Hi everyone,

Thursday Rose went to do her bungee jump and as Lydia hadn't arrived I had the day walking around Cairns taking photos. Rose came and met me at 3pm after surviving her jump and we both went to the airport to meet Lydia. We took Lyd and her rather large pink suitcase back to our hostel then went in search of some food. Walked along the espalade into town and found a nice bar and grill where we sat outside, ate, had a bottle of wine and caught up with all the news. At half past midnight we went to the greyhound terminal to catch the bus down to Airlie. It turned up on time and then we were waving bye bye to Cairns.

Arrived in Airlie at 11.30am, after 11 hours on the greyhound. We all managed to grab some sleep. As we drew into Airlie the views were breath-taking, crystal turquoise waters with the boats glistening in the sunlight, I can see why the rich and famous come here! Checked into our hostel with was great, its own little resort with bar, night club and restaurant, no pool though so we headed straight down to the lagoon to catch some rays. Spent the afternoon relaxing by the lagoon and taking in the views. Had a few drinks in the evening, just because it was Friday night.

Saturday, after checking out and packing our overnight bags for the boat we headed down to the marina to wait to board the clipper. Equiped with 8 litres of Goon, how could we not have a good weekend! By 1pm we were leaving the harbour on board the clipper. She was a big boat, with a huge deck, big saloon, impressive control room and roughly 20 cabins. We got one of the cabins on the back next to the crew, woo hoo! We spent the afternoon sailing through the Whitsunday islands, it was a very pleasent experience, sunning yourself on deck while taking in the most amazing views, it wasn't even that bumpy.

By 5pm we had moored the Clipper for the night, facing WhiteHaven Beach. Spent the evening drinking on deck, didn't get to bed until about 2am, the stars were amazing.

Sunday, slept surprisingly well, the rocking of the boat agreed with all of us. After breakfast, we were taking in the small boats over to White Haven Beach, where we spent 2 hours, taking photos, swimming in the sea, sunbathing and just relaxing. All too quickly it was time to get back on board the clipper, we then set sail to a snorkling/diving spot. On the way we saw turtles, a dolphin and a small humpback whale, which was really close to the boat - awesome. Spent the afternoon chilling on deck and snorkling. Watched an amazing sunrise from the boat. The evening was again spent drinking on deck and playing games.

Got awoken by Dove and Adam and a fog horn the next morning, they are just such jokers! Rose was not too impressed! Spent the morning chilling on deck and swimming in the sea. Some people went diving and others launched themselves off the boat! By 10am we had set sail back to Airlie Beach. We arrived back in the harbour about mid-day. We were seen off the Clipper by all the crew. We all really really enjoyed the Whitsundays, the crew were great and the scenery just spectacular, its definatley must place to visit if you come to Oz.

To top it off we had an fun filled evening in Airlie with all the crew and people from the boat, needless to say we are all a little ropey today, but nothing some sun and a quick dip in the lagoon didn't fix.

We leave Airlie tonight on another overnight bus to 1770.

Will update you soon.

Love Hayley and Rose x