Stephen joined Chris & Louise Atherton and Tony and Patty Donovan on an expedition to chart the wilds of the Brunswick River in northern New South Wales. This brought to conclusion a long term project to claim the region for Her Majesty and study the local natives that started in 2010 when Tony, Chris and Stephen fought their way along the abandoned ancient transport trails of the area. We were one crew member down as Paulie stayed at the Burleigh Heads base camp to monitor progress (and to work on her manuscript).
Off to the wilds under the command of Captain C.E. Atherton
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Our first landing site was infested with a very large and dangerous Brown Snake
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The crew panicked and morning tea was on the safety of H.M.A.S. Alloy
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First Rum Ration exchanged for Pinot Gris
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Under steam again as the tide came in (based on accurate measurements from First Officer Donavan- a Stickometer)
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The Captain takes watch
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.. and hands over the helm to Sub-lieutenant S.J. Atherton
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The crew on watch for dangerous reefs
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Yikes! The rum rations must have adversely impacted watch accuracy. S.J. Atherton runs aground on what is now known as Stephen's Reef.
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As acting Captain, he orders lunch served as the tide comes in
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And off again past the bridge the intrepid explorers crossed some 4 years before
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Giving historical background to the region
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The female crew of HMAS Alloy
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Heading into port past hungry pelicans
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The start to another Spring morning
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and a walk across the road on Burleigh Beach
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