This entry is dedicated to Nat - adviser of boat trips and all things water-related
The first thing we spotted n arrival at Airlie Beach was one of the Canadians, Dave, "chilling" on a bench. Classic. We later bumped into Stu at the hostel who said Dave had gone walkies with their room key.
The next day we set off for our sailing extravaganza around the Whitsunday Islands on what was probably the best boat on offer - the Avatar - dubbed "the Abbatoir" by Simon. We did actually have roast beef.
Our slinky boat, a trimaran, and apparently the size of a tennis court, had masses of lounging around space, unlike a lot of the bat where people were crammed in like sardines. There were only 21 of us, plus 3 crew, and it was a pretty good bunch. 2 groups of 3 Canadians (do Canadians always travels in 3s?), a Belgian/French lot, some Germans, a very very quiet Swiss guy, an English girl and 3 English guys. The English guys were actually incredibly funny and provided vey good entertainment which was great as a lot of the time Brits abroad are hard to handle.
A lot of the time we just lazed about on deck, in these cushiony trampoline style nets either side of the boat, until it was time for a snorkel or one of our many slap-up meals. We even got cheese, biscuits and dip as an afternoon snack. Heaven.
The first day we went snokelling made me think I'd really like to try another dive, so the second day Simon and I plucked up the courage, and money to go for it. It had been 9 months since I'd dived and 18 for Simon so we were a little reluctant to go off by ourselves, like the instructor told us. Sure enough I freaked out during the descent, and surfaced again before I could convince myself I wasn't going to die.
Once we were under though, I was fine, and thankfully didn't throw up this time. The coral and fish were pretty amazing, but the visibility wasn't as great as I'd hoped, but I think its the wrong season. We did have a few downpours of rain, but not enough to spoil the trip.
The evenings were spent star gazing (the clearest skies/stars I've ever seen) and playing overly intellectual drinking games, mostly concocted by one of the English guys, Eddie. These became too much for Mel, one of the Canadian girls, so we opted to play their Canadian "moose" drinking game. It's not really describable - it has to be seen to be believed.
The highlight of the trip was definitely n the last day when I walked below deck to find the skipper looking very excited as he had just covered a shell in a coat of clear nail varnish and it was all shiny. Who says you get bored at sea?
But I kid you, although the above did happen, the highlight was swimming with a rather large turtle just off a small island. Everyone followed, with Simon trying to hug the poor creature, and then to out great pleasure, the turtle paused, and then chomped through a jellyfish, completely devouring it in a couple of bites. Such a satisfying sight, especially when most of us had been stung on the face (our faces being the only bit exposed from our sexy lycra stinger suits).
I think everyone was a bit sad when the boat arrived back at the marina, it had been a great trip, and no one was sea sick. Not even me. Amazing.
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