20. 26/10 - 03/11 - Flash-Packing in the Whitsundays

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26/10/07

Bed Bugs, dozens of 'em, crawling all over our bed, on our pillows, on us!!! Probably the most horrendous nights sleep of our lives was endured, every time we switched the light back on there were more bugs crawling over the bed. Needless to say we finished up sleeping on the floor, which despite being less than ideal, did mean we managed a few hours shut eye. After waking at about half 9, less than chipper, I informed Amy that I was ready to go home, although this may have been a bit of a sleep deprived over-reaction. Ignoring the bed bugs, this place was spacious, air-conditioned, tv'd, walk-in wardrobe'd, and pretty damn perfect but still the bed bugs took the piss and I was livid, ready for a row, so when Amy offered to go and speak to reception on her own, I took it as an opportunity to let her deal with it, calmly!!!! Back in 15 minutes (apparently she sauntered up to the chick on reception, mentioned the words 'bed bugs', and she ran for the manager, pronto), Amy had scored us a new room and a free nights accomodation for both our room and Pete and Kellie's as compensation. Suddenly I went all pragmatic, principle was trumped by cold hard cash, and I cheered up. We decided sun-bathing was the way forward and sun-creamed up before heading down to the beachside lagoon which meant sea views, but no sand, perfect.......

We killed the day lounging in the sun, chucking a ball about and sweating, before heading back about 4 for a kip. Pete had managed to get burnt despite applying sun-cream 3 times, must be that Scottish skin......We got back and finally moved the last of our gear, pillaging the bug room for a few extra chairs, hangers etc before a 2 hour kip. Feeling infinitely better, and bug-less, we showered and got ready before Pete and Kellie came up for a few games of cards and some cold ones before we headed out. About 8 o'clock we were treated to a firework display, which we watched from our balcony, free and spectacular, result, although watching the sky lit-up, with explosions left right and centre, gave me that 'Baghdad feeling'. We headed to Morocco's first up, as we had seen posters for a wet t-shirt competition, but much to our disappointment (well mine really, Pete has some morals....), lack of entrants meant it was a non-starter. Morocco's is a total back-packer joint, full of young grads, and with a plethora of blonde scandinavian bar maids, I think it will be Barrie's idea of heaven, if he makes it up this way!!! By now the beer, vodka and jack daniels was taking effect and we moved onto another bar for more liquid poison. By midnight we were all wasted and headed back to Morocco's to dance the night away. The only major incident was the death of my flip flops, as someone stood on them and broke the strap. It was an emotional parting, they've been with me through all sorts of scrapes in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand (again), Malaysia, Singapore and thus far in Australia. The sound of me sobbing myself to sleep filled the night........

27/10/07

Bearing in mind we didn't get in until 2, half 9 came about a tad swiftly, Amy and I managing to get up and to the pool by 11, Pete monging in bed all morning til about 12, but Kellie managed to get up for a trip to the beauty salon by 9. Somehow Kellie sports the ability to go out all night, get trashed, and be the first/freshest up every day, whilst we all look like death warmed up..... Still, we've got over a week left, we'll get here properly hungover soon!!! Once we were all at the lagoon we decided to walk the hangovers off and wander down to take a peek at a local sand castle competition, before a snow cone (are we 10 again?), and a quick trip to the flip flop shop. Flipped to the max we killed the rest of the day at the pool although chucking the ball about was a bit of an effort, especially with some RSI going on from yesterday's hurling. By 5 we were back, and after chilling in our room for a bit we jumped on line for a while before heading out for Fish and Chips. Now, as much as it pains me, the Aussies do Fish and Chips better than us, then some. I was expecting soggy chips, greasy batter and wafer thin fish but instead got fresh chips, crisp batter and big thick juicy white fish. Bearing in mind I would consider it one of our national dishes it was all a bit painful, although the fantastic food on offer went some way to consoling me!! I also managed to attract another weirdo, a skill I have mastered and repeated in 2 continents now, which makes me........an expert. This particular one was hammered, a bit of a hick (classic outback Aussie) and kept coughing, which bearing in mind we were eating, was pretty irritating. Luckily we were finished shortly, although the others found his affection towards me hilarious, oh and cheers for helping me out guys and not just sitting there chatting amongst yourselves while I took a trip to muppetsville with my new mate!!!!!! We signed off the night watching Bourne Identity in the park (why do UK councils never put this sort of stuff on?) before heading back to watch the footie. Bearing in mind we were heading for Hamilton Island tomorrow (Hamilton Island is essentially a privately owned luxury island which we have decided to blow a few quid visiting, especially as loads of Pete and Kellie's friends are there for a wedding, but hey, we'll be back in blighty in 2 months, why not treat ourselves?), staying up til 2 to watch Man United wasn't the best idea but fortunately it wasn't the featured game so we got an early night. Pete stayed up til 2, which made the half 8 alarm call a little painful.......

