Did we mention that Esperance is W I N D Y?

We have been helped enourmously by the people at Esperance Bay Yacht Club. (Tel 08 9071 3323 ebyc@westnet.com.au). "Just call me just before you arrive" was repeated several times from different voices, everyone seemed to be on standby. SWEET!

Chris Buckley is a keen club member and a local settlement agent. He also mans the VMR and listens to the radio even when at work. He was the first point of contact.

Kevin Hall who owns the local Subway franchise is incredibly active too (0429 815 666) and was on hand to help us into the vacant pen. Thank god he was here too! We've no prior experience of pole pens and with the wind whipping up and swinging to the SE (as predicted) we were glad of his directions and encouragement. All our eyes could see were 6 huge metal pylons. From our perspective they were the height of the Bell Tower, yikes!! We tried reversing in to moor stern-to but abandoned this for a bow-first approach. This had the dubious benefit of allowing us to climb off onto the jetty and aboard again by stepping on the anchor. No getting tipsy now! - Note to self: Centre of gravity needs to considered carefully!

We settled down to take in our new surrounds.

The wind picked up some more, the hull was being slapped from the stern but at least we were still. This was a contrast to Hopetoun, it would be churlish to think it bad...... and then we got a lucky break - a windbreak!

All was well in our world and the Bloke said the beer tasted extra nice.......sigh....

The helicopter was sent out with the Pilot to bring this puppy in

The tugs pulled her around. Not a view we'd welcome out to sea!

Being pushed up to the wharf creating a wind break and to be loaded with iron ore. How did we know? Over the next 3 days Zofia was dusted with rouge!