SC Queimarla SC Queimarla - The Coastal Passage Home Page

Fitzroy River Flood “Fun”
Suzanna Erickson reflects on the 2012 floods and
the comradeship with boaties in the same “boat”
Words and photos by is no slack water. Butterfly's 120 horses are put the whole scene and I know it's going to be a
Suzanna Erickson, SY Fram II to the test as she brings Fram's nose to face the great weekend. With the perfect weather and the
current. There is no pushing forward into it so the excitement of the flood and all the events yet to
th
It is Sunday 25 March 2012 and we are running ground tackle is dropped and released freely till it come with it, the mood is set to party.
from flood waters for the second time this year. digs in deep and suddenly bites. The two anchors
pull up 40 tonnes of boat (15 tonnes of Fram and Behind us our two great friends are anchored like
A month ago we relocated around the bend of 25 tonnes of Butterfly) with a snap and send them big protective brothers. Between the three of us
Devil's Elbow on the Fitzroy River to ensure we swinging like a pendulum. Satisfied that she will we create a circle of eyes on constant watch for
were safe from the flood waters making their way hold when the predicted eight meters of water debris and plenty of hands ready at a moment's
towards us from inland streams, rivers and dams. come down, Butterfly is released to make her notice to help. Whether it's throwing out an extra
In February with several days warning we were own way to anchor. anchor or cutting weed off the chain, nothing is
able to move Fram II well in advance, waiting for too much trouble. They are even more helpful at
slack water to make our way down river to an Friday night I am at the club after finishing work getting rid of a couple of bottles of home brew and
anchorage well out of the current and more late at night. My home has been relocated in my whiling away an evening. Humorous insults fly
importantly out of the way of logs and trees that absence and Alex picks me up for the ride to our back and forth; laughter comes easily and is free;
would be moving down with it. now familiar “flood home”. We weave through tales of past floods and adventures roll out and an
the abandoned moorings, just visible as African drum and blues harmonica appear to
Much to our relief, the flood waters only disturbances in the water, we zoom past the bend accompany Pink Floyd on the stereo. What better
amounted to higher than usual water levels and a were the feisty little crocodile lives and then down way to spend a flood? Good company, good beer
fast flow. Otherwise life carried on as usual but around the next bend in the dark starless night to and good surroundings. It's time for a bit of
for a longer commute to and from the Fitzroy home. A little safe haven well out of the current Fitzroy River flood fun!
Motor Boat Club. Within a couple of weeks we and all that gets sucked into it; rafts of weed,
were back up on our swing mooring. Fram II was submerged logs, cows, a fridge and so far, one
relocated early while the river was still tidal boat off on its own adventure. We get its
because she is currently without a motor and our anchor down and its solo journey out to sea is
only form of propulsion is to raft up with a tender cut short.
or another boat; not something we want to be
trying in the middle of a flood. There are more The previous week has been miserable, wet
than enough people at the Club happy and willing grey and muggy as a hot house. The constant
to help with big tinnies and plenty of horse power rain has caused cabin fever in most and made
so we have no problem manoeuvring Fram II, a getting to and from the boat a tedious task
large steel cruiser, into a safe position. along with the constant bailing and soggy feet.
But on Saturday the water level starts to rise,
Thanks to the practice run we had during the the flow increases and of course, the sun
first run of flood water, the second time round we comes out. The day dawns with skies clear
are well prepared. The inflatable is holding air, the from one horizon to another. The sea eagles
water tanks are full and cupboards stocked with circle in the clear air, a stunning contrast
food. Two anchors are rigged up in tandem, against the deep endless blue of the sky, a
joined with extra heavy gauged chain borrowed glorious sight in comparison to the dark
from the club and ready to be dropped in an muddy river that looks like a swamp with rafts
instant. On Friday I am at work so Alex manages of water hyacinth floating serenely on the
the relocation with the indispensable help of Digby surface. Herons are prowling the banks, lit up
and Butterfly. The Fitzroy River is now well and white by sunshine against the black mangroves.
truly racing, swelled with the local rains and there The moss green hills rear up looking down over
• Cradles to suit yachts, motor cruisers
& catamarans to 16 tonne
• With qualified shipwrights on sight
‘Where we take
pride in your
Pride ‘n’ Joy’
• Insurance work catered for
• Easy access
• DIY Welcome
Ph: 4948 8239 | Fax: 4946 9512 | www.shuteharbourslipway.com.au | slipway@bareboat.com.au | Whitsunday Rent A Yacht Jetty
Suzanna & Alex
Suzanna and Alex have been cruising and
living on Fram II in Queensland and NSW
coasts for four years and report that they are
loving every minute.
www.blueseamachines.com.au
info@blueseamachines.com.au