28/10/07

We were up bright and shiny after a decent night's kip, Pete looking a little zombified, Kellie looking fine......again!!!! After finishing the packing and some breakfast we checked the footie scores on-line (United won......again!!), before heading for the bus stop and our 15 minute ride to Shute Harbour and our catamaran ride to Hamilton Island. We were all pretty 'pee your pants excited', Pete and Kellie because luxury and their friends were not far away, Amy and I because we've started to get really bored of this roughing it gig, and we could not wait for an immaculate sea view apartment!!!! One of the lessons we have learned from travelling, which ironically is the opposite of what we expected, is that we do value a bit of luxury in our lives. We thought we'd come away and enjoy not always making the effort, Amy not bothered about having stuff like hair straighteners (yeh right, she even cries out for them in her sleep. I sometimes wonder if she'll say the right name at the altar....), and me losing the lego man look, not always looking like my hair has been painted on and my clothes pressed barrack room stylee. But we love the benefits that working hard bring. Its not a crime to reward yourself when you have a stressful job, with some decent clothes, make-up (both of us..), a big-assed 'look at the size of that' widescreen TV (which i'm getting with my first decent bit of commission when I get home, fact) and nice holidays. Don't get me wrong, i'm still prudent, and I can keep Amy under control, 'ow, stop hitting me Baxter', but stuff it, if you can still put a bit away, enjoy the spare cash........

We made it to the ferry port early, and hung about around the corner from the ferry, chatting. We'd rushed up and got there with loads of time to spare, but ended up jogging for the ferry and being last on due to some 'concentration' issues. The journey to Hamilton Island (HI) was spectacular, the scenery picture perfect as we sailed through the plethora of Whitsunday Islands, including a stop-off at Day Dream Island on the way. Lush green islands with white sand beaches and blue water filled the horizon, and we enjoyed the view from the top deck. Our arrival in HI marina was like walking into another world, one inhabited by huge luxury yachts, cafes, restaurants and golf buggies as far as the eye could see!! I have to admit I was a little concerned that this was gonna cost an absolute fortune, but luckily a bit of careful spending and I believe, a bit of appreciation of our money situation from Pete and Kellie meant we stayed within reason. We waited for our complimentary pick-up and golf buggy delivery (apparently it is the only way to get around the island), and in no time we walked in to paradise aka our apartment. It was ground floor so we had a huge veranda with bbq, dining table, sun loungers, oh and a sea view!! We had 2 double rooms, 1 with an en-suite which we graciously stepped aside for for Pete and Kellie, and all the mod-cons imaginable including washing machine, dryer, satellite TV, including the sports channel. To say it was a dream come true would be an understatement, it was spot-on and made our 4 days on HI a great experience. As much as just being on an paradise island is, paradise, if your staying in a luxury apartment rather than cockroach and mossie infested dump, its so much better!!!!

