn't demand my rights over the barging boats - dilemma!
Race 1 was very very light - we all struggled to make headway against the tide. I concentrated I feeling puffs of wind on my face and the lightest pressure on the mainsail - via the ainsheet off the boom. Finally some NE breeze came to carry us home.
Race 2 I was very close with Pete Skinner - half way I thought I needed to shake him - so I tacked onto port to cross in front of the boats running down to the mark - Pete covered me - excellent - then I threw a tack back to starboard, as soon as I was across I called him and was headed for him mid-ships!!! To avoid a collision I tacked back to port and called for him to do a penalty - which he did. The look on his face - poor fellow - didn't expect me to do that - and it cost him second as it let Rob J get thru. I felt it was a glorious move on my part - yet unnoticed by the others I fear.
Race 3 Pete was fired up .... peppered Pete!! He went at the start - barging in ... lucky I wasn't agro!! or there would have been damage. I held the Corsair out at the start by forcing him up - yep - he was barging as well - so I got him out of the way at least.

I had the mast straight for the races, and the traveller back to the traditional style. Will have to see how she feels in wind - but certainly not a problem in the ligh stuff. Overall, lack pressure reaching compared to say Pete and Rob. Mainsail??? Dunno???

News on FRiday about the rest of the year - keep reading ....

50 weeks to go

... yep about 50 weeks till the next Nationals, that's not long.
Slow Hand is off the market - she has some punch left in her yet.
Besides I cannot get the selling price I would need to cover the gap to a new boat.

Seriously, it's the nut on the tiller. I am not going to replace it - I am going to revitalise it with a new strategy.
The new strategy involves - fitness and sailing smart.

On the personal front, I'm going to start taking some more risks - starting with a heap of LWOP so I can do some full-time study. If I get both accepted it will be a commitment for 18months to 2 years, and less income at the end. It's about finding what I will enjoy, and making sure the next 30 years are worthy ones, filled with challenge and new experiences. I don't want to walk anybody elses journey - nor base my decisions on should - this is about choose.

Went to Boot Camp yesterday - I was pumped. Too much energy to expend - even though I got fatigued on the pull-ups.
First gym session this morning for 2010. Go girl. I am my own fan club! OMG

Home

Hi, I have emailed the Qld sabre fleet to let them know I am home - text is below. It was a long journey.
John Nobbs once said "the further you go, the more fun you have"- I think there is some truth in that statement.
Couple of extra thoughts:
- I did an extra 60 or 70km due to a detour reslting from the accident on Newell Hway
- truck drivers are professional drivers
- I saw two vehicles pulled over by police just after the vehicles had each broken the road rules in my vicinity (2 x speeding, 1 x crossing double yellows to overtake)
- the open road limit in NSW along the Newell Hway is now 100kph
- my CD player was running for about 65% of the journey
- handheld CB radio so I could listen to truck driver comms was a godsend

I am loking forward to my own bed tonight.

Sue

Here is the text of my email to the Qld Sabre fleet ...

Hi everyone,
Just a note to let you know I am home! Arrived this afternoon – it’s a long way from Hobart to Brisbane.
I knew it was going to be good at the Nationals meeting up with people I had met last year or the year before, but on reflection, an unexpected highlight of this trip was joining in with a few of the other Sabre sailors on the Spirit of Tasmania on Monday evening – we were all heading home, but the sense of having just shared an event, its up and downs, was very special.
I ended up travelling 5048km in the car for the return trip, at an average speed of 71km/hr and 10.8litre/100km; with I think 65 hours engine time. These stats exclude the engine ‘down time’on the ferry to and from Tassie!!
The only “mechanical’’ problem I had on the journey was loss of the pin from a shackle holding the trailer registration label holder – the new rego sticker was in the car glove box, so I bought a new holder at West Wyalong and used some plastic ties to secure it to the trailer. Yep – that was the ONLY car/trailer problem for the whole trip!! Thank you to the guys at Bryan Burt Ford, Tingalpa.
Thank you to Bronwyn for looking after Sally and the house while I was away.
The 2009/10 Nationals results are on the Sabre website ( http://www.sabre.org.au/tasmania/200910SabreNationalsinHobart.html ) , and my own story is on my blog http://sueby1.blogspot.com/
The Tassie guys did a great job organising and running the event. They also taught me to scull oysters, and some of the interstate blokes, during dinner at the Waterfront Hotel at Bellerive revealed the formula for choosing a second wife – the Nationals is not just a sailing event!!! I have a new email buddy – Jane from Tassie – she sails Kit 2.
I made some HUGE mistakes during the racing – hopefully I have done some learning as well. I only wore my drysuit once – it turned out the race sessions were a bit long for me to be wearing the drysuit – the hikers and warm top clothing had to suffice – the wife of a Victorian sailor suggested I wear a continence pad under my drysuit – but I did not take her up on the suggestion!! Chris Keil could not believe me when I told him the suggested solution and he just grinned each day when he asked what I would be wearing!!
The next Sabre Nationals will be at Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club, most likely 28 Dec 09 to 4 Jan 2011 – watch the Sabre website for confirmation of the dates.
Preparation for the 2010-11 nationals starts 14 Jan 10 for those who want to make participate and make the most of the event.
So now to the serious stuff ... the second half of the 2009-10 season ..... here is the calendar I sent in December, I hope to see you at these events and at club sailing,
Susan

