We are now in the third day of five at sea, having visited Whitsunday Islands and Cairns, North Queensland. Whitsunday Islands were the stuff of Treasure Island, and Hamilton, where we visited, has only been developed in the last thirty years. We had a bus ride around the island with some amazing views of the coast and the flora and fauna. Back at the harbour we strolled around the various shops and had a a relaxing lunch. The sea was a bit rough and we had to use a large catamaran instead of the ships boats. Some people were feeling a bit queezy.

The following day we arrived at Cairns, a town of about 130,000. We didn't have much time here as we were delayed due to high waves on the sea, the Aussies wouldn't even allow the catamaran. We couldn't understand this as the day was hot and sunny and the wind offshore was only a light breeze. We weren't too bothered as it was a very ordinary place with shopping streets on a grid system - not much character to the place, although the scenery from the ship to the town was superb. We are enjoying our days at sea as there is plenty to do and the weather is very good. We are heading for the Philippines and should be in Manila in a couple of days. I hope we don't meet Imelda Marcos!!