After un-packing and donning cream we went down to 1 of the 6 available pools to meet Pete and Kellie's friends. They were staying for most of the time we were there in the same apartment comlex so it made for a busy social scene. We told the single guys about Airlie Beach, full of young, single graduates and party girls and they were sick, especially as they were leaving in 2 days and didn't have time to make it there!!!! Seeing as we had the choice of 6, we decided to move to the big pool with the island bar and sea view. It was enormous and was essentially a bath, not exactly the cool dip you needed to chill-out (literally!!). We killed the day soaking up the rays and playing ball before we headed back at 5, via the supermarket to get supplies for a bbq tonight. Being late in the day the shelves were pretty bare but we cobbled a meal together. We were supposed to be bbq'ing with everyone else but spotting them in the fish and chip shop meant it was a table for 4!!! We cracked on with the cooking, me taking the glory leg and finishing off the meat, the girls doing the less glamorous tasks of prep and washing up, whilst Pete.........supervised!!! The beers and vodka started flowing, the cards came out and by the time the JD and cokes were flowing, it was time to meet everyone else at the pub. We stumbled into the pub, a little worse for wear, Pete taking the driving role, despite the shandies consumed. To our (well my..) delight the drinks weren't too much more than the mainland, and we enjoyed a few hours chatting with the guys and playing some pool (unfortunately my powers seem to have escaped me. I'm more Ronnie Corbett than Ronnie O'Sullivan around the table now.......), and we even had the amusement of Pete getting id'd, although he was rescued by Carla's date who was head of security on the island and so gave the requesting monkey a wink.

During the session the boys decided a poker night was in order, and so, following a few hours on the pop, we moved on for a strategic game that requires judgement and a keen eye (errrrr....not after that many lemonades!!). Pete and I dropped the girls off first and bearing in mind we were all pretty trashed, Kellie drove!!! Obviously this was not one of our wiser moves, but it seems that lemonade driving is the norm here, as long as you don't go mental. We made a pact to keep it low key and get back ASAP, drama free, but someone (well a certain Mr Salmon), was a little too tipsy and was spotted dancing on the back of the buggy, by security!!! The lights went on, we were pulled over and I caught some evil looks from our front seats. Luckily he just wanted to inform me that nobhead behaviour was not appropriate and after some swift grovelling, we were sent on our way!!! We dropped the girls off, I was apologetic for endangering Kellie's license (!!), and Pete and I whizzed back to pick up the lads. The return journey was a little more racey, Pete 'Colin McRae' Shanks clearly not learning a lesson from our previous encounter, and with the buggy loaded up with 5 of us and some slabs of beer, we flew back to the poker venue sharpish. Now last time out I was rubbish at poker, too much to drink, inexperienced etc but clearly i'd learn't my lessons. I took a lead with some cautious then aggressive play, forcing Pete and Matt to buy me out of the game, although I did instigate this as the bottomless beer in my right mit was in danger of taking me under. Out of the game and with $50 burning a hole in my pocket I settled in to watch the Liverpool vs Arsenal game on TV. With the poker swiftly coming to an end I was joined by some of the others, although people were falling by the wayside in quick succession, leaving just Pete, Irish and I at the end. We watched the screen spin around, and around, and around........

29/10/07

I'd rolled in after 3 last night, apparently very noisy, but Amy took pity and put me to bed. 10 o'clock was a bit painful, although Pete seemed in a worse way, which helped ease the pain. The girls seemed ok, which was a bonus (no ratty annnoying chicks then...). Kellie had got up at about 8 for a snorkelling trip on the Great Barrier Reef (how does she do it?), so the 3 of us killed the morning eating peanut butter on toast, downing cha and water, and watching crap on TV. We made it to the pool by half 11 and sweated the rest of the booze out, before heading back at half 3. Pete made some badboy salad, cheese and salami sandwiches which almost shifted the hangover permanently, before we settled down to watch the Liverpool vs Arsenal game, again. Worryingly, and being a clear indicator of the state we were in last night, we remembered zip from the game last night, so we enjoyed the re-run, especially as it was a perfect result for us United fans. This was followed by all the highlights from the Premier League, where United ran rampant, again. In the evening we went out for a posh meal, but due to the late sarnies and a few days of excess Amy and I went for a salad. The beers were a real struggle tonight, and the pool was initially, but once I got into my stride the form started to return. Unfortunately we were all knackered so Amy and I were dropped off by Pete before he returned to spend the evening with Kellie and the rest of their friends. When we got back we stayed up for a bit discussing our future plans over a cuppa and made it to bed at about 12, with a million and one thoughts running through our minds (houses, babies, jobs, what is the best United X1 for the Arsenal game, all of the important things!!).

