The Great Beach In The Sky

---

The big day. We awoke early to Trevors cry of "That was the worst night's sleep EVER. GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!", a sentiment that was echoed by a lot of our group. We breakfasted, and the set off up stream at 08:30. Unfortunately we were two boats down - Esther had developed a bad back, and Esther being the good friend that she was went back to the ranger station with her. Chris and Helen also headed back as they were only booked on the one night adventure.

Gemma and I, "Team Manchester" decided to keep at the front of "Team Canada" as the undisturbed water to the bow gave a mirror-like reflection of the imposing treas and picturesque blue sky. We paddled for 6Km passing only 3 other boats, a small and timid turtle and a huge dinosaur-esque Goana.

Having passed camps 1 and 2 we arrived at camp 3 and waited for Team Canada. They arrived about 50 minutes later, perhaps slowed a little by Chris and Trevors bottle of Johnny Walkers that they had been sipping at since the start. We grabbed a bite to eat and filled up our water bottles before starting the 12Km walk to the Cooloola Sand patch. The path up there was well worn, but steep and rough. The density of the forest was continually changing in density and height right up until the point that we 'summited' out onto the sandpatch, and got to see what it was all about. In the brochure the sandpatch looks just like a big sandpit but in the flesh - a vast expanse of sand high above the rainforest. Panormic views of the blue seas, dense green foliage and the snake-like Upper Noosa River can be had in all directions. It was a view that we savoured for a good hour.

After thoroughly photographing and enjoying the sandpatch we headed back to camp, stopping to swim in the brown oily river water (hoping that the bull sharks werent hungry!). The Upper Noosa River is not brown and oily because of mud and outboard motors - its colour and sheen are a result of natural tea tree oil in the river. This oil gives it is hue, and is also the reason that it appears like a mirror to the surrounding scenery.

After dinner we embarked on a string of nocturnal activities - star gazing (looking up to the sky), star gazing (looking in the river reflection), frog hunting (lots!), Goana hunting (1) and possum hunting (2). After the 8 hour journey most people were exhausted, and another early night followed.

---

Photos

The Noosa Everglades
From the sandpatch

Comments

[Suze]

Noosa
looks wonderful. Noosa's ok, but expensive. next stop brisbane? stay in Bunk - expensive, but has much needed air con

[klaus]

i love travel
i went to tilbury fort once!!!!!!

[Mum and Dad]

From the slopes of Val Meinier
Only 2 days of our holiday left and we have had a great time. Whole group is in one peice and Steve has impressed us with his ability to whooosh with the best of them. he can even keep up with Isobel and Les. Pauline's a bit of a demon and can take anyone out at about 50km/hour. Harry and Carl are briliiant on their boards/ Keep blogging we love the journals. Love u lots