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What's News At Cape Don?
June 2005 What a start to the year, we officially opened on the 12th March for 2005 and officially closed on the 12th due to Severe Tropical Cyclone INGRID. INGRID was a small cyclone in size, but very intense, not unlike Cyclone Tracey that devastated Darwin in 1974. It started its path on 6th March in the Gulf of Carpentaria then drifting eastward to the Coral Sea. It then turned back towards the Queensland coast developing in to a category 5. Over the next week it followed a relatively straight course of west-northwest weakening after crossing Cape York Peninsula, however building strength again as is passed over the shallow warm waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria. By the 12th of March it was a category 5 cyclone and passed directly over Cape Don. The eye of the cyclone (completely still wind conditions) lasted approx 40 minutes which was a stark contrast to the near 300km winds we experienced as the staff bunkered down for approx 12 hours. Cape Don suffered some roof damage to buildings and water damage throughout, resulting in a massive cleanup operation.
With the help of a lot of organisations and a gallant effort by our staff working around the clock we were able to open the doors again on the 30th April 2005 and we are now full steam ahead enjoying the atmosphere of guests back again. The lodge had to be completely repainted (inside and out) with new roof and exterior shutters so it is now better than ever. Our boats and vehicles were relatively unscathed. Thanks to all the people who contacted us during the aftermath of the cyclone, it was heartening to hear from you all and to know that so many people were concerned. And the fishing.... Cape Don has experienced a very busy time since opening in May and again it is so encouraging to see so many familiar faces. Some record barra sizes for Cape Don were hooked (but not landed) early in May and the tuna have just started to arrive in early June. Like on most occasions the women who have fished this year have usually caught more than the men on their boat so far. We have had some great success on saltwater fly already this year as we develop our own fly designs that can handle some of the big teethy critters in our waters. We now have increased our stock of 8 weight and 10weight fly rods for guests to use if interested. Our most regular client Duncan Shirley from the UK (now booked his 14th visit) was able to raise the bar yet again and bring the total species caught by one person to 44 species.
Special Offer In the light of our late start to the year we wish to offer a special 20% discount offer to Cape Don for specific periods still available at Cape Don for 2005. They will be sold on a space available basis only. Available dates are:
Our books are now open for the 2006 season - so the first in get the best available tide dates.
Tight Lines!
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