Whitsunday Cruising

Saturday, 2 September to Sunday, 10 September, 2017
On Saturday we had a good sail over to Cid Harbour, then a 8nm motor to Hamilton Island on Sunday morning to pick up our son, Ben. He got off the plane in jeans and with a heavy coat as it was 9 degrees when he left Melbourne. We managed a short sail before the wind died and were anchored at Whitehaven Beach by 1500.

The beach and water are still beautiful but evidence of the cyclone is all around.

Stagnant lagoon and dead trees not on the postcards

We enjoyed several walks on the beach before the crowds arrived and the water was crystal clear.

The day trippers still come in large numbers which is good for the local economy but we did prefer Whitehaven in the quiet early mornings and late afternoons. 

On Monday a light northerly made for perfect conditions to visit Chance Bay. We kayaked and swam and Ben relaxed (easy as there was no internet).

Tuesday we moved around the headland to Turtle Bay and another picture perfect anchorage. South facing bays such as these did not suffer as badly in the recent cyclone as those facing north.

On Wednesday it was time for Ben to fly home. After dropping Ben off, we had a gentle sail to Cid Harbour where we spent 2 nights. We climbed Whitsunday Peak which was a challenge as most of the canopy has been destroyed so it was very hot.

On a previous walk before the cyclone

However, the views are still spectacular although it took a rest and a cup of tea before we could appreciate them.

On Friday it was back to Airlie to watch the football and do some washing and shopping. A win to the Cowboys but the Broncos down - lucky they get 2 chances. 

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