The morning dawned. Awash with excitement (and sweat!) we dragged our bags along the main street to the Ozsail office. To discover that 1. they couldn't take our bags, so we had to drag them all the way back again, and 2. the boat we were headed out on had changed AGAIN. From Habibi to Mandrake, we were now setting out on Avatar. All we knew was that it was a catamaran. This was enough to give good vibes. Walked around the familiar baking boardwalk to the marina, to be greeted by a huge group of men. Ok. Don't panic. We appeared to be the only females on a 30 strong outing. (As it turned out there were two more, but they were travelling as couples)
Then round the corner came our deck hand. We could barely believe our eyes. It was the dreadlocked flasher from the day before! Talk about a bizarre coincidence... He turned out to be ok - funny, if a little disturbing at times...!
The boat was beautiful. It holds the record of at one point being the fastest boat on the East Coast - winning the Sydney to Hobart race etc. Now its kitted out with loads of tiny cabins, big enough to roughly fit two people lying side by side, as long as they dont move, or breathe too much. Our berth was open plan and right next to the kitchen. The men eyed us strangely. We were a little afraid.
Until we left the harbour, whereupon we forgot all our worries as we motored out into the bluest of waters, under a baking hot sun.
Words really cant describe how amazing the next few days were, so I will keep it brief, and let images do the talking. We stopped for snorkelling and were beseiged by jellyfish - the little blighters still managed to sting us, despite the insane stinger suits that we were all told it was compulsory to wear (like morph suits... but even more unattractive...) before outrunning a storm and heading to Whitehaven beach to moor overnight. The sunset was absolutely breathtaking.
Then round the corner came our deck hand. We could barely believe our eyes. It was the dreadlocked flasher from the day before! Talk about a bizarre coincidence... He turned out to be ok - funny, if a little disturbing at times...!
The boat was beautiful. It holds the record of at one point being the fastest boat on the East Coast - winning the Sydney to Hobart race etc. Now its kitted out with loads of tiny cabins, big enough to roughly fit two people lying side by side, as long as they dont move, or breathe too much. Our berth was open plan and right next to the kitchen. The men eyed us strangely. We were a little afraid.
Until we left the harbour, whereupon we forgot all our worries as we motored out into the bluest of waters, under a baking hot sun.
Words really cant describe how amazing the next few days were, so I will keep it brief, and let images do the talking. We stopped for snorkelling and were beseiged by jellyfish - the little blighters still managed to sting us, despite the insane stinger suits that we were all told it was compulsory to wear (like morph suits... but even more unattractive...) before outrunning a storm and heading to Whitehaven beach to moor overnight. The sunset was absolutely breathtaking.
The night was so hot and sticky that we all slept on deck. I've always wanted to do this. However, after waking up with a twisted spine, cricked neck and covered already in dew and sweat, I thought a little different! It was relentlessly, overpoweringly hot. Therefore, waking up at 6 wasnt too much of a hardship!
We circled the headland to a popular turtle breeding ground (two sightings in 5 mins!), waiting for the tide to rise. And then, amazingly, we were able to be the first people on Whitehaven Beach! Our photos from the lookout arent lying - the worlds 2nd most beautiful beach was completely empty and unblemished!
Consisting of something like 98% silica, the sand is pure white and like stepping on talcum powder. It is considered so valuable that the fine for removing even a small amount is $5000. The sea was completely clear and the perfect temperature. It was truly a dream, with huge rays and lemon sharks in the lagoon to put the icing on the whole experience.
Stopped to feed some sea eagles that the Captain was on first name terms with (as all good old sea dogs are...!) He was an awesome guy - 26 years skippering boats under his belt, he had had two huge skin cancers removed from his forehead the day before and was still at work the next day. His knowledge of the area was invaluable. He then took us to a spot where he pretty much guaranteed we could swim with turtles. The tourists looked at each other with some disbelief. Yeah, yeah, thats what they all say...
But no, in this case, it was no exaggeration. Within minutes we had seen one, which happily meandered around us, oblivious, or just unfussed by our company. After half an hour, I had seen four more!!!! And enjoyed long, unhurried swims (and the odd shell pat). It was magical. As was the sunset.
Three very happy friends.
After a night of hilarious drinking games, the Swedish, Dutch and German tourists having various hysterically funny language slips etc we drifted off on the deck. Another unblemished morning took us on the journey back to Airlie Beach. It was an utterly unforgettable experience, and without a doubt some of the best days of my life. I feel so, so lucky that despite all the chaos ensuing elsewhere we managed to have such an amazing time.
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