After Longreach it was Emerald and through to Carnarvon Gorge which brought with it rainy weather and flooding creeks. We watched a guy get his car pulled out of a creek and it was ruined! Thanks to our good, old Landcruiser, we were fine!
Instead of going back to Carnarvon Gorge (it wasn’t even that good), the next day we went straight to a little caravan park at Armstrong beach, just south of Mackay. We spend the next two days there, having a breather and relaxing by the beach. The kids all built a hut out of palm fronds and sat around in the sand, attempting (emphasis on attempting) to break open coconuts. When we finally succeeded in opening one, the milk was….interesting….and definitely unusual!
Then we were off to Airlie beach where we stayed in a caravan park last night and drove the last ten minutes to Shute Harbour this morning after a visit to the local markets. As we drove toward to the harbour the excitement grew for the upcoming cruise.
And at last, here we are, anchored at a bay about an hour from Shute Harbour, called Bauer Bay. We had a long briefing after loading our stuff this afternoon which when for about two to three hours but finally we when on our way. Our boat is called Out of the Blue, which I think is cute.
Everyone has a job when you’re sailing, whether it’s hoisting the main sail or turning on the gas. We all sat out in the cockpit at the back of the boat and took turns steering. Dad’s sailing experience from his youth is coming back and he is the man to turn to when in doubt. Sam and I were getting better at it as we tacked back and forth and the girls enjoy steering or just scampering about the boat in big, puffy life vests. Mum is adjusting to the kitchen and we are all adjusting to the constant swaying of the boat, which can sometimes leave you a little unsteady on your feet.
Right now I am sitting at the table on the cabin and I can see the hatch that you climb through to go outside. There are to rooms on either side of that with double beds. The girls are in one and Sam and I are in the other. The master bedroom (if you could call it that) is behind me and the kitchen is to my right, opposite the sitting area. It is all rather cramped but we are getting use to it.
I’ll keep you updated on the progress of the trip over the next few days because the Whitsunday passages is supposed to have fairly good reception and internet coverage, surprisingly. But if not then expect all my blogs from the various days posted when I get back.
So, that’s day one of OPERATION WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS! Can’t wait for day two!