Woodwark Bay and Blue Pearl Bay

60^th AUS Trip Blog 8

Once Bob had released us to the whim of wind and wave, we headed out of Airlie Harbor and had to decide where to go. Too cautiously, in retrospect, we decided not to head to the islands but to sail northwest along the coast to Woodlark Bay. We were hoping to avoid the crowded anchorages off of Whitsunday and Hook Islands, particularly as those anchorages get TV reception and the AFL Grand Final was on that afternoon. However, as the breezes were very light and the seas calm, to get to the islands that day might have been the better call. Woodlark Bay was indeed deserted, but the water was no good for snorkeling and the beach only ordinary. There are usually reasons why nobody is in a particular spot.

The skipper and the Commodore on the job 

But for a first cruise of a couple hours, plus the first real anchoring, and a general need to get everyone comfortable, it was a good afternoon. We swam, we walked on the beach, Margaret cooked pasta and a delicious marinade and we retired early.

 

Woodwark Bay

The next morning, Sunday September 30^th, we prepared to sail to the islands. It interests me that as we all hover around 60, we cherish our morning routines. In a group that is very congenial and tolerant, we have nonetheless been dancing around each other while trying to maintain our own regimens. For example, I like to ease into my mornings, having a couple of coffees (tea when in Australia), reading, writing and breakfasting a couple of hours after awaking. Andrew and Margaret also appear to ease into their days, but more quickly than I do. Dave is a chatterbox right out of the gate, usually greeting you with something like – “Hey Pete, what are your views on global warming?” And then there is Kank, who jumps out of bed like a woman possessed and tries to get in three hours of exercise before breakfast. I have been amazed. She first swims for an hour, then kayaks for half an hour, and then goes for a walk on the beach. That’s if we have to leave early.

 

Kank off on an early morning paddle

Well, we spent the first day learning each other’s movements, and when everyone was ready to engage in the task at hand, we hoisted anchor and set sail for the western side of Hayman Island, Blue Pearl Bay.  The winds were light and the sail handling easy. Everyone who wanted to had a turn at the wheel. Margaret produced lovely sandwiches while under sail. We got to Blue Pearl Bay at 2 pm, found the one available mooring and secured it (First attempt again, where is Bob when you want to show off?)

Blue Pearl Bay

The afternoon was spent snorkeling, kayaking and walking around an absolutely gorgeous bit of island. The coral was abundant and multi-colored. The reefs were teeming with fish. Huge Angelfish decided to hang out under our boat.  We could have made a travel brochure by filming the afternoon. Does it get any better than Blue Pearl Bay? We shall have to find out. The bar has been set very high.