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Josie's Giant Adventure
Hello
Just finished this post card and seem to have lost it which is v annoying. So I'll write it all again.
I am on Magnetic Island recovering from a stint of having a bit too good a time up the east coast. I really enjoyed my Whitsundays trip. I read an interview in a magazine just before I went on it, saying that it was an anti climax. For me it wasn't, I loved every second, well, apart from 5 hours - see sea sickness section below!
We were on a boat called Mollo. Its smaller than most boats with just 14 passengers compared to the usual 20 or 30. There were just 11 on our trip and 3 crew so there was plenty of space for us to lounge around on deck.
On the first day we sailed out to the islands and had time to go snorkelling twice and sit on a beach with beautiful white sand. In the evening we had a really good time, drinking plenty of wine and sitting under the amazing stars. I have never seen so many and I saw a couple of shooting stars too. On our boat there were 4 couples - a French Swiss one, a German Swiss one, a Canadian couple and an Austrian couple. There were also 2 other English girls, Kate and Jess, who thought along the same party lines as me so we had a good laugh. The crew were cool too - Jimmy 1, Jimmy 2 and Daniel. Daniel entertained us with jokes, some a bit inappropriate, and told us about him spearing a shark when he was 15.
I really enjoyed the snorkelling and it made me feel less scared about my introduction dive the next day. The dive went better than I expected although the training and the dive itself were over too quickly. It was enough to make me realise that I wasn't too scared to do a full course at some point. I will try to do one in Thailand although I think I'll have about two pounds fifty left in my bank account by then so maybe not.
Unfortunately after the dive, we had a 5 hour journey from hell to get to Whitehaven beach. It was really rough and most of the group were either sick or felt very sick. I also got covered in bruises from trying to move around a very unstable boat. It was worth it though. Whitehaven beach is one of the most stunning things in the world. We watched the sun go down and the pink sky looked amazing against the white talcom powder sand and turquoise sea. We had another good night on the boat with wine looking up at the stars. On our last day we had time for some more snorkelling before sailing back to Airlie Beach.
Kate, Jess and I went out for the evening and met up with the crew and carried on the party. The skipper, Jimmy 1, has an interesting out of hours hobby. He is a mean pole dancer. He ended up upside down and everything - a very amazing sight, particularly given that he is not a small lad.
After about 2 hours sleep, I left Airlie beach feeling the anti climax of it all being over. But I am having a lovely relaxing time on Magnetic Island. Its pretty quiet, but that's what I need, and its beautiful. Tonight I walked along the coast a bit and sat with some wallabies who were just hanging out there. Just me and them. Shame the conversation wasn't too good although they were trying I'm sure.
There is a karaoke competition going on in my hostel, but I haven't had the required 3 bottles of wine to give me the confidence to join in. By the sounds of it, the people who are having a go have had at least that. Someone is currently absolutely crucifying Radio Ga Ga.
In the next couple of days I'm going up to Cairns. From there I'm going snorkelling on the great barrier reef and to spend a night up at Cape Tribulation. Then on the 1st March, just about 2 thirds of the way through my trip I fly to Darwin for my last week in Australia, then onwards to Singapore, which really feels like the homeward stretch.
Happy Birthday for Saturday to Grandma, my travelling inspiration.
Lots of love
Josiexx
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