30/10/07

We didn't make it up until 9 and despite feeling a bit fresher, a decent night's sleep escaped me so I was feeling a bit whingey. We chilled in the apartment for most of the morning, tea, toast and TV our entertainment, but we still made it to the pool by 11. We settled into our routine of sun cream, sun lounger, swimming, Pete and I hurling the ball at each others heads, hydrating and sweating, although at least we were joined by everyone today. I was being a bit anti-social, sleep depravation (self-inflicted I know but c'mon people, I want some sympathy) having taken its toll, although I perked up a bit after we had done some shopping for another bbq (classic Oz lifestyle), and gone for a cruise around the island via the petrol station i.e. a fella with a can!!! Whilst almost having a head-on with a bus due to a wrong turn up a one-way system we spotted an enormous lizard gimping up the road in the heat, but our lack of Samsung meant we missed the pic. After we had dropped off the shopping we headed back to the pool and got some serious sun-baking in before Pete came and grabbed me for a spot of sailing. 7 of us cruised down to the shore and jumped into 3 small catamarans, with Pete assuming the captain's role, as he had some previous. In fairness my tuition was swift but effective, Pete and I forming a rapid team that whipped arse on the open waters. Pete assumed the role of Captain Pugwash, I Roger'd the Cabin Boy!!! We out-paced all-comers, enjoying not only the feeling of speed and grace on the water but also the spectacular view of the beach, hills and open sea. The tide was our only competitor and yet it held the trump card so we were forced to come in after about an hour, although in fairness the high intensity physical approach we employed was taking its toll. After half an hour at the pool playing a scaled up version of 'hit someone in the head with the ball' we headed for a beer to sign off a great day on the island, and a cracking few days overall. We got back in time for me to get my ironing fix before we all mucked in and got the bbq going. Carla and Gemma joined the 4 of us and after eating, they along with Kellie took us to town on a new cards game called Donkey. Pete actually lost, which is always satisfying, although I don't think it would be wise to play this when too much alcohol is involved, it could get pretty physical!!

31/10/07

Despite a relatively early night 7 o'clock came around oh so quickly, especially when you consider that 9 has been about the earliest we have managed to wake-up for a while now. After another round of peanut butter on toast and tea we finished off the packing, cleaned the apartment and were whisked away to the airport for our short hop to the mainland at 07:45. Yesterday we had a bit of a bonus on the transport front as Matt had a mate who pulled a few strings and scored us a flight back to the mainland on a 15 seater Cessna. This was confirmed yesterday around the pool where Matt had to ask for everyone's weight, including luggage, which went down like a lead balloon!!!! Our flight wasn't due to take-off until nearly 9 so we were fashionably early, the others, fashionably late (well technically on-time, but I always think that cutting it fine is essentially lateness.....). I missed a trick before take-off, failing to shout quick enough when the co-pilot's seat was offered, Carla beating everyone to that one, so we all settled in the cheap seats. Cheap seats or not however the journey was certainly an experience, the size of the aircraft meaning we felt every gust of wind, which certainly made it a little more fun. The big plus was the clear skies and consequently jaw-dropping views of the Whitsunday Islands and the mainland, as we could see coral, white sand beaches, greenery fringed hilltops and clear blue seas for miles around. It is certainly an opportunity I wouldn't have missed and went someway to compensating Kellie for the helicopter ride over the islands she never got to experience (Pete you are such a tight bastard, must be that Scottish blood...). Whilst take-off was smooth, landing was a little more buffety (is that a word), as we bounced along the grass runway, but we safely came to a halt. As we dis-embarked the captain took the opportunity to bid us farewell, and the airport staff escorted us to our waiting taxi, now this is the way to travel!!!

