Sailing the Whitsundays

Yesterday (Monday), Mark and I arrived in Airlie Beach. The drive wasn't bad at all - only about 3 hours even with getting lost a little. We finally did stop to get a road map. We ran into a little ran along the way, but once we got to Airlie, the weather was nice and humid. We just spent the afternoon walking around and taking in the sites. It is a small little town, but with a great feel. The water is amazing and looking out to the Whitsunday Islands is incredible. I can only imagine what it would be like on a nice clear, sunny day.

Rebecca just got back from a 3 day sail trip so we met up with her for the night and hung out for a bit. It was nice to catch up and share stories about where we have been and what we have done. We were also able to give each other some advice on places to go and things to see. I have enjoyed making a new friend in her because we are very similar in why we ventured out here to a completely different country - alone. We will definitely keep in touch back in the states.

This morning, I got up and went for a run, but had to head out at 5:30am because we were getting picked up at 7:10 for our day of sailing. There is a great little boardwalk along the coast, so I just headed north and got to see a lot more of the area. Surprisingly, I wasn't the only one up that early - I guess they too want to get the running done before the weather gets too hot/humid.

Our bus picked us up at 7:10 and we meet up with the rest of the group at the Abel Point pier to board the Camira - it would be our vessel (catamaran - sp?) for the day. First thought...it's purple!!! We got underway about 8am and what a day it was. Let me explain a little more about what the day's package included. It was all day sailing around the Whitsunday Islands (there are 74 total, I don't know how many we saw, but a lot), snorkeling off one of the Islands, morning tea, visiting Whitehaven Beach (one of the top beaches in the world), all you can eat BBQ buffet lunch, afternoon tea and oh yeah, unlimited beverages (yes, alcoholic). We could not believe the amount of service and food and drink we got on the boat. It was incredible and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Snorkeling - not as good as the Great Barrier Reef, but we still got to see some cool stuff. It was a short snorkel trip and we still had to wear Stinger suits, which weren't that bad. The water was a little cold, but it felt good.

Whitehaven Beach - Wow, simply amazing. This beach has the whitest sand I have ever seen in my entire life. It is so soft and fine - more fine than sugar. It never heats up, even in the summer and just feels so cool under your feet and in your toes. When we got there, Mark and I walked for about 40 minutes up and down the coastline. It is about 9km in length and only about 2o yards wide before it turns into a jungle of some sort - I have no idea what is in there...We saw jelly fish all along the shore and yes, I poked them with sticks. We also got to swim for a bit in the water and it felt great. Everyone had to be taken to the shore via a dingy, but Mark and I jumped in the water and swam ashore...it was cool - "You only live once!" Unfortunately, we couldn't swim back to the boat, but that is okay...

BBQ - great food! The best part was having reef fish - my first seafood since I have been here...I know, surprising! It tasted wonderful and everything else was great too.

Everyone aboard ship pretty much just layed out on the front netting, ate, drank, slept, chatted and just enjoyed the sights all day long. It is really hard to explain how great it was unless you were there. I could have stayed on that boat for ages. Something about sailing and being out in the middle of nothing but nature does it for me! I told Mark we should stay here for the rest of the time and just sail out to the Whitsundays everyday...

My pictures don't do it justice, but atleast will be good memories for me...