Sailing was fantastic! Beautiful views, good people, cheap drinks...what else could I ask for, really? We were on two boats, the Pride of Airlie White and the Pride of Airlie Blue (also called the Kora). I was on blue, which we decided was better because of a few reasons: we had better music and we were faster. Now, most of us who came to this decision were ON the blue boat, but a few whites also agreed with us. So we weren't that biased, really.
I'm not really sure what else I can say about the sailing, the pictures really do speak for themselves. Did some snorkeling (or snorkelating, as the instructer kept calling it, we think he may have gotten too much sun) and it was a lot of fun. The water was a bit murky, but all you had to do was dive in a bit and the views were spectacular. Even got to wrestle with a big fish named Elvis. He's a really friendly, very large fish that lives in a section on the reef and comes out to see the snorkelators. The fish and other sealife were everywhere, although not a single jellyfish could be seen! Probably for the best, the box jellyfish and get as wide as your arm is long and there tentacles just drift everywhere.
One thing that most people (especially the canadians, we aren't really sure why) seemed to notice was that these islands really reminded us of Jurassic Park. I know there were a few times you could hear someone humming the theme song...
Once the sailing was done (and one last party night in Airlie Beach) it was time to move on. Which meant a nice, looooong bus ride. 23 hours later, I'm back in Byron Bay. Hooray! I'll be here for a while to refill the coffers and earn some money back at the old Arts Factory. Even got the old job back (hooray for that...can't wait to start those late nights again). It was almost like coming home when I got back. Only difference is the people here, a lot have moved on but some are still hanging in there. Anyway, I figure I'll be here a month to a month and a half before I move on again. Knowing this place, the time should just fly by...
Alas, I've got to go and get some groceries. Before I take off, the sun sets at really bizarre times...being a southern country, you always assume that the sun will set later, as its "always summer". You can really tell fall is moving in though, the sun is setting at 5ish-6ish and the nights are getting quite cool! Have to actually where jeans now...so much different from up north! I best be off though, hope you enjoy the pictures!
A few shots from the boat
Ahhhh Whitehaven beach, the 3rd best beach in the world and it's made out of 90% silica. Absolutely fantastic.
A shot of the Pride of Airlie Blue (Kora). Tough to see, but there she is.
