kez & hay travels 06

Going solo again, the town of 1770 was my first stop. I fell in love with this tranquille town as soon as I stepped off the bus.  Untouched and undeveloped the town has little changed since it was dicovered by Captain Cook in 1770, hence the name.  Backpackers are made to feel so welcome here, we were soon mingling with the locals down the local!  The phrase "No worries" originates from this town, so not having a clue about motorbikes or a licence, I set out to see the sights of the picturesque town on the back of a chopper!  After roaring around town for an afternoon with 15 other backpackers, I officially became a "Scooteroo".  The next day I tried my hand at surfing.  The waves were tame, perfect for beginners I even managed to stand up a few times but only for seconds so unfortunately no photo evidence.  Then that evening I shared a final few tinnies with new found friends in the beach front pub and said a reluctant farewell before boarding the bus bound for Airlie Beach.

 Airlie Beach, the main departure port for the Whitsunday Islands.  I spent a night here to recuperate and get ready for my first sailing adventure.  For the next 4 days and 3 nights the Solway Lass was to be my home.  The famous 127ft traditional Tallship was built in 1902, was used in both World Wars and is today the largest ship sailing the Whitsundays.  This was sailing Captain Cook style, all hands on deck when it came to putting up the sails but there was also plenty of time for sunbaking on deck and watching the crystal clear waters pass by.  With around 30 people onboard there was always a great atmosphere and loads of laughs, except for some mornings when the waves were choppy and vague memories of drinking games were surfacing!  We had lots of time for snorkelling but had to wear stinger suits at all times because at this time of year the waters are full of deadly Jellyfish.  I was lucky enough to swim with a giant turtle, he didn't seem bothered by my presence and so, for about 10 minutes we glided gracefully through the waters together.  We touched land only once during the trip to see the largest of the Whitsunday Islands and experience the most finest beach in the country and the most celebrated view of all the Whitsundays.  The 6km long Whitehaven Beach with sand as white as snow and as fine as flour was a picture perfect paradise.  That evening after dinner we had an unexpected guest, a cheeky dolphin doing flips and turns around the boat, chasing fish for her supper - now that's entertainment.  Back on dry land after a fabulous 4 days at sea, we said our goodbyes over dinner and drinks in town. 

The next morning I headed to Townsville for a day before getting a flight back to Sydney to meet up with Patricia again and to start the Christmas and New year celebrations - Last 2 weeks in OZ a blurrrrr...........

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all, let's hope it's as good as the last!  South America here I come.........