2010 August 3rd Airlie Beach and Reef

white knuckle reef

I couldn't write up the blog last night - I was just thankful to be back on land. Yesterday we were up at 6:00 a.m. to get ready for our day at The Reef. After being dropped off at the marina by shuttle bus, we waited with a lot of other excited people. The forecast was for fresh, windy conditions but this was the only day we could do this cruise.

The vessel, a 37 metre catamaran named Sea Flight, looked ship-shape. The very friendly crew greeted everyone as we boarded the boat. Settling in to "our spot" next to a large window, the crew suggested to all passengers to take sea-sickness medication (they had this on board for sale) as the crossing was going to be rough. We both looked at each other - neither of us are good sailors and because of the medication we both take, strong medication is not OK for us. We had to settle for ginger.

Cruising through the islands and stopping at Daydream and Hayman to collect more passengers was fine. The sea was that picture postcard aquamarine turquoise colour. Neither of us did enough research into how far out we would have to travel to Knuckle Reef but it was a 3 hour trip (50 MILES into the open sea). As we travelled further out to sea, the captain told everyone that we would be crossing shipping lanes for about 45 minutes. It was rough but not too bad - Robert didn't look flash but he was OK. I'm a tad better sailor than he is.

Knuckle Reef surrounds a lagoon and one of the reasons we chose this cruise was because of the pontoon that had been erected out there. The pontoon allowed for dry activities e.g. glass-bottomed boat trips, submersible boat explorations and just sitting around on the sun deck. For those wanting to get wet, there was snorkelling and diving as well as an enormous, winding slippery dip.

The water did look inviting but it was a little choppy and the wind was cool so we both decided to stick with staying dry. I'm getting really good at going backwards down stairs so descending into the submersible wasn't too difficult and most people are very patient.

We were lucky that it was such a fine day because the visibility was good (photos don't show it well). Shuffling along and looking out of the side windows, the marine biologist kept us informed about the different coral formations and any fish we saw (not many but enough for us to OOH and AH over).

The size of some of the coral is mind-boggling and so is its age. The protection of this reef is even more important to me after seeing it. Tony Abbott and other non-believers about climate change need to consider the consequences of inaction and not just to the reef but the global environment!!!!

I remarked about the lack of brilliant colours and the marine biologist explained that the photographers use a bright light and are quite close when photos are taken. The depth of the water also has an effect as does the amount of sun.

We both enjoyed this experience but I don't think I'd manage a submarine trip. In the back of my mind, I thought how I'd get up the steps quickly if I had to.

The cat moored next to the pontoon (on the left) with the blue-green slide on the left as well. The clear shaded area next to the slide is where the masseuse gives paying customers a massage. Don't think she had many customers yesterday.

The glass-bottomed boat was my next ride - Robert decided it would be too bumpy for him so he stayed on the pontoon.
I loved this mystery tour! We listened to another marine biologist explain different things about the reef, the coral and the creatures that lived there. The boat was skillfully manouvoured sideways, backwards and forwards over different sections of coral within the lagoon. Once again, the photos don't do it justice. Great experience!

Branch coral

On board the glass-bottomed boat

A delish lunch was served and after almost 4 hours at the reef, we left for home. The wind had picked up while we were at the lagoon so we knew we'd be in for a rocky ride back. Once we began to cross the shipping lanes, the sick bags came out, ice was distributed and everyone was asked to stay seated (or hold onto something if moving about).

An optional extra was a ride in a helicopter that has its own landing pad in the lagoon. A few people took up the option to fly back to the mainland.

The crew were marvellous - so caring and thoughtful. Robert had to get outside for some fresh air but I stayed inside but not for much longer. Using the walking stick gave me another support so that was good! I wedged myself into a corner outside and not long after a very lovely young member of the crew joined me to talk about anything to take my mind off of the size of the waves and how I was feeling. Sadly, he's a Crows supporter and  even worse, he barracks for Norwood. Dave grew up in Rose Park. Dave stayed with me for almost 10 minutes - reassuring me and saying we were almost out of it.

