Tuesday 26 February 2019
The Pigsties, Recherche Bay
It was a lazy start to the day. And when I say “lazy”, I mean Chimere was breaking new ground with 9:00am, or there-a-bouts, being a PB for ALL crew to appear from their respective cabins.
“But I was reading a book in bed” said Isabel. “And I kept asking her questions, and interrupting her … but it’s not our fault … if you provide us with comfy beds, we’re naturally going to use them … ”, followed up Jacqui.
But this really WAS meant to be a slow day and after a generous breakfast we were ready to go ashore and explore by around 12:00 noon
Once ashore, Isabel took the lead with her Google-notes about Felix Delahaye, (plus old map of the area) the gardener aboard the French ship Recherche. Our objective was to locate the walled garden – or what was left of it – he, and no doubt many of the ship’s crew, built in 1792. The purpose of the garden being to supply the ship as well as serve as a form of food-insurance for future visitors.
How hard could it be?
But Isabel was not deterred by the thick forest that extended inland from the rocky tide-line. She had her ancient map and after lining up one rocky headland against the other to establish exactly where it might be … what do you think we found? Moss-covered rock walls, evidence of a dam, a hand-dug overflow channel and piles of rocks further inland; no doubt the remains of further walls or structures.
I WAS hoping to be able to dig up some carrots, or maybe pick a few French apples, but still, what do you expect after more than 200 years?!
Check out the following links for more reading on the site. It’s certainly a fascinating part of Australia’s early European history that I suspect is largely unknown.
http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national/recherche
Making our way back to Chimere for a late lunch, John took the prize for seeing the only wildlife … a tiger snake curled up minding its own business in a small clearing. As a New Zealander, John took the encounter very much in his stride and by the time I’d caught up with him all I saw was 30cm of black tail retreating into the bushes. …
The wind kept up a persistent 15-20 knots from the south-west, but whilst it threatened, the only rain was during the night
Culinary-wise … this was definitely the day of the egg. For breakfast, in two cakes (carrot, date and sultana cake) for first and second afternoon teas (and dessert tonight with ice-cream) and quiche.
carrot/date/sultana cakes
Back on board there was some sleeping in the afternoon, reading, cooking and relaxing – all the while anticipating our departure from the bay tomorrow and return to the bays, coves, beaches and headlands around the south west corner from where we had retreated two days earlier.
With the wind expected to move “northeast to southeasterly” tomorrow, we are looking forward to off-shore winds, rather than the persistent south westerly that builds the swell and always seems to have you on edge
Our destination will again be Louisa Bay tomorrow night, however, we might consider alternatives if the effect of the southwest swell is too dominant – anchorages such as Cox Bight, New Harbour or Ketchem Bay.
Smooth seas, fair breeze and French garden from 1792
Rob Latimer
Freedom Sail 