Day 29 - August 4th, 2013
Airlie Beach
We had a lovely sleep after a gruelling few days on the road, and woke feeling refreshed. A quick breakfast and a text to Sophie and Dorian (our neighbours in Noosa) who were running the Brisbane Marathon today, and we headed out to Shute Harbour, just east of Airlie. At first we thought nothing of it, but soon came around a bend to the pristine turquoise waters and rows of 4x4s parked with their trailers. The world and his dog were out on their yachts on such a fine Sunday! We have to keep reminding ourselves that this is winter as we slap on factor 30, retreat to the shade and complain of the heat.
We headed back to the main town and parked up. The Airlie Marina is full of spectacular boats, several of which originate in Melbourne. Elliot's next adventure - sail Australia. Why didn't I see that coming? There were several signs dotted around warning of the potentially deadly marine creatures - namely jellyfish. Thankfully the season for the jellies is between October and May, so we shouldn't encounter any. However, I've scared myself silly over the past few days reading about snakes, crocs and spiders. I've now done extensive research about jellyfish, and has given myself a bit of a fright. I shall be hiring a singer suit to snorkel in! I also pray the boats have plenty of vinegar on board to neutralise any stings. The beaches have bottles of the stuff perched at intervals, suggesting to me the threat is real. With this in mind, I persuaded Elly to venture away from the pristine white sands to the man made lagoon, where I could swim freely without fear. I know he thinks I'm silly but at this point I really don't care! The lagoon was lush and we had a lovely morning in the sun lounging around. Unfortunately, my time relaxing is always limited while Elly is around, and he started to get restless very quickly. I suggested (told) he buy a book for these very occasions, so that I can be given a little peace. We'll see how that one goes.
We came back to the campsite to eat up the remains of our French lunch, and headed out to Wooly's to get some supper and chocolate rations for the boat! We also had a squiz in BCF (Boating Camping Fishing - a certain someone's new favourite shop). Once back, we started to think about doing some exercise. Elliot decided to tackle the hill back to Shute Harbour on his bike, and knowing I would only slow him down and sensing an opportunity for half an hour alone with my book in the sun, I waved him off. I set off for a run a little while later, but action man still had more juice in the tank, and he caught me up on foot after his cycle. The boy has an insatiable amount of energy. I'm hoping his mini biathlon has worn him out a little.
Back at the campsite, Megan and Ben had arrived in Barney (their van) and pitched up 2 sites down. They stayed a little longer in Agnes Water as it was Megan's birthday. Elly and I showered, and we all congregated in the kitchen for supper. We had prawns, sweet potato and courgette, and shared chocolate over a few games of cards. It's great to have a couple so similar to us who we can bounce ideas off, and also see some friendly faces now and again along the road. It really does make a huge difference. Off to sleep now, Whitsundays tomorrow!