We lined up to catch the Maria Island Ferry at 10:00 local on a very windy day. The wind speed was 33 knots and we dreaded the thought of a half hour boat ride. However, facing the front and watching the horizon we survived! Maria Island is a National Park. The Island has had a varied, colourful and, in my view, tragic history, especially as a penal colony.

The Penitentiary

I spent quite a bit of time chasing ten contacts on 20 metres and later on 40 metres.

Another stump operating table

I called on 14.140 at 00:56 and VK5ZK, Garry, answered. His signal was 5 and 9 and he gave me 5 and 4. Then followed, VK5HS, Ivan; VK5TW, Trevor; VK5EE, Tom; VK5DJ, John; VK5PAS, Paul (thanks Paul for the alerts); VK5HCF, Col and VK5DK, Col. I promised to move to 40 metres and I called quite a few times before VK3FQSO, Amanda, whose signal was 5 and 8 gave me a call and my signal was 3 and 3. Then followed VK3FLAK, Bob; VK2JDS, Dave from near Orange and finally VK1MA, Matt from Canberra. Signals were not so good on 40 metres, but it was early in the afternoon! I saved a little time to take a few photos at Darlington and the penal colony.

Two Cape Barren Geese enjoying the sun

A Wombat: s/he would not turn around for a photo!

Maria Island Ferry at Darlington Jetty JCD photo