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Two Chicks & a Climber Reach New Heights
The nearest point we were able to reach the Great Barrier Reef is where we stopped at Airlie Beach after midnight for the Whitsundays sail trip. With Cairns & Townsville's popular gateways to the reef, we were satisfied to have booked the sail trip included in our package. So we arrived Airlie Beach to find such colourful place with handicraft markets & many leisure choices.
We opted for Magnum's, which appeared to be the most popular backpackers out of the whole town, since it has its own 'campus' with internet cafe, bar, nightclub & restaurant area. However we were lucky to have catch the Reef Festival due next day. After arranging our boarding ship passes at the Tall Ships Adventures office & a browse in town, we watched the children parade, all dressed in costums of sea creatures, protesting 'Save Our Corals'. Such cute little mites!
As soon as the parade ended, the night hit off with live music playing in Magnum's boardwalk, the place quickly filled up with families, friends, backpackers both local & foreign, all gathering up for drinks. The town was still buzzing after couple of hours so we went to few bars before a boogie in the clubs. Met a local, Paul outside on the sidewalk where we sat, eating pie! Makes me smile whenever I mention Paul, Aman'll know why! 4 words... *Me laugh at you!* I shall say no more! We headed back early enough for next day's sail adventure.
Running late for our boarding time, we managed to link up with a Canadian guy searching for our 'Defender'. Eventually we found our meeting point with people all grouped up, munching on thier breakfasts. Once aboard, we were introduced to the ship crew, Capt. Gaz, Rickstar (One ), Geoff (the Quartmaster) Claudia (the Cook), Simon (our Butler!) & last, not least Thilo (a volunteer).
Briefed about the ship, showing us the ropes for lifejackets, snorkel masks & er, toilet functions.. etc (I figure you get the picture!) we then learnt what we'd be doing for the next 3 days & allocated to our bed berths, next to ours where we first met our 1st properly was Georgia, from England, who works in Oz. I was surprised how neatly compacted it accommodates approx. 25 people despite the ship's size. Beautiful with varnished wood, w got ourselves comfortable in our little corners & then sunbathed under the scorching sun on-deck whilst sailing to Tounge Bay.
Upon arrival with our dashing stinger suits(!), we were escorted to the national park by speedboat, plucked up the courage to speak to more people on-shore. We walked towards the lookout and there lies a breathtaking sight of the Whitehaven Beach. THAT'S what I call paradise. - so utterly bootiful *squeaks* that everyone stood still for a moment or two, taking in the incredible scenery.
Millions snapshots later, after a good 30 minutes literally we were there, we finally got down to the beach for a soak in the magical clear waters, We both felt like twits, having to wear our stinger suits only to soak knee-high but eventually the more we saw the others prancing about in theirs, the less naff & paranoid we felt about wearing figure-hugging lycras! Spent the whole afternoon on the beach, lying in heaven that anyone can nod off in fantasy...
Woken from my siesta, not remembering where I was at instant, least I got up in time to avoid risks of sunstroke! It was time we had returned to the ship for snacks & wine, mingling with the crew on-deck and watching the sunset in South Whitehaven. Pleased to have such delicious dinner, knowing it's a guarantee we have a great cook on-board, Claudia. Compliments to the chef ;)
In the evening, few Americans camped on the island while the rest of us had our berths. Got know to the crew better as well as the Irish, in fact basically everyone! Some people slept on the decks overnight, watching the stars. Aman & I found a little spot before bed... Some experience!
Day 2 greeted us with a queue of people in front of our berth by the kitchen, we were woken by the smell of coffee and it was time for breakfast. It was already fresh & warm early morning so for a proper first-time snorkel, we swam in Haselwood Islands but the currents was increasing that we relocated to Longford Island in hope for better visibility. Slight murky, we managed to see some fishes, chasing them with our disposable camera underwater, which didn't come out well at the end... ah well, least i've tried!
After snorkelling, couple of people got together, putting up the sails with Rickstar barking orders! Aman quickly joined in for a wee pull! With treats Capt. Gaz anchored our 2nd night in Macona Inlet Hook Island for a moonlit dinner.
For our last day, it's the South Molle Island for the Baver Bay Bushwalk. One hell of a hot morning, breaking our sweats to the Spion Hop lookout for the scenic views of the South Pacific. After Claudia's tasty luncheons, we lounged in the hammock area, in front of the ship when we were sailing back for Airlie Beach. Given Tallships Adventures cards each, the crew then announced a gathering with dinner reservations at Beaches for the Defender gang.
Few hours later back on the mainland with everyone glammed up, at 7.30pm people were wining & dinning together, taking tipsy snapshots all night. US-born Amanda from our gang, joined the Magnum's wet t-shirt competition among other girls at the Mass Club so some of us went for team support. Several raunchy displays later of gyrating girls, Amanda got as far as runner-up. Still remains our winner, u rock girl!
Last day in Airlie Beach to do last-min shopping before our catching our flight back to Brisbane. Stayed another night @ the Palace's before crossing into the neighbouring state, New South Wales where Byron Bay beckons us...
S x
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