Last night on the road - Moree

Yep, last night before I get to Brisbane - too far to do in one shift.
Have been running away from storms all day - drove through the fringe of two - but fortunately they didn't last too long. Thunderstorms in areas south were predicted to produce flash flooding - so I had to keep myself moving northward away from Coonabarabran.

Tried out the Chicken Chow Mein at restaurant beside the motel ... had the same dish last night at West Wyalong (ex servicemens club), and earlier in the trip at the Pearl Restaurant, Bega Hotel.  I think the West Wyalong dish had the best presentation, but the Moree dish had the best variety of vegetables. The trumps dish was the Pearl Restaurant (Bega) - they had variety of vegetables, the best noodles and balance of sauce to noodles.
Back to today, here are some pictures - running away from storms - north of Narrabri, on the way to Moree ....

  

Water on the road???   ...........

...... noooooooooooo, it's a mirage!!!!!!!!

I am indulging in a glass of JC Chardonnay from the bar fridge - but alas - no wine glasses - so I am drinking it from a small beer glass ... something to remember Moree.

It's a bloody long way ....

I think I have about 1250km to go - too much for one day at the end of this trip - I will have to split itup - damn. Cannot seem to find info about any road closures due to flooding - so in the absence of anything on news etc I will keep heading up the Newell.

Back-track to leaving Devonport

Doing the Nationals in Tassie obviously involved taking the car and boat on the Spirit of Tasmania. For me this was a totally new experience - I have already recounted the night time return trip. Here are some photos from departure at Devonport ...

Slow Hand goes shopping ...

More shopping ... leading the Falcon astray ....

Chris Dance boat, car and family waiting to board ... we chatted while we waited ...

Salad & chicken sandwich and a coffee in Jerilderie

The crossing was smooth last night, and the Sabre group enjoyed a couple of drinks and buffet dinner together. Much talk about the races, the blow, the courses etc etc. The competition goes on off the water - who can pile the MOST on their plate and eat it all!! Wayne won!

I did have some problems last night - my recliner would NOT recline!! Bugga. I could only get the footrest out. So I just persevered for a while - THEN - a person in the row behind started snoring LODLY and ENDLESSLY - the couple next to me woke up - chatted - then produced tissues to break up and stuff in their ears. I thought to myself - this is NOT good. So I took my blanket and pillow and backpack bag, went round the the entry area for the recliner area, lay on the floor against the cupboards for temporary storage and went to sleep - YEP - on the floor. I got about 5 hours sleep - waking once to reposition. The trick was getting my head on the backpack bag such that the vibration of the motors did not reverberate thru my head. It was a lino floor at that! I am fine today. Have had one powernap.

Disembarked by about 6.30am and set off northward - inland route. I am now into NSW - Jerilderie, from here I head northward toward West Wyalong and Dubbo. Taking it cruisy sitting on 100k. Not sure where I will get to by tonight. Everything seems to be travelling ok on the trailer.

Mostly radio & CD entertainment this morning - the law report was on Child Safety in Qld, then a discussion with a researcher on the female g-spot and the cricket; mixed with my favourites on the Nationals CD I made up - Bad Romance seems to be getting a lot of play.

Pink Eye and Kennebec

Pink Eyes and Kennebecs are types of Tassie potatoes - and I am bringing some home - if you are VERY lucky, I may share with you. WHY don't Australians enjoy their own produce????
Just sitting waiting to board Spirit of Tassie for night trip from Devonport to Melbourne.
Nothing ttechnical happening today - just reflection and appreciating this part of Australia.
Visited a friend who lives at Mole Creek.
Apart from potatoes, I have bought some Mole Creek honey!!
Any tips on getting a potato baking oven - gas powered type??

