Back in Airlie

There wasn't much to write about last week as we were back in Cid Harbour out of the strong winds. We also had quite a bit of rain as well. We kept sane? by doing the big walk up to Whitehaven Peak when the weather permitted. Capt M says he is losing weight. I wish I could say the same.

Now when we are back in the marina the sun has come out and the wind has stopped. We walked back from Hogsbreath under the full moon in just tshirts no jackets.

Have booked a flight back to Brisbane to see family. It has been 2 months.

Back in Cid

After 2 beautiful days in Whitehaven we have come back around to Cid Harbour to escape the strong winds again. This means we have circumnavigated Whitsunday Island in an anti clockwise direction.
Here we have another opportunity to do the Whitsunday peak walk. Some form of exercise in this relaxing time.
The yacht at the top is "Skallywag" with friends Rob and Wendy on board heading off to Airlie.

Whitehaven beach

"Whitehaven is an incredible expanse of pure white sand, a magnificent beach and one that is popular with all and sundry.."D. Colfelt '100 Magic Miles'. This book is like the bible/roadmap for up here. Everyone has a copy and refers to it constantly.
After miserable weather, the last 2 days have been absolutely stunning, the best way to experience Whitehaven. And everyone does.
Went for a bushwalk to Chance Bay about an hour away at 8 this morning. It was a bit overcast and deserted. When we returned to the beach the sun was out and they had started to arrive by the boat load. Then by about 4 they have all gone except for a few yachts staying the night.
Today there are about half a dozen huge private motor yachts around the 70 foot mark as well as all the tourist boats. Great to see everyone out enjoying this beautiful country.

Still in Cid

We have had such good weather, that we can't complain about this last 5 days. Poured rain all day yesterday, nothing else to do but read and cook and then eat.
Not too bad today so we went up the hill again. What was once a most spectacular view was completely covered in cloud. We get quicker every time we do this walk.
Capt M has had time in his hammock. Lucky our friends have stayed too.

Out of the wind.

We are still in Cid Harbour waitng out the 20 to 30 knot southerlies.
Did the steep walk up Whitsunday Peak with friends yesterday and had them over for spaghetti bol last night.
Today we are guarding the boat against stray charter boats. Two have already dragged anchor near us!! Not good.
Got a good book to read "Shiver" by Nikki Gemmel.
Have started another scarf.

Ngaro Cultural Site

Back at Cid Harbour

Because of the predicted strong southerlies, we have returned to Cid harbour for a couple of days. Looks like a lot of others had the same idea. Have met up with "Skallywag" and "Serafin". Coral trout and calamari on the menu tonight.

Yesterday we visited the Ngaro Cultural Site at Nara Inlet."...a rock shelter containing Ngaro art motifs and extensive cultural deposits."

This is what the photos are, not an ad for "Does my bum look big?" As Capt M , the photographer, says "The camera doesn't lie." I say wear your glasses to get the right angle please!

Nara Inlet

Enjoyed the best snorkeling yet at Stonehaven beach. Fluro blue and purple corals and coral trout and lots of beautiful fish. Clams with velvet lips?

Now we are at Nara Inlet which is another amazing spot.

Last night was the starriest with the Milky Way clearly visible.

Down in the black water was sparkly as well. Noisy too, as loads of small fluro blue fish were jumping out and around feeding?

Now we need an underwater camera. Capt M wants to invest in a Wetsuit.
These blue tiger butterflies are from back at Lindeman Island. Still around but not as many.

Stonehaven Beach

Had a short sail over to Hook Island. Everything looked good, sun shining, light wind all set for a lovely day back at sea. How deceiving, it was quite lumpy out there and lucky it took only 3 hours of "reaching". To put it more precisely Capt M says a beam reach. This has made us rethink our return jouney. More of that later.

Have included some photos of our day on board the tourist trip to the outer reef. Capt M even enjoyed the snorkeling here.

Landlubbers

We have just spent a whole week in the Abel Point Marina. It is a great way to see the country as you're not stuck in a car the whole time, but just hire one when at port, another Getz(silver this time). Only cost $28 to fill up?

Drove to Bowen 75 km away. Capt M says it was easier than sailing there. Not much to see, but found a really nice new resort to have lunch.

Proserpine only 20km, another funny little country town. The dam is huge with only a handful of people enjoying it on a Sunday.

Went for a beautiful rainforest walk which is a part of the Great Whisunday Walk which takes 3 days.

Airlie Beach

These photos are from Cid Harbour and our big climb up Whitsunday Peak. Our calf muscles are still sore.

We are now in Airlie beach marina and Capt M reversed in! He says we can stay for a week and have a good look around. It's actually cheaper by the week.
A hive of activity here with charter boats everywhere and a few Lightwaves as well.

Met up with our fishermen friends and had dinner at Oskars last night. Ice cream for dessert. Very warm when we left at around 5pm but soon cooled down. Definitely need a jacket.