Day 67 - Adelaide to Airlie Beach

Oh my how early was our call this morning - and how little sleep; we went to bed at a respectable time but with our hotel being right on the Mall and our room at the front, even with ear plugs in there was little chance of getting much kip especially with all the late revellers from St Patricks night and the Clipsal 500. When we left the hotel at 4:15, yes that's right 4:15, the police cars were patrolling down the pedestrian precinct rounding up the stragglers from the bars. Pity they couldn't have done that a few hours earlier! Good flight to Brisbane though and a glimmer of sun so looking hopeful. Connecting flight was a prop jet to Mackay and we had real problems getting our flight bags into the overhead lockers; they are obviously not made for international travellers with luggage like ours that's for sure. Weather deteriorated half way up the "Sunshine Coast" and we were flying in cloud for most of the way which was very unnerving. What was worse though was when we were 60 miles out the captain saying it had been raining heavily and the plane in front of us had tried to approach 3 times before giving up and re routing to Rockhampton. We managed the landing though and arrived at a nice small airport, a bit like Bournemouth so the luggage came really quickly. We then picked up our hire car, this time a Ford MX6, very nice. Only a 140km journey or there abouts but intermittently the heavens opened and boy did it rain, to the extent that even double speed wipers didn't work. They do have some exreme weather here. Cloudy on arrival with odd short spells of sun but a very muggy 29deg with about 80 - 90% humidity. Definitely better at the coast so fingers crossed for the next three days as the forecast is not looking any better. There is a large group staying here up from Tasmania for a wedding, the bride unfortunately is here with her leg in plaster having broken her ankle a week ago playing basketball; talk about bad luck.

Went for a walk to the town along the beach front and got scared half stupid by huge signs warning of stings from box jellyfish and a smaller variant. Alongside were bottles of vinegar and what to do in an emergency including CPR etc. Not too sure I'm going to be snorkelling if there is a risk, just not worth it after our wonderful experience at Fiji, especially as these stingers are common between November and May. Have to say whilst the temperature is hot it's not that tempting as the water is quite grey looking, at least around here and with the provision of a huge free beach side lagoon/lido, swimming at the beach clearly isn't encouraged. Of course the hotel we are at tonight has a lovely pool so we're OK at the moment.

Will only be writing blog but not posting for at least 3 nights now as on board yacht sailing round the Whitsundays, full details to follow soon……………………