Further up the Queensland coast from Brisbane lie captain cook's famous Whitsunday islands where we would spend the next 10 days aboard 'Oceans Apart'; a beautiful 8 sleeper catamaran. The crew were set and consisted of ourselves, mum and Tim and the 3 remaining Burr siblings. Flying in first thing in the morning we caught an amazing birdseye view of its white sands and turquoise waters and couldn't wait to get out there. To set the scene, our trip happened to land in the peak of the tropical season meant the temperatures are high and the air is wet. Constantly.
Our first stop was the famous backpacker town of Airlie Beach where we boarded our vessel and sized up for our stinger suits and dive equipment (we also managed to arrive at peak 'stinger season' meaning that the waters were rife with box jelly fish. s***.
The trip got off to a slow start as we were caught in tropical rainstorms for the first few days in Airlie beach which eventually forced us to decide that we could no longer be held captive on our vessel so captains orders were given to take over the local watering holes. Fortunately 8 giant yellow macs were found on board and we trooped out into town and discovered Mac based dance moves that we never knew existed... Probably influenced by our salty sea legs.
Sai and I had a bizarre awaking early the next morning (our bedroom was cleverly positioned adjacent to the engine). Sticking our heads out of our hatch, Airlie beach slowly disappeared into the morning sun as we set sail for day dream island while Rosie presented us with another wonderful cup of tea; a skill she came to master over the trip. Unlike myself, Sai not only looks good on a boat but was also a keen deckhand and jumped at the chance to sail the boat. With a few pointers and poses for the camera, she safely guided us into the bay where we anchored up for the night. As night fell we tucked into a delicious seafood pasta put together by Ryan and left the underwater lights on with a few fishing lines left out. An hour later, expecting perhaps a nibble from a fish or two we found the bow of our boat to be surrounded by small reef sharks circling the tiny prawns on our fish hooks. The confident sharks teased us with their slick motion and speed as we watched in awe for the rest of the evening.
Once the weather cleared, we were on our way and spent several days sailing through the stunning waters around Long Island and Hook Island enjoying the return of the sun. Having another lie in one morning en route to Whitehaven, Australia's most beautiful beach, the wash from a passing vessel made its way in our direction. Unfortunately for me, napping away under the OPEN hatch I awoke drenched in complete shock... And later a flash of embarrassment as I sat up in bed with the sheets soaked around me.... 'could it be?' I thought to myself.... Thankfully I hadn't and proceeded to march around the boat accusing my family of pouring water over me. After realising how ridiculous that sounded, Tim explained to me what had actually happened. Shame on my name.
Our final stop in the Whitunsdays was Hamilton Island where we would spend our final few nights in its only luxury resort having some well earned shore leave. Ryan was quick to shore and as soon as he had showered he had somehow procured a golf buggy (the islands only form of transport). Hamilton Island was pure luxury and we soaked up as much of it as possible knowing that hard work was waiting for us in Melbourne.