Jul 15
Sailing the Whitsundays
It’s been a couple days but Claire and I have been unable to write because we’ve been sailing the Whitsundays. Today was one of our first days to sleep in but because my body doesn’t know what that feels like anymore I’m writing while I let Claire sleep.
Claire and I arrived in Airlie Beach on the 10th and realized our hostel was out of town so we tried to cancel but no luck. The place was a dump. Our mattresses looked like a pack of moths had ravaged them with tiny holes everywhere. We found another hostel for the second night called Beaches and spent the day shopping. That night we went to our hostel bar and met two guys, one from France and one from Ireland. We laughed and drank while we watched drunk guys dance to tunes like Love Shack and Hey Micky. One was so drunk he could only raise his arms half way while doing the YMCA.
The next morning Claire and I boarded the Derwent Hunter, a light yellow tall ship and our home for the next three days. We took off on the open blue and immediately the salty wind was rushing through my hair. We passed dolphins and sailboats as we drove on. I still can’t believe this is my life sometimes.
Our first stop was at a coral beach that abused our raw feet. After the Great Barrier Reef this rocky and dying reef was no match. However, it was fun (and freaky) when one of our crew threw fish food at us. The fish swarmed, grazing my arms and legs. They zoomed passed my goggles as I snapped the underwater camera. When I stuck my head out of water Claire was on shore along with many others who thought the whole thing was crazy.
We sailed along until the stars were turning on and the half moon rose. We pulled up along the other sailing ships and dropped anchor, their lights twinkling in the distance like the stars in the sky. Our captain gave us a tour of the stars, constellations, and planets. He showed us Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Leo, Virgo, and more before the night clouds swallowed them up.
Our cramped sleeping quarters left me sleeping under the top single and next to a German on the bottom double. It was like sleeping in a coffin and I’m sure the girl from Germany didn’t appreciate me snoring in her ear. When I woke and climbed above there was no sun to greet me but gray clouds that turned the water the same sad color.
We made some more stops our second day onboard. We stopped at an island and took a small hike where we learned about ants whose bums taste like limes. Only in Australia I tell ya! But while our boat waited to take off we watched sea turtles break the surface to take a few breaths before they would disappear under the blue blanket. From there we were dropped off on Whitehaven Beach where we got poured on! Soaked from head to toe Claire and I walked along the beach writing messages in the sand and collecting some shells which were illegal to take but we’re quite sneaky. I found a sand dollar that I couldn’t pass up.
Our final day felt so much better when the sun decided to push the clouds aside. We went snorkeling yet again on Black Island. Some saw sting rays and sea turtles but neither Claire or I were lucky enough to get a glimpse before the cold water made us head in. Instead we laid on the beach soaking up the sun we missed out on yesterday.
As our boat sailed back to Airlie Beach our entire boat relaxed and enjoyed the waves. Once docked there was a friendly dog and his owner who helped dock us. We all took turns petting the tan and spotted visitor until we were told he was a coral sniffing dog. As we went below to collect our belongings Claire and I left the coral we found washed up on shore, tucked in a matt. Although the coral was already dead and the dog never sniffed either of us with our shells and sand we decided not to risk taking the natural contraband.
So now we’re in Airlie Beach, leaving tomorrow where we will arrive in Kroombit. Kroombit is a cattle station where Claire and I can learn how to crack a whip or join in a mini-rodeo. yee-ha. We’re a little nervous to see how that goes.
Thanks for reading J
Miranda