Within no time we were at our new accomodation back on Airlie Beach, although unfortunately we couldn't check back into our previous accomodation. The new place was a little rough around the edges, shared bathrooms and tiny rooms a major come down from our 4 days of luxury, and the place had that 'just graduated, drink myself to destruction, 2 for 1 on Jagermeister feel' but hey, we could be 21 again!! After dumping the bags we headed for the lagoon and enjoyed yet another day of sun, sun, sun, although my obsession with sun-baking is probably gonna turn me into The King of Crow's Feet (a mythical yet sun-damaged land) or the new Ron Atkinson!!! Amy and I did take a quick time-out to see if we could book a couple of rooms in our previous place, Koala, as our current abode was minute. Luckily we managed to check Pete and Kellie in for the duration of their stay, us, well into next week, as we are planning to head north towards Cairns by the 6th. After sorting this, and letting the guys know (I never knew Pete and Kellie could do synchronised cartwheels), we headed back to the lagoon for a while, although Amy broke the afternoon up with a mid-afternoon kip, me saving my power nap to early evening. I woke at 7 when Amy returned after a couple of Vodkas in the bar and after a quick shower and shave was good to go.

Amy and I decided fish and chips was the way forward so after a quick chat with the others, who were well on their way on the alcohol-front, we headed out for a marine feast. Luckily we caught the shop at the right time, just before closing, and the chef chucked in a few extras, leaving Amy and I with enough food to sink a battleship!!! We gallantly attacked the feast and made some serious in-roads before we decided that anymore was gonna seriously curb the effects of alcohol. In 'going tactical' mode we had a quick walk to allow our food to settle before we joined the others and got on it!! The schooners, wine, vodka and Jack Daniels were flowing, and after an hour playing catch-up in the first bar, we cracked on to the main bar in the strip, Beaches, which was complete with wall-to-wall youngsters, suitably attired in Haloween dress. By now the guys were on jugs, saving trips to the busy bar and the girls were getting through the vodka with gusto. By the time we left Beaches we were all well on our way and our next drinking hole, an Irish Bar, hardly signalled a lull in proceedings. By now beer was a thing of the past and only spirits could get the job done and we motored through a fair few before finishing off the night in the Evolution night club, essentially Airlie Beach's Prague Junction, the similarity extending to the disco fudge making flip flops less than appropriate footwear!!! Another dance off kicked off, again, the break dancing came out, but I managed to string something together before my turn was up and total humiliation was averted. Amy and I bailed at 1, seriously worse for wear and dreading the half 9 alarm call which preceeded our check-out at 10, although we did have a move back to Koala Guest House to look forward to.........

01/11/07

Our shared bathroom at half 9 was total carnage, the reek of booze and puffy eyes being all to evident, but we all managed to pull it together and get out by 10. Pete, Kellie, Amy and I were staying on Airlie Beach but the others were heading back today to their luxury apartments on Hamilton Island (lucky bastards, not that i'm bitter........) We trudged up the road, luggage-laden, Pete and I still feeling half-cut, and the bags seemed somewhat heavier today.....We dumped our sacks in the luggage hold as check-in wasn't until 1 but due to some pointed questions yesterday we already knew the score so our beach bags were already primed and good to go. After saying farewell to the others Kellie, Amy and I headed for the lagoon where we soaked up some rays, although Pete wasn't ready for sun so killed a couple of hours on the internet. After we'd had lunch Pete minced back to the pool, still looking a little worse for wear, and Amy went to the guest house to check us in, and like a star, and remember, on a hangover, shifted all our bags the 150 yards up to our rooms!!!! Shortly after her return Pete and Kellie wandered up to sort their luggage in their room, and depsite Pete's protests, Kellie quickly got his arse in gear and dragged him along.......The afternoon was finished off with a 2 hour nap, all round, and we decided that the best thing to do to settle our stomach's, was a curry!!! Kellie went for the healthy and sensible choice, seafood, whilst we all got stuck into a plate of carbs, creamy sauce and gee, although it definitely hit the spot. We complented the meal with a bit of home comfort by enjoying the UK's national dish, Chicken Tikka Masala!!! It was a great feast and apparently a decent Indian is somewhat rare in Australia so I think Pete and Kellie will be back tomorrow to make the most of the opportunity!!

