Up early (before the sun) and straight down to the marina to pick up our fishing boat for the morning (tinnie), first cast and were in with a reasonable sized Whiting, this is more like it we both thought but threw him back because we thought we would do a lot better.
Minutes later and were both in again with a range of fish, Bream, Whiting, Flathead and an unidentifiable stripey fish, a dozen or so in total but alas none of them big enough to keep although with the benefit of the professor (hindsight) the first fish probably was big enough.
Our time is almost up so we start to head back to the marina but the tide is going out and before we know it we get stuck on a sand bar, the first one was easy and we used the oars to paddle off it only to find that we are now in the middle of an ever increasing sand bar and we think we have found a new event for next years biggest looser, 'drag your tinnie across the sand'. We are both out of the boat, ankle deep in cold water, dragging this boat for what seems like miles across the sand trying to get into deeper water. We even had a call from the woman who hired us the boat to see where we were. The worst thing was we were only about 100 yards from the pier.
We finally made it back, cold and tired and not even a fish to show for it...
Spent the rest of the day talking about 'the one we threw back'.
Day 53
We set out on a big drive, heading for just North of Rockhampton, got to lunch time and we had made good progress so stopped for more petrol and decided to push on, another stop for fuel and umpteen roadworks later and we arrive in Sarina, just South of Mackay and thought we would call it a day so got some shopping and head for one of the many campsites. Pulled up at the first and its compleatly full, not to worry we'll try another one. Compleatly full again, so rather than drive we call the third and surprise surprise (but without Cilla) they are comleatly full as well. Not sure whats going on in Sarina but it must be big!
With no other choice we continue to Mackkay, having now covered 600 odd km's and filled the tank up three times we finally find a place on the outskirts and settle in for a well earned rest.
Day 54
Woke up to find our lovely campsite was on the edge of Mackays industrial estate, what a lovely outlook.....
This site is also full but we have no idea why anyone would want to stay there (Probably close to whatever is going on in Sarina). Do some shopping and head on to Smalleys beach in Cape Hilsborough National park. A lovely, secluded spot a couple of km's down a dirt track, right on the beach with only 11 sites.
Call the parks office to arrange our permit but find that this is also fully booked!! (WTF)
Not in the mood for another long drive we head for a camp spot just up the road at Ball bay, pretty much a park with a BBQ and a toilet but right on the beach and only a couple of other people there so alls well that ends well we set up for the night and head off to explore the beach. I try a bit of fishing off the rocks but no luck but do see a couple of turtles splashing about and coming up for air.
As we are getting ready to cook our tea the weather takes a turn for the worst (pissing down) we have flashbacks to Booti Booti and batten down the hatches for a wet night.
Day 55
Woke up and its still murky grey but has stopped raining at least so pack up Polly and hit the road again.
Just about 100km's up the road is Airlie beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday islands, arrive and park in a camping area behind a backpackers (Carmens first ever backpackers) and what a contrast to the night before. Full of grubby european backpackers and only 1 (small) shower! Have a walk around the town and call in for a beer at one of the many pubs and establish that there is a barber in town (my afro is getting big) so make plans to visit him before we leave, Carmen also spotted a toe nail painting establishment and starts making plans for that.
Plus its Saturday night so everone is out on a big one. Armed with our $10 dinner and drink voucher for the pub next door we try to blend in (unsuccessfully) and finally have our first $10 steak since leaving Sydney (steak plus a pint for $10!!). Not a patch on the Trinity though and when we return our (noisy) neighbours have gone out so a good nights sleep is looking promising.
Day 56
Still kind of grey when we get up but get the bike off the back and cycle around the town, out to the National parks office (closed) and back the other way past the marina to Cannonvale and a spot of lunch. Check the weather and its looking good for tomorrow so pick up about a thousand leaflets for all of the island boat trips and start to wade through them. We quickly narrow it down to a couple and settle for the cheapest option, not the Whitsunday sailing experience you might be thinking of but (In Carmens words) a 'Hoon boat' Big Fury with 900 horses under the bonnet!
Happy with our choice we call into the pub for 'a quick pint'.
Several hours later (and several jugs) after chatting to some nice paople who have just come ashore after a months sailing from Melbourne, we stumble home and fall into an alcohol induced coma.
Day 57
Not feeling the best we make our way to the marina and to 'Big Fury'for our day out. We opt not to take stinger suits as it is the wrong time of year but all of the europeans are queing up for them (suckers). Our guide was great, a very dry sense of humour and he was cracking jokes right from the off talking about crocs and sharks and people are asking if there are croc suits or shark suits as well! The sun is shining and our hangovers are soon blown away as the 900 horses are unleashed on the water. First stop the world famous Whitehaven beach (even Oprah has been there) with special sand (so special that NASA even brought some to make the lens for the hubble space telescope) 99.8% silica which is basically pure glass. May not sound very nice but it was pretty spectacular and there is even an aboriginal word for the special squeeky sand (which we cant remember). Finally Carmen hits the water and has her first swim (finally)!!
There are a number of large goanas (big lizards) milling about on the shore waiting for toursts to feed them and our tour guide abliges them with prawn heads much to everones amusement.
After luch and were off again to Hook island for some snorkelling on the great barrier reef. Im all cocky during the safety talk, grab my mask and fins and jump straight in with Carmen a little way behind.
Its freezing though and so first in, first out, blue all over and shivering, i put on all of the clothes i have and sit in the sun to try and warm back up. Thats it and the day is over all too soon and before we know it we are heading back to shore, weaving through the islands and yachts.
Once were back its a BBQ dinner at the man made lagoon and we use up our 'free' drink tokens at the bar but choose not to participate in the 'how many pegs can you fit on your face' competition.
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