Sailboats, Surfboards and Islands of Sand

One last email

Hi all

Well, since last writing I have travelled from Cairns back down to Brisbane.

After leaving Cairns our next couple of stops were Mission Beach and Magnetic Island where we spent time hanging out on the beaches and exploring the rainforest areas. We also spent a night in Townsville where we hooked up with Kirsten's friend Neal. Neal was a great host....even went out and bought a new BBQ to cook our dinner. Have to say the best steak I have eaten in Oz was cooked by a Canadian!!!

After Townsville it was off to Airlie beach from where we set sail on the sailboat Atlanta for three days in the Whitsunday Islands. We had perfect weather....not a cloud was seen for the three days. The Atlanta was a traditional sailboat with the look of a pirate ship. Even Ned, our skipper, bore a striking resemblance to a pirate. Highlights of our sailing trip were Whithaven Beach, the absolute whitest sand and bluest waters I have ever encountered, and snorkeling in Blue Pearl Lagoon. We didn't even need to dive because the visibility was magnificent. Ned informed us that conditions are only that perfect for snorkeling about 5 or 6 times a year. Other than that we spent the days jumping off the sides of the boat, chilling on the deck while we sailed along and counting shooting stars at night.

After Airlie we headed to Town of 1770 which is most famous for being the most northernly surf spot in Australia (as well as one of the cheapest spots to learn). Kirsten and I took advantage of the great prices and signed up for a lesson though admittedly we didn't have much success. Managed to sort of stand up briefly but in our defence the instructor said the conditions were very lousy that day. Was definitely fun though and we are eager to try it again at some of the better spots south of Brisbane.

Our next big stop was Rainbow Beach from where we left for our Fraser Island camping trip. Fraser Island is the world's largest island made up entirely of sand. We were grouped with 8 others, given all our food, camping gear & keys to a 4wd and then let loose on the island for three days. The coast of Fraser Island is a shark breeding ground so no swimming in the ocean. Luckily, the island has plenty of beautiful bodies of fresh water. One of our favourites was Eli creek, which you could wade up and then float with the current all the way back down.

So tonight I am flying to Singapore and will be spending seven weeks travelling overland through Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia before returning to Australia in mid November. Admittedly for all the great times I have had here in Oz I am looking forward to the culture shock of Asia.

Lots of love to all,
Alicia

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