Turtle Soup

---

Last day in Hamilton Island and we had a trip booked to Whithaven Beach. We got up early and were waiting for the boat by 9. It was a sailing boat called Banjo Patterson and was to take about 30 of us to see one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The crew were great and after the usual safety stuff we were handed a 'stinger' suit, this is a rather fetching lycra number that offers all over body protection (apart from hands, feet and face) from the jelly fish. We motored out of the harbour and because the water was like a millpond had to continue on the motor rather than the sails. The journey was great with some magnificent scenery of the WhitSunday Islands. The journey took about 1 1/2 hours and I did not feel sick once which was amazing. We pulled up to 'one of the top 10 beaches in the World' and everyone else seemed to have had the same idea! Woody and I weren't brave enough to swim to shore so we got the dingy over. The beach was so weird. Perfect white sand that squeeked when you walked, this was due to the quartz and silicone that the sand is made up of. So to set the scene, us walking up a squeeky beach in the blistering heat surrounded by washed up jellies and people in tight lycra suits.. top 10??! After an hour and a half and a dip in the sea, yes with the suits on.... these even beat the Bridge Climb boiler suits, we swam back to the boat for lunch. This was amazing, fresh praawns, salads etc. We then went over to the second beach called Chalkies. This was more like it, same sand, no people
and amazing coral. I had never been snorkling before so after a demo and the sighting of 3 turtles!!! we were ready to go. Everyone was snorkling like mad and the guys on the dingy we feeding the fish it was incredible how many there were, all different shapes, colours and sizes.. I was gob smacked! Unfortunately we did not see a turtle under the water but after an hour and a half of amazings sights we did not mind too much!!Back on the boat and we were just taking our sexy suits off and I spotted another turtle... it cams right up to the boat... wow!!!! We sailed back as the wind had picked up and were treated to some history about the islands by the crew. It was a brilliant experience and had ignited my passion to go again at the Great Barrier Reef. Back to the hotel, changed. showered and packed everything up AGAIN, we were ready for the Mariners - a seafood restaurant. Great food, dodgy service (again) and excellent company - all in all a brilliant short break and by far our best day.

---

Photos

pic 1
On our way to Whitehaven Beach

pic 2
Swab the deck you salty sea dog and hoist the main sail Master Bates

pic 3
Whitehaven Beach ...... and debris !!

pic 4
Thomas the turtle. Drinks on Monday !!!

pic 5
On our way back from Chalkies beach snorkling

pic 6
Cheeky buggers !!!

Comments

[Jodie Greer]

lycra suits
So where are the pictures of you guys in your sexy lycra swimming suits?!!!! Ha ha