Hydeaway Bayto Bowenwood

We left Hydeaway Bay waved off by the camps manager and moved on to Bowen. This is where the recent movie Australia was filmed, hence the title of todays Blog...A visit to the tourist information booth is always helpful. These people, mostly volunteers, are enthusiastic and knowlegeable about the local area. After pointing out the pertinent landmarks around town including the location of our caravan park,our help suggested that we put our names down at the local yacht club this afternoon. You may be able to get on a yacht and take part in a race this afternoon, just take a couple of beers and some money to shout the Captain after the race.Thought about it for a while and decidedto give it a go, so off to the yacht club to register.Got on the boat Naut-I-Lass Too after meeting skipper/owner Neville, crew Gary and another Shane. Off we set. We were the largest boat at 40' and so had to start last. We beat across the bay to the first bouy and tacked across the bay to the next mark, jibing and tacking as we went.When we reached the furthest mark, turned on the down wind leg and we had already overtaken two boats when the skipper said, time for a beer.A further twenty minutes or so before we were back into it again, tacking, jibing etc to finish fourth. Skipper let me take the wheel as we headed back to Port while the sails were furled.Do you like my nautical terms? A pleasant day on the briney was followed an equally pleasant time for presentations back at the fully licensed yacht club.We had witnessed a collision between two of the yachts at the windward mark and this lead to a little more jocularity at the club. The invitation is open to anyone who would like to take part in one of these races, register at the yacht club on Saturday afternoon by about 2.15 and have a great day out sailing.
There are some magnificent beaches around Bowen some of which are award winning. The Sunday market is held alongside Queens Beach and is quite extensive. A great market. The variety of different nationalities arouind Bowen sees a great variety of different vegetables on sale at the market. Your usual craft, clothing and junk stalls and a couple beside each other on stands selling ..Him-Omelletes and Her-Waffles.

Bowen bakery has award winning pies, Fellowes Fish and Chips was reasonably priced and lovely fish and Joachims bakery have just won prizes for their sourdough and apple pies. We bought 500grms of cooked tiger prawns from Arabon seafoods and really enjoyed Bowen.