Airlie Beach really is a tropical paradise. Yesterday we walked along the 5km walkway along the palm-lined beachfront, sheltering from intermittent showers and then swimming in the man-made lagoon in the rain. As the water is warm, it is warmer in the water than standing in the rain. Once the shower is past, the clouds open and the sun is again very potent. The bays filled with yachts are an azure blue, when the sun is out. Not much swimming in the sea, as is it stinger season....and some of these stinger jellyfish are deadly. Swimming in the sea stinger suits are essential, leggings and UV tops work well. They also protect against sunburn, as the sun, even through the clouds is really potent.

Today we went on the long-awaited Ocean Rafting trip to Whitehaven Beach and snorkeling in the Whithaven islands. For the first time on our trip the weather was not on our side ....windy (70kms per hour), incessant rain and 3 meter swells were not conducive to experiencing the paradise beach and islands above and below the water. The big rubber duck provided a thrilling 1 hour trip to Whitehaven Beach, which has taken the number 1 spot of beaches. (My two top beaches I have managed to experience in driving rain - imagine how amazing they must be in sunshine!) Luckily I dressed for the weather, as most people on the boat were wet through by the rain and spray and really cold..which limited the enjoyment of the area somewhat.
The white silica sand and the swirling sands of Whitehaven are one of the most photographed tourist attractions in Australia. Even with grey skies and driving rain it was impressive. After some time on Whitehaven Beach, with most people sheltering in the water, as this was the warmest spot (!) and after lunch sheltering under the canopy of the rubberduck, we headed off through even rougher seas (didn't think that was possible !) to find a snorkeling spot. Unfortunately the best spot available was still quite rough and the visibility really limited. We saw some amazing coral and fish, but without sun the colours were really muted. So frustrating ...so close ...yet so far. We did feel that Ocean Rafting should have called off the trip, as due to the weather they really were not able to meet any of the expectations. On the way back ...1 hour of really rough riding ...everyone had oilskins wrapped around them, shivering and looking like a colony of drowned rats ! Disappointing ...but we have not yet learnt how to change the weather ...but we are working on it. What a time for our weather gods to desert us. Really really hoping that it clears over the next few days. It has been raining for about 6 weeks on the East coast, surely it has to stop some time.