PARTY, PARTY, PARTY

 The annual McLeod Bay Sandbank Party was on today.

This is where, at low-tide when the large sandbank (McDonald's Bank) in the middle of the bay is uncovered, hundreds of people boat, kayak or swim out to it and have a 3 hour party until the bank becomes covered again.

Probably how Richard would go out to the party.

That was from the 2015 event.

In some years this has been 'bedlam' with drunken party-goers making panicked exits at the turn of the tide and boating dangerously back to shore. It really is a wonder that there haven't been any serious injuries or even a death or two. I've seen idiot jet-skiers and speed boat drivers race past swimmers in the water.

A few years ago, after many complaints the Coast Guard has become more involved with a couple of boats patrolling and issuing infringement tickets to the ne'er-do-wells. Today, due to overcast weather the turn-out hasn't been as large and I've only heard the Coast Guard siren a few times as they've stopped infringing boaties. The turnout is probably a bit lower as well because this year the 'music boat, a very large launch or small ship with a live band on it, wasn't in attendance.

STONE BLUE on the party boat.

I can hear party-goers retuning to shore now but thankfully not as boisterous (and drunk) as in previous years.

I kayaked out to the event three years ago (It wasn't held for the last two years due to Covid restrictions).

THERE AND BACK AGAIN

I hope that you all have had a pleasant day. Champagne time for us soon.