Howdy folks,

We have just arrived back from our sailing adventure around the Whitsunday Islands and again it turned out to be another amazing experience.

 After overcoming the small matter of an 11 and a half hour drive north to Airlie beach (really) we finally managed to checkin to our hostel around 9.30 that night. But instead of getting our heads down for the long day ahead the next day we decided to check out the bar next to the hostel. Well it was Friday night and happy hour was about to begin! So after a quick splash of brut and a lynx shower,lol, of we went for a few night caps in the Morocco's bar. A couple of hour (well around 5 really) and a few jaegger bombs later we arrived back at the room for a few hour kip. 

The next Morning when I awoke with a slight headache I realised that it was probably not the best idea I had ever had going out drinking before a couple of days sailing on the high seas. But oh well it was a good night. As usual we were late leaving the hostel and still needed to get the supplies in before boarding the boat. All of which we had to do in the next 15 minutes! So it will come as no suprize to you when I tell you that we were 20 minutes late and the last people on the boat,again.

We finally set of on our sailing adventure around 1 o'clock that afternoon on the 'Broomstick' sailing yacht. We chose this vessel because its apparantely one of the quickest yachts in the Whitsundays, so attracts young travellers with the same interests as ourselves, and she didnt let us down (you can see our interests in the picture above.lol.). Now seen as we were the last people to arrive on the boat we of course had the last choice of beds. Dave and Nick landed on their feet geting a couple of cosy little beds in the kitchen area, while me and Miller had to make do with hammocks at the back of the vessel. This wasnt too bad I could cope with this, what I couldnt cope with was the bed bugs eating away at me all night. Honestly I was covered in bites. 

As we got out to the high seas the skipper (Wendy) needed six 'strong' lads to hoist the sail. Well seen as she could only find three she then had to ask if Myself, dave and Nick would help. obviously we were happy to volunteer but Miller on the other hand just sat back with a beer in his hand watching the big guns break their backs pulling that huge sail up a 50ft mast, NO Problems...we were then flying through the sea with the huge waves crashing down on us heading towards the beautiful Whitsunday Islands.awsome.  

The next thing we new the skipper dropped anchor and told us to get into our stinger suits seen as we were directly above the great barrier reef and it was an awsome location to snorkel. Getting into our stinger suits was a challenge in its self. I think theirs been a few too many big mac's consumed on this trip. But when we did get into them we looked like the fantastic four . The snorkalling was amazing with huge fish swimming all around us, we even managed to catch a glimps of Elvis! (a huge fish the locals call elvis). We did take an under water camera with us so we will see how the pictures turn out.

After the excitement of the snorkalling it was time for the captain to find us a spot to drop anchor for the night. As we sat on deck enjoying a few beers and getting to know the rest of the people on board. The crew were down stairs preparing one of the best meals ive had on this trip. It was amazing, Chicken, potatoes and veg. I know it dosnt sound much but when you consider what weve been eating for the past 7 months this was like a gourmet meal. After dinner we sat back chilled out and continued to get to know the rest of the group.

The next morning we were woken up at 7am for breakfast. We dont normally see this time of morning but seen as I was getting eaten alive most of the night I was half awake anyway. I cant say the same for Nick though like I said earlier his and Daves beds were located in the kitchen area. But it didnt bother him he just pulled his cover over his head and went back to sleep. A few hours later we had sailed to another of the Island and were geared up to go snorkalling again. This certainly woke us up and when most of the group, including Mr Moore decided to do it again later in the afternoon, Me, Nick and Miller chilled out on the boat with the rest of the crew(Andy, Janelle and Wendy).

Later that day the crew dropped us of on another breathtaking beach to watch the sun set over the Islands. I know I keep saying this but again it was just another amazing experience and to make it even better the crew cooked us up another great meal that night, Steak, mash potatoes and pasta. Again that night we sat and chilled with a few nice girls from Nottingham and Cheltenham as we shared our tales and alcohol.lol.

The next morning we set sail back to Airlie beach. Sailing around the Whitsundays has again been one of the highlights of the trip and the boat and crew were great. Our next stop is Townsville and then up to Mission Beach for the dreaded Sky Dive. So untill the next time take care and speak to ya all soon.x