5 Nights On A Mooring Buoy

A mooring is when you are tied onto a buoy. A weight is attached to the buoy so that it doesn't move with the weather. A line (rope) is attached to the buoy with plenty of length for you to attach around the bow cleat. The buoys we have used to moor up to have been a total weight of 20 tonnes and up to 20 knots of wind. As you are on a mooring there are certain things you cannot take for granted. You can use your mobile phone and other devices, but need to charge all power banks and chargers before you head off from the Marina. We do have a wind generator and solar panels which you can use during the day to charge your mobile phone. Both water tanks are topped up before we leave the Marina. We use bottled water to drink and water from the tanks for everything else, cooking, washing etc. As sometimes you are not sure how long you are going to be at a mooring you need to be aware what you have available and it may need to last several days. You cannot waste water and have long showers everyday. Your water won't last long. We don't go without. Believe it or not we have been able to watch TV for a few hours on a night with the power we have. Day 1 - Fame Cove We left Nelson Bay on the Wednesday and moored up at Fame Cove. Fame Cove has 5 mooring buoys. When we entered the bay two of the buoys were already taken. We took the mooring buoy which was furthest away from the entrance. The tender, ladders and platform were set up so that we could check out the area. I stayed onboard. It did get cold at night. The sky was amazing with all the stars. Day 2 - Fame Cove moved to a different buoy so the boat was more sheltered from the wind which was predicted. I went ashore with Natalie and Jacob. Tried to find a clearing which would lead up the hill to get a good view. There were too many trees, bushes, and fallen branches so didn't get far. Day 3 - Fame Cove Enjoyed another lovely sunny day. Day 4 - Fame Cove One way of getting warm water is to let the engine run. Paul run the engine for a while so we were all able to have a quick warm shower. They don't use much water as you need to water your hair and body. Put shampoo and shower gel/soap on. Then finally rinse everything off. Takes more time getting dry. Day 5 - Fame Cove to Nelson Bay We tried to get to Lemon Tree Passage, but the tide and wind were not in our favour. Decided to moor up outside Nelson Bay Marina. It was good to have free accommodation for a while. Day 6 - Nelson Bay Marina Early morning start as the weather was getting worse. Headed back into Nelson Bay Marina. It was really great having free accommodation for a few days. A Marina can cost anywhere from $35.00 to $90.00 per night - not cheap.