After our passage south from Cairns to Brisbane, we spent 6 fabulous nights anchored out in the islands near Brisbane with the Giffords on Totem. We found peaceful anchorages, the kids all played and had sleep-overs, and the adults partied! We originally met the Gifford family in Monterey, California and have shared many wonderful times together as we frequently crossed wakes in Mexico, crossed the Pacific at the same time, and explored many South Pacific islands together.
It was a fitting finale to our Pacific cruising and a send off to Totem as they resume their cruising adventures and head for Papua New Guinea. In addition to our many Chicago Rummy games, awesome dinners, and many bottles of wine, we also celebrated what will probably be the last Trans-Pacific, sub equatorial Grand Conclave of the Strawberry Monkey Yacht Club. Consistent with all previous meetings, no one accepted any position of responsibility, no names were put into nomination, and nothing other than meaningful fun transpired. As the sun sets on the Strawberry Money Yacht Club activities in the South Pacific, we are confident the traditions and spirit of the Monkey will be kept alive at the SMYC annex in the Abacos, with all of the members across the oceans of the world, and eventually at the Strawberry Monkey Cantina.
We are now settled at the Rivergate Marina in Brisbane, awaiting an update on our shipping process to return Oso Blanco to Seattle.
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