Post mortem

Not sure where to start on this one - I could put the emphasis on my lousy performance in the last two races - but somehow that is niaive of me - I really should have dome better in every race - the sequence of races should not affect my analysis - unless it is a review of fitness/stamina alone.

Areas of improvement:
- finished all races (although the abandoned race would have been a DNC if not abandoned)
- overall stamina and general strength
- gybing (up to fresh wind strength)
- use of compass (but not sifficiently to improve performance)

Weaknesses:
- aggressive hiking in fresh conditions
- boatspeed (linked to above)
- fleet tactics; maintaining / improving position
- boat maintenance
- capsize recovery in windy conditions

Now how the hell am I to improve on those weaknesses ....

Morning session starts 10.00am

Expecting to try and get three races in today, to make a full series.
Forecast is NW 10-20k,  gusts to 25k.
Hopefully with the river to ourselves we will be back up river a bit - the water is flatter in that area - based on earlier race days.
Presentation tonight.

WIND - all sailors ok

It was windy to start the race and then a small front came thru, some reckon 45k. I was under tow when the worst hit - having capsized before the start - broad reach situation about 4mins before start. Could not right the boat - received help - and then towed to Bellerive Beach - to join the others washed ashore there. It was a bit horrible for a while. Many capsized when the front came through. Some managed to sail home or to Bellerive Beach. The guys and girls on the rescue boats did a fantastic job.

During the worst, some sailors sat on their upturned hulls, to wait it out. Bugga - I had trouble getting onto my hull even before it had hit. I was pretty cold after being in the water, despite being rugged up.

I have not been wearing the drysuit as the race session is a bit long - I need to do a pee - and cannot do so in the drysuit. Jenny Dixon and I have come up with a solution - I could wear a continence pad!!! MMM!!! Many chuckles.

Tomorrow we have an alteration to sailing instructions, there will be a 10.00am start - there is talk we will do three races back-to-back to finish the series.

Early night for everyone.

PS One boat sustained damage to their centrecase, but apart from that nil breakages are known. Says a lot for the boats and class.

PSS Here is a link to pictures taken 31 December - on water http://ianjeanneret.zenfolio.com/sabre2009

AGM and wind

The AGM is scheduled this morning.
The forecast for today's racings is SW 10-20k, increasing 15-25, with gusts at 30
Glad I had that steakn last night
S

no more naughties!!!

It's 2010 - a new year and a new decade!!

Today, after my delicious B 'n' B breakfast, I went down to Bruny Island to the south of Hobart. It doesn't take long to feel like you are in the countryside when you drive out of Hobart. Kettering seemed a thousand miles away - its where you get the vehicular ferry to Bruny Island.

Once on the island I drove toward Adventure Bay. On the way I stopped to look at the penguin rookery and have vowed to return in the night-time (sunset) to see them come out of the water - but not on this trip. The north and south parts of Bruny Island are ever so close to being two islands and not one!  At Adventure Bay I bought a couple of postcards and mailed them, and just took in the scenery.  Not a lot of development on the island, but seemed plenty of camping, holiday houses etc. One side of the island basically faces the souithern ocean - so I would also like to go there in winter.

LUNCH - I stopped at the 'Hothouse' on Bruny Island - cafe set in grounds of gardens and in a hothouse structure. I lashed out - had herb damper, salmon, and sour cream with capers ... mmm ... accompanied by a glass of Bruny Island Chardonnay (delicious).

Breeze was up again today, and should continue that way the next few days.

Tomorrow racing resumes at 14.00 (2pm) with heats 7 & 8. There may (WILL) be a bit of traffic tomorrow - the King of the Derwent is scheduled to start at 2pm as well, with all the big boats - local anf out of the various races that end in Hobart - race a square course around the river - it is the single biggest yacht race event for the year in Hobart, attracting many competitors, plus heaps of on-water spectator craft. The course is around a square that maximises viewing for shore spectators.

The locals are puzzled that the Sabre Nats are scheduled to start at 2pm. MMM tomorrow!!! The Sharpies, sailing from Sandy Bay have the same 'situation' to contend with. Should be INTERESTING!!!

PS - I am having a bit of difficulty seeing the laptop screen - I am sitting outside in the shade at Bellerive Yacht Club - it is a bit galry on the screen whichever way I put it ... to compensate I am enjoying a glass of wine. It is in the lee and most pleasant.

PSS Results up to Heat 6 are now on the Sabre website -go to Tasmania and follow Nationals links..