Water spirits

The wet season is finally upon us and, happily, this means waterfalls and rock pools. We’ve been drenched but it’s pleasant cooling off, though this doesn’t last long.

We’ve just spent a few days at Hill Inlet (beside Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island) to beach TC so the drive leg could have some attention, and the hulls received a scrub and polish. Luckily the wind remained strong for most of the time, which helped to limit the sandfly assault. (As it was, the odd sailor’s expletive may have been uttered.) Fortunately it’s a beautiful spot, and we found time for walks along Whitehaven Beach most days, with not another human to be seen other than as specs in the distance on the other side of the inlet. A walk to the viewing lookout meant an encounter with a group of backpackers and a photo opportunity not to be missed. Captain was devastated, though, not to have been chosen for the starring role …

Hill Inlet and TC just visible on the bar

Looking towards Whitehaven Beach

Matey does laps (in stylish stinger suit)

Hill does ominous

Paperbark and erosion

All this activity required preparation and recuperation and so was preceded and concluded by visits to the extraordinary Nara Inlet on Hook Island. This meant further exploration of the ‘main’ waterfall and watercourse, in flow, and the discovery of other temporary waterfalls. Matey was ecstatic to find one that was perfect for washing hair (not only because this was somewhat overdue), with a thoughtfully positioned seat/rock and a view of the Nara fjord while one’s weary back and shoulders were pummelled (before you scoff, remember the anchor wench’s winching duties). Ahhh — the beauty of hills, rocks, water, gravity and surrounding hoop pines and lush vegetation, combined with the thrumming sound of cascading water: it really doesn’t get any better than this!

Capt perched at the top of the main Nara waterfall

Nara waterfall

Captain collects water at a mini-waterfall

Would-be friend

Matey's hair-wash waterfall

Captain zones out during massage

Top of Matey's waterfall

View while washing hair

The hurdle

The long awaited and much anticipated day arrived, when Matey finally overcame her aversion to killing, picked up the rod and began catching fish. Well, one fish, possibly, twice caught. Sadly, once she hauled it out she handed it to Capt Butterfingers for dispatching (this has to be a ‘boy job’, surely). It was promptly dispatched, back into the water. But Mr Largescale Grunter kindly returned for more …

Rationale: it occurred to Matey that if you’re going to eat fish it’s actually less harmful to the ocean and its creatures generally, to catch it rather than buy fish that has probably been caught by unsustainable methods, with who knows what by-catch of other species (reality is, very little commercial fishing is actually sustainable). So, as a fish eater, given the opportunity to catch your own, it’s illogical not to. Ok – it’s taken a little while to arrive at this point (progress perhaps?) NB The ability to change one’s thinking on a subject surely is a sign that one’s brain still works. Matey would like to believe this anyway.

The New year’s resolution will be upheld. (Notably, the Captain of Little Faith was forced to retract his doubting words.)

Back at Airlie - Abel Point Marina

View of Airlie