The total crossing in the rough part was almost one hour. I've never felt as seasick or scared in a boat like that. The waves were between 5 and 6 metres and they were coming from the side. The captain did an excellent job too. All of the crew were great and they paid special attention to little kids (one little Japanese boy looked dreadful and his mum sat on the deck holding a baby who was suffering as well; all of them looked fine when we disembarked). I'm more in awe of those mad men and women who sail in high seas - must have strong stomachs!

Once we returned the protected waters of the islands, it didn't take long for people to recover - Robert lined up for afternoon tea but I really didn't feel like eating (that's got to be a rare occasion). The sunset was special over The Whitsundays and it wasn't long before we docked (and almost kissed the ground).

Many memorable experiences on that trip!

2010 August 3rd Airlie Beach and Reef

2010 August 3rd Airlie Beach and Reef

Hopping Hitchhiker!

Robert discovered an unexpected hitchhiker yesterday in the Prado; a green tree frog had found a place nestled in a groove at the rear of the car. It hopped to just above the bumper bar and seemed quite content to sit there while Robert slowly dripped water onto its body.

After a bit of a nudge to get the frog to move, it settled down again. We decided to place it in a tree near the van as we didn't want to see it get squished on the grass (it was so hard to see against the green blades).

The Strand - Townsville

The Strand - impressive name, impressive place. Stretching for a few kilometres, The Strand is a gathering place for families, teenagers, oldies and those in between. A tribute to the armed services, nurses and civilians who died in wars is a significant part of this place. With The Battle of The Coral Sea in such close proximity to Townsville, there are also monuments to those killed during this time (including Japanese fatalities).

Further along this shady, park hemming the coast line, is a water park/playground. It's magic! Fountains, water cannons, water spouts, slippery dips, climbing equipment with an enormous bucket that is filled with water pumped through large pipes and dumps a mass of water from a reasonable height has children screaming and laughing with delight. It is great.

Some of our beachside suburbs could do something like this. Queensland seems to be very inventive and creative with playgrounds on the beaches. Interactive, fun, stimulating and exciting activities for everyone.

Bucketing down. The kids line up anticipating the downpour then come the screams!

Touring Townsville

Townsville - lovely city of the north. Ferried the car to Magnetic Island (Maggie Island) and did our own discovery tour. The crossing only took 35 mins (Bob was pleased with that). On arrival, we were pleased to see the sign "NO IMMEDIATE DANGER of a cyclone".

The population is 2000 on this not-so-small island - it has its own bus service, school, taxi and more. Some very appealing beaches but the water was still a tad on the cold side so no swimming.

One of the lovely beaches on the island.

Castle Hill Lookout - what a view!!!

There were many fit-looking people walking up to this lookout and it was steep. An older man was riding his bike up the steep, winding road.

At the top of the lookout, there is a WW2 bunker. Many Japanese aircraft flew over Townsville dropping propaganda; hundreds of people evacuated and went inland.

ReefHQ - living coral reef in huge aquarium - it's difficult to describe but we stayed there for ages just watching the fish and other sea creatures float and swim through the different forms of coral. This is a highlight of Townsville. Listening to the excitement from the kids wanting to know the names of the fish or calling to their parents to come and see this was great. What an excellent place to learn about the sea, the environment and conservation! My photographs just don't do this place justice (we are seriously going to look for a new camera when we get home).

Some of the coral looks as though it has been painted - the colours are so vibrant.

This turtle was so determinded to cross the rock bridge. It did not give up, kept persisting and it finally made it to the other side.

This aquarium houses several turtles and fresh water fish. Plenty of space for them to swim and they weren't worried about people; Robert peered over the edge and turtles immediately surfaced near him - probably thought he had food.
We watched them for ages as well.