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| Barry and Matey salute the sunset |
We were sad to say goodbye to Angelique and
Vic, who have headed south to larger latitudes, taking relaxed attitudes.
A visit from Barry helped to ease the pain,
however. We spent a fun few days exploring Gulnare Inlet on Whitsunday Island: a beautiful all-wind anchorage. We even harvested some black-lipped oysters.
Barry excelled as chef creating two dishes and Matey bravely tried, and enjoyed, Barry’s Kilpatric. Meanwhile the traumatised Captain hid in the cabin unable
to bring himself to witness the feeding frenzy.
Inspired by Angelique and Vic, we continued
the daily tradition of yoga, this time on the deck rather than the beach as
getting ashore at Gulnare is challenging.
(The absence of trampolines at the front provides just enough surface on
each side for yoga.)
We then visited South Molle Island, where
we’d heard there were some great walks. We weren’t disappointed, but didn’t
have enough time for more than one. Interestingly this once-popular destination
is now a ‘private resort’ just catering to groups, meaning sometimes it
is ‘closed’. However, a group of 80 backpackers was expected the day after we visited so
while quiet there was a frenzy of activity underway. It has fared better than
several of the other heavily promoted resorts of last century, e.g. Brampton,
Lindeman and Keppel, all of which are now deserted.
We met up again with Tiana and Gary, who we
first met in Woodwark Bay. A fun and fabulous day was spent sailing on their
mega-catamaran with so much space that Matey was tempted to jump ship!
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| It looks even better from upside-down |
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| Unusual tree among the mangroves |
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This little crab quickly moved in on a remnant of newly exposed oyster flesh.
The opportunity for a feeding frenzy made it decidedly less shy. |
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| Black lips |
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| Size does matter |
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| He did have help with this! |
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| Captain bravely peeks at the derring-do in the dining room |
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| Exploring Gulnare by dinghy |
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| Always mature, the Matey succeeds in irritating the long-suffering Captain |
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Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla) at South Molle Island.
A big thank you once again to Karen for species identification. |