02/11/07

After an early night and about 10 hours shut eye we woke feeling infinitely better than yesterday, although this was gonna be our last full day with Pete and Kellie which was a bit gutting. We made the most of the opportunity and got to the lagoon by 11, Pete and I pushing our bodies, or more accurately our injured right arms to the limit, forcing another 'chucking the ball at each others heads' session into the itinery. In fairness we are all pretty much done with sun-bathing now so cards took on the entertainers role as Kellie kicked arse at Shithead, forcing Pete to come up with a new game which kept us busy for a couple of hours. We didn't make it back til 6, but still managed to fit in a quick internet session (well checking the footie news....) before heading out for dinner at half 7. Unsuprisingly Pete and Kellie went down the curry route, although I think they were left a little disappointed by today's meal, and the service was less than prompt. Amy and I killed our noodle/rice craving with some Asian grub which brought back a few memories, and after finishing up we headed over to the lagoon to play some cards. Yet again I was discovered by the weirdo, a stoned and pissed Canadian (although I suspect American. Apparently they play the Canadian card to avoid being labelled a gun-toting ignoramous, or whatever you think Yanks are...), who skated in on his board, offered us some of his munchies, 'do you want some cookies dudes?', and sat with us for 15 minutes trying to learn the rules of shithead, before eventually skating off after the security guard caught him boozing. This lucky escape prompted us to down cards and head for a bar over-looking the main strip for some people watching. We found a seat as far from the 'live music' aka krap-aoke (?) and enjoyed a few drinks whilst watching the pissed morons stumble up the street and the elite drunkards, end up in the police wagon, just like any UK city centre on a saturday night!! I did notice one major difference between the UK and Australian cops however. The cops here are dressed like special forces soldiers, and arrest like them, 1 managing to nail and pin a drunkard single-handedly!! Maybe we don't need more coppers in the UK, we just need some of these Robocops!!!!!!! We ended having a late one, chatting about weddings, the future, the rest of our travels, Pete and Kellie's plans etc.....glad i'm not setting the alarm early and then travelling for 9 hours tomorrow.....

03/11/07

Half 9 came about all too quickly and Pete and Kellie shortly knocked on our door to dump their luggage before we killed the morning at, you guessed it.....the lagoon!!!! The curtains came down on Pete and I's pool antics and hopefully we haven't caused any long-term damage to our chucking arms, although that remains to be seen........Today was the first insanely hot day we've had here, the rest have all been unbearably hot but this was ridiculous, and we quickly sought refuge from the rays. We saw Pete and Kellie off at 1, although not before a quick mix-up on the buses left us with that sinking feeling as an airport transfer coach drove off into the horizon, Pete and Kellie-less!!!! Saying goodbye was a bit of a gutter as we've really enjoyed the last 2/3 weeks with them. We've had a great insight into Aussie life, which, believe me, is not what we would have discovered if we had stuck to the back-packer trail, and we also got to spend time with their friends, which was great fun. We've seen some amazing sights, beaches and cities, as well as enjoying the luxury of Hamilton Island, although admittedly the wallet has taken a battering. Most importantly we got to spend time with our friends, which, if you can coincide it with travelling, makes the experience 10 times better. We may need a couple of days for the livers to regenerate and the waistline to shrink but its been a blast!!! Luckily they'll be in the UK next July for our wedding, and we'll be back in 12 months for their wedding in Melbourne, so its not adios for long. Sadly the bank statements have signalled an end to our flash-packing, or maybe not, where is the credit card.......?

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Photos

Airlie Beach
The Lagoon

Hamilton Island
View from Our Apartment

Hamilton Island
Pete and Kellie enjoying the Island Bar

Hamilton Island
Our apartment, this isn't backpacking

Hamilton Island
Cockatoo's on our patio

Hamilton Island
Pete's earning his keep!!!

Hamilton Island
Beautiful beach

Hamilton Island
Possums in our garden, they weren't camera shy!!!

Hamilton Island
Matt in the complimentary golf buggy!!!

Hamilton Island
Our Plane belfore take off

Hamilton Island
Our flight back to Airlie beach

Hamilton Island
The view of the whitsundays islands

Airlie Beach
View of the marina

Airlie Beach
Night out in Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach
Pete and Kellie gettin into the grove!!!!

Airlie Beach
Last night with pete and kellie