As an aviator and a trainer ‘Proper Prior Planning’ has been a mantra I’ve lived by for the last twenty-eight years. It seems it’s going to stand me in good stead for sailing! Graham and I are gearing up for our first blue water cruise to New Caledonia and Vanuatu and, hopefully, Fiji, departing early May if Continue reading
Author: Helene
I live by a beach just north of Cairns – my own tiny slice of paradise in North Queensland. When I'm not writing, you'll find me flying Dash 8 aircraft for QantasLink around regional Australia.
I write romantic suspense with feisty, confident heroines who (not surprisingly) work in the aviation industry. My stories are set in the top end of Australia – a wild and wonderful, larger-than-life environment just begging to be showcased in anticipation-filled novels.
Recharging the batteries at Fraser Island
Slowly, slowly we’re heading south. After a huge week driving from Hervey Bay to Brisbane and back for a meeting we decided we’d recharge our batteries wandering the coast of Fraser Island. The world’s largest sand island has given us many wonderful holidays over the years and it’s always peaceful – perfect for letting go Continue reading
Where did 2016 go?
It’s hard to believe that 2016 has been relegated to the history books and 2017 is already rocketing along. When we left Cooktown last year, heading north to the Flinders Islands in Bathurst Bay, I had every intention of keeping the blog updated. Of course, I should have known that the Telstra map showing coverage Continue reading
Cooktown to Cape Flattery
Yay for Telstra! We still have internet!! This may be the last post for a while as the internet quality at Lizard Island and beyond is more than questionable… We had a wonderful day sailing yesterday with a good solid breeze on a beam reach. Great to feel Roobi come alive under our feet. Our track Continue reading
Mackay Cay
Mackay Cay is everything we hoped it would be! A pristine coral atoll with nothing but birds for company, surrounded by azure water. And then there’s the snorkelling… So many different fish, gardens of vibrant coral, and even a couple of relaxed turtles who really didn’t care whether we swam along with them or not! I have Continue reading
Cairns to Low Isles
We snuck out of Blue Water marina, disturbing the mirror finish on the water, and headed into the sunrise. The valley to the south of Cairns was hiding in rain, but the sky to the north was clear. There’s a certain tension to every departure. Will the forecast be accurate and our next anchorage welcoming? Continue reading
Heading north
After a crazy, busy month it’s time to head north again. We’ve had a good stay in Blue Water Marina and have managed to catch up with a few of our friends – apologies to those we didn’t manage to connect with… Roobinesque is sitting lower in the water, filled with enough food and fuel Continue reading
We have four winners!!
Thanks to everyone who shared, commented, liked, subscribed, and registered to win one of the four photos books – it’s been fun! Graham’s hat wasn’t large enough so we had to break out the collapsible bucket for the draw. Without further ado the winners are: Karen Cousens Yvonne Bauer Gailene_Gailene Barbara Denton The books will Continue reading
Now about that coffee table book of sunrises and sunsets?
It’s time to celebrate my new look web-page with a give away or four!! All the bugs and kinks have been worked through by Kerry, my lovely designer from Internet Thinking. (Huge round of applause for him and his hard work – I particularly love that I have a gallery of my photos so you Continue reading
Seppeltsfield Winery
Back in 2014 I toured Half Moon Bay with the Get Reading team and I had the pleasure of speaking at a high tea in the Seppeltsfield Winery. I promised Graham I’d take him back one day as it is a beautiful winery with a rich history. While we were in Adelaide for the RWA Continue reading