Tilman (Mirror dinghy) - Shoal Bay, Port Stephens. Part2/2

After doing a Good Deed (collecting plastic off the beach) and a muesli bar and water, we set off. The Mirror was zigzagged, off the sand - the bow lifted towards the water, let stand and then the stern etc.
There were sandbanks off the shore so the centreboard was left only halfway down, similarly the rudder. We sailed downwind of a beam reach and made good speed through the clear water, supporting patches of sea grass as we went. A Hobie cat was saying across the port, square to the wind making good time. I wanted to get close to chat, but that was one rapid and aloof cat. We had no chance.
I steered her offwind parallel to the northern shore of the port. Once satisfied the cat chat was a no-go I hauled up into a tight beam reach steering for Nelson Head. A prominent high headland on the southern shore. The local marine rescue cabin was set there because of its drone-like view of the entrance to the port. With the tide at late ebb, there was a large send and Tilman rose lazily, a metre above the horizon, then a metre below as she swayed before the breeze. As the pressure on the main halyard eased it emitted an Oystercatcher call. I looked around, nothing. The dozey motion was hypnotic and I found myself snapping back awake quite frequently. I was weaving badly, but not worried as good headway in the general direction of home was being made. A non-natural buzzing din stirred me from stupor, I stared through sun strained eyes. Yes, a jet ski thing was coming directly towards Tilman, bugger! I veered off, it followed double bugger! It turned out to be a Marine Patrol guy. I had my life-jacket on and all the safety gear to hand, so I was annoyed rather than afraid. He asked if I was all right, "the guys on Nelson Head asked me to check". "Yes, fine thanks. I was steering erratically because I dozed off", I volunteered. The Inspector commented: "You're moving along quite well". Incredulous I said "Yes, fine thanks" ... (you f%®© ing idiot!)
As he buzzed off, I mused over the conversation and the dying wind conditions and fading light. Then it clicked in my dozey mind; oh they must have been concerned I would be becalmed. Well obviously they don't know this is a Mirror dinghy!
Pulling upwind to take the breeze on our portside shoulder, we settled into 3 knots over glassy water. I enjoyed being alone again on a glassy sea in soft light, ahh I love sailing.
Gathering plastic on that otherwise pristine beach had given the voyage an air of purpose, a certain productivity. I voted to make this a goal of all future voyages.