Today, we're spending the day at sea sailing around the Whitsundays, a group of 74 islands, aboard the purple catamaran, Camira.
This catamaran, appeared to be slightly smaller in size than the one we had out in Cairns; but certainly no less impressive. It was pretty hard to miss it...it litterally was purple in colour, except for it's name, which was painted along its side in bright yellow. It easily stood out amongst the other sailing vesssels in the marina with their typical whilt and black sailing colour schemes.
The skies above us were clear and sunny; however, in the distance gloomy clouds were present. I was hoping that's just where they would stay...in the distance.
There was about 40 of us who boarded the Camira at the dock and after a basic safety briefing we were off to our first stop: Day Dream, a resort Island about 1/2 out. Although we were half motoring, half sailing, I got the feeling from the crew that our progress was slower than they had hoped, basically because we were only using one engine and the winds just weren't up to pulling the slack.
The stop was a short one, only long enough to pick up an additional 20 or so passengers and we were off again to our first activity: snorkling. I suppose I should say second activity; as the skies above us continued to be clear and many were soaking up the rays on deck.
With regards to the snorkling, I'd have to say it was a wee bit disappointing. It certainly had nothing to do with the crew; as they were completely compentent in their preparations and protocols; but rather a series of other little things: my mask refused to stay clear - even after a soap suds rinse and multiple spit swooshes; as well, the rains of the last couple of days had left the waters a bit silty; and finally after being so spoiled with our snorkling on the Great Barrier Reef, our current location just couldn't compete with it in terms of colours, and variety.
Once we had returned onboard, snacks were put out; the bar was open (an all you could drink bar at that); and the sunbathing resumed as we motored/sailed to our next destination: White Haven Beach.
White Haven Beach is located on Whitsundays Island, a protected Wilderness National Park. The Beach itself was a brilliant white and the sand was the finest, as in tiny particles, sand I've ever had walked on...and it squeaked. Every step generated a squeaky sound under your foot...it was the coolest thing!
Given its National Park status, the forest behind the beach was pretty much off grounds...as such our activities were limited to the beach; which really wasn't a problem as there was more than enough to keep us occupied. Several us engaged in some extreme frisbee playing; while others of us chose extreme volleyball. Several were just content to take an extended walk along the beach and others still were just interested in a bit of swimming.
After a couple of hours on the beach, it was back on board for lunch: a buffet with choices of beef, sausage, and fish with all kinds of veggies, pastas and salads to go with it.
With lunch completed it was back to sunbathing and making new acquaintances. During the day we had met a couple of Canadians from the West Coast travelling across Australia and New Zealand for the next six months; Bart had found some folks from Holland; There was Emma and JoHannah from Sweden who where travelling across Australia on Work Visas and finally Alana and her cousin Tamara (and her two friends), all from Australia enjoying some holidays.
Ah yes, it was a good day.
On the way back , we tried to get a nice group shot on the bow of the catamaran; however, Captain John was not very pleased with so many of us on the netted deck , apparently it was only guarenteed to hold 10 and we were 15 plus. He threatened to stop the boat unless we disbanded immediately. Luckily, we were able to get a shot or two in before having to break up and "tip-toe" off of the netting.
For supper tonight it was back down town and then to the Beaches for some music and maybe some dancing... Where hopefully we'll be met by some of the new acquaintances we met today.
Well, Emma and JoHannah did catch up with us; but no such luck with Alana and Tamara. It still proved to be a pretty fun/interesting night.
We left the Beaches early and opted for a live one man band show down the road. Shortly after arriving, and purely by chance I ended up having a most intersting chat with one of the locals by the name of Denver. Well sort of a local. He currently calls Airlee Beach his place of residence; but wanted to be quite clear with us that he was not "from" the Gold Coast (apparently there's a stigma attached to "growing up" on the Gold Coast). Denver and several of his work mates were out partying hard on their hard earned money. The conversation between Denver, myself and his mates spanned a wide range of topics: What it was like living/working in Australia, Politics, where the world is going wrong and what we can do to make it right. Of course, as the conversation went on; so did the alcohol - so I'm not so sure how much sense it would have made to anyone else by the end of it. But, with the exception of Matt (our tour leader), it was still the most insight and
lively conversation I've had with an Assuie yet.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment