Lazy Life

Well I am well and truly adapting to this lazy lifestyle. Can bearly bring myself to even blog.

After bumping into friends from "Chieftann" and "Lady Diane" on the bus to Prossy, we decided to follow them up the coast to Cape Gloucester. The first night we spent at the secluded Jonah Bay. Another magical place and swam in the refreshing mainland beach. Others have liked it so much they have left fully equiped campsites to return to. They are so trusting, or sure of it's isolation that they have even left fishing rods ready to go next time.

From here we traveled up past "Montes" to the "Gloucester Echo Resort" and grabbed a mooring for $25 a night. This gave us full use of resort facilities and I enjoyed the use of the kayak the most. Weather hovered in the high 20's with a northerly.

Night life was great fun as well, with beautiful food, wine and company. Capt M was so relaxed, he forgot to bring a torch for the dinghy ride back at night! I couldn't stop laughing as we stumbled along the beach in the pitch black (moon hadn't risen yet), remembering reading about the presence of death adders up this way.

After 2 nights there we are now back at Stonehaven ready to look at the coral reefs again. Hot enough to jump right in at high tide.

Back in Airlie

Ahh, am now back in Airlie after my trip back to Ballina. This time last week I was driving, (first time in 3 months) back from Eureka after a beautiful day at the Thompsons.

It really was fun to catch up with family and friends face to face and so easy in this modern world.

The flight from Hamilton Island to Brisbane takes only one and a half hours, and yet it took 12 hrs from boat to Ballina! Anyway well worth it, but cold at first. Thanks to Bianca for driving to Byron at 10:30 pm. Then again on Wed at 5:40am.This certainly reverses the tables. And Thanks to Heidi for coming from the Goldy. I enjoyed every minute.

Timed it perfectly to see Mum, Marie, Lucia and Michael.

Caught up with workmates (coincidentally). Inspected the new/old worksite. Had Indian with friends and even did yoga and gym classes. Sorry to those I missed, next time in Sept.

Next trip is to Sydney in August for my sister's birthday.. fun,fun,fun.

Views from Gulnare

Here are some views to be seen on an overcast day from the boat in Gulnare Inlet.

Gulnare Inlet

Again there is a strong wind warning for the area, so we have anchored in Gulnare Inlet near Hamilton Island. It is a very calm and peaceful place and we seem to be quite sheltered from the winds. However ther are no walks to be done. It would be good to have a kyak here. Another item on our list. Does knitting use up as much calories as kyaking?

We have met up with our friends on Chieftann and their friends. We all gathered here last night for drinks and had to come inside as it got cold and wet.

I will be flying back to Brisbane next week to visit my family and friends. I am really looking forward to this as it has been 11 weeks since we left. Capt M. will stay in the marina and do some jobs on the boat. All things we have realised since leaving, like installing a salt water tap in the galley to save on fresh water and getting a wind generator to add to our power.

Langford Island

Spent a few days in the bay outside the marina in Airlie waiting for parts. Went to the gym and did 4 classes. So sore , could hardly move. Reinforced the notion that it must work every muscle in your body. Hope to go again to avoid the pain when not going for so long.

Eventually got out to Stonehaven again for superb snorkeling. Capt M tried his new wetsuit and was very impressed. Swam out to two bommies off the boat.

Following day tried Langford Island which is close to Hayman. Excellent diving here as you can go off the sandy beach as well as just off the boat. Now we are really getting into it. The water temperature has dropped but still ok.

Must invest in an underwater camera so you could see the amazing coral and fish.

Abel Point Marina

Some of the views from our Marina berth in Airlie.

Down Town Airlie

Here are some shots of the main street in Airlie Beach. It reminds me of Byron.

Hamilton Island

Have just returned from a trip to Hamilton Island by ferry. It is actually cheaper to go there and stay the night. So we did. Excellent as we got upgraded to a beautiful room with a kingsize bed and a huge bathroom all to ourselves. First sleep on land in 9 and 1/2 weeks, but not the mainland. The most people I have seen in one place as well. I thought it was packed as it was school holidays, however the bus driver told us it was quiet!

Another reason for going was the collapse of our water pump which Capt M will be replacing tomorrow. Not much fun when no water comes out of the tap or shower.