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Published: November 13th 2006
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After a very relaxing time on Magentic Island, we caught the bus fro Townsville and headed down the coast to Airlie Beach. Checked into our hostel, Backpackers on the Bay (the only one that didn't have bed bugs so we heard) which was a bit out of town, just to our liking. We had an evening out which was ok, but being a Monday night it was quite quiet and once again the Ozzy men were very leary.
The next day we checked in for our Whitsundays tour and then at 2pm on Wednesday we boarded the Boomerang (our yaucht/home for the next two nights). To our horror, it was really small and when we were under the deck being given a bed, it was so hot we just could not comprehend how we were going to be able to stay on it for 2 nights. But once we started moving and the air flowed, it was much better. Me and Stacey were sharing a bunk which gave us about 30-40cm of head room, thought I might freak out from the claustrophobia in the night, sit up and knock myself out.
On the first afternoon we were dropped off
and went for the snorkle. Due to it being stinger season, we had to wear stinger suits whilst in the water - like wet suits but not as think - we looked hot!!! no seriously! Unfortunatly I had a dodgy mask, so spent ages trying not to drown whilst attempting to snorkle. Whilst I fussed around, Bekka saw and stroked a big turtle. I did manage to change my mask and saw loads of beautiful fish. We were then bought natchos on the beach and watched the sun set.
The next day we were up at 6.30am !!!!!!! not pleased but headed out to another reef and snorkled again. This was so much better and the fish, in their hundreds were fantastic. There was also a huge fish, about a metre long, who was swimming around. Chris, one of the crew, was stood in the little boat feeing the fish. He would throw it right in front of our faces so they swarmed around your mask. It was a bit scary but so cool. I then got on the boat and fed them, the huge fish (Elvis) would every now and then come to the surface and open his
huge mouth and eat. We were able to stroke him. It was brillient!!
In the afternoon we headed to Whitehaven Beach. On the way, a small dolphine swam along side the boat, I got a pic (as you can see) but its not great. Once we moared up near the beach, giant turtles swam by the boat, lying on their backs and spitting water. We were dropped off on Whitsunday Island and walked to a look at spot that gave the most amazing view over the islands. The different blues of the sea and white sandy beaches where just undescribable. I don't think my pictures do it justice but at least you will get an idea (for those who haven't been there obviously). After soaking up the beautiful scenery we headed down to the beach which once again was fantastic. The sand was so soft and when wet, it felt like walking in snow. I walked round some rocks on my own and found another little beach. I sat for a little while enjoying being on my own and properly took in how beautiful it was.
Later in the afternoon, back on board, I asked if I could
drive the boat. Johnny the captain let me, and I did a figure of 8 with the boat and then guided us into an inlet where we were spending the night. It was such good fun (though I wasn't great as I kept struggling with my left and right) one of my fav parts of the trip. We watched the sun set and chilled out on board that eve. The food on the boat was fantastic, Bella the cook produced amazing meals for all 27 of us, including steak and pepper sauce and satay chicken - we all ate really well. That night a storm brewed and my 2am it was tipping with rain. As we were in an inlet, it was not rocky, but everyone who had decided to sleep on deck - including Lou, but very well. I had a terrible night sleep as there was no air below deck and I needed to pee for 2 hours but didn't want to wake Stacey. Not fun!!! But I made it through.
Another 6.30am start the next day, rather tired and dirty by now (no real showers and a lot of sweating over night). Whilst heading back to
Airlie we saw 5 dolphines jumping together. Too far away for a photo, but me and Jo ooohhhh and arhhhhhed for a good half hour.
We docked about 11am and returned to the hostel for a well deserved sleep and shower. That evening we all went out and had a very drunken night with everyone from our boat. I have lowered myself to taking along a plastic bottle of vodka to ensure I don't spend $100 but still manage to get suitable drunk - it really worked! Felt very rough and tired the next day thought.
We have spent a further 4 nights in Airlie Beach after our sailing tour and have just been chilling out by the lagoon and doing some serious work on our tans. This morning, me, Bekka, Stacey and Katy went parasailing. Me and Bekka went up together and it was fab. We could see all round the bay and out on to the Whitsunday Islands. A fun experience and one I had not done before, so was cool. After, we went jet skiing which was wicked. Got the ski up to 80km/hr with Bekka screaming on the back, great fun! We are off
to a place called 1770 in a few days and apparently they do loads of different activities so we're hoping to get quite extreme with our sports.
Sorry this has been another long one....but hope you've found it mildly interesting.
Until Fraser Island....with love xx
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lakeelise
non-member comment
its looks amazing!
Hi bex, It looks so beautiful there-youre so lucky! Keep having lots of fun and take everything in your stride hon. lots of love lauraxxx