September 2010 - 1st Visitors in 12 months - Part 1

In 2009, Erica was at times in a rush to sail to Lizard Island before returning southwards for summer. Then in early 2010, the crew were flat out doing maintenance in Bundaberg, and so there was no time for entertaining guests until now! With our anchor now firmly planted in the Whitsundays, it's been fantastic to welcome close friends Wendy and Colin from Adelaide for the briefest of visits. You can never guarantee the weather, and so when the sun was shining and the seas calm, there was just enough time to stow bags and head for beautiful Butterfly Bay for their first snorkel from Erica. After adjusting 'everything' it was into the dinghy and off to snorkel, and as usual the coral was fantastic. Next day, we were up early and heading for Manta Ray Bay to swim with a giant Maori Wrasse who has numerous names including George and Elvis but we like Elvis. Elvis was in a very friendly mood when we got there - happy for those game enough (Colin) to give him a pat. Then quickly, Captain Phil has everyone back on the boat for what was to be a quiet sail to Whitehaven Beach. However, by the time we were underway, the wind was up and the visitors had fun sailing Erica into a stiff 20 knot head wind. We decided, because of the weather, to have a quick stop at Tongue Bay for the walk to the lookout over Hill Inlet and Whitehaven. With the weather fast deteriorating, we were lucky to share the lookout with another 100 tourists from around the world for this incredible view. Then back onboard again, for a wet motor to the Whitehaven anchorage. Sunset drinks were a bit rolly but who cares out here. Next morning, Phil's up early and on the beach photographing the locals (Sand Crabs) while the others slowly get out of bed. Then it was everyone off to the beach to experience this magical place with several hundred others, enjoying a bit of frolicking in the water, before returning to Erica for a great sail past Hamilton Island and anchoring at Cid Harbour (just a Bay) for their last night at sea. It was a beautiful calm night, followed next day by Wendy and Peta doing the difficult walk to the top of Whitsunday Peak for the best view in the Whitsundays. It was only a short visit for our Visitors from Adelaide but got the Erica crew used to visitors once more and the joys of sharing this special life. Enjoy as we certainly are...

Wendy getting ready to snorkel in Butterfly Bay









Yes, Colin even looks good in goggles!









The Coral never ceases to impress but is hard to capture









The big fella goes for a dive...









and the Lady of the bay just waves!!









Colin gets to pat Elvis while a friend looks on









Seems like all the friends wanted to be in this shot with Elvis

September 2010 - 1st Visitors in 12 Months - Part 2

More shots of those Happy 1st Visitors...

Colin with Elvis and his small fish friends









Manta Ray Bay dive spot is a magical place.









From diver to rough weather sailor, Wendy can do it all









This is one serious Skipper and 1st Mate lookout









On way to Tongue Bay lookout







View towards Whitehaven is fabulous from Tongue Bay lookout







Sunrise on Whitehaven and only ones there to enjoy it are the Sand Crabs







Happy visitors about to embark for the pure sands of Whitehaven

September 2010 - 1st Visitors in 12 Months - Part 3

Even more happy visitor photo's and who will be the next visitors?

Visitors and their Seaplane - I don't think so!







First mate Phil in the happy shots









Tour Director Peta with Erica at anchor







There is something about Anniversaries on Whitehaven Beach









With the good ship Erica









There are some great walks in the Whitsundays







Sorry turn your computer sideways!







The top of Whitsunday Peak is really worth the walk/climb

Anniversary and Hamo Fun - September 2010

September is the month of anniversaries in our family - ours, brothers, sisters, and cousins - so best wishes to all. We decided to spend ours on Hamilton Island where we hadn't been ashore since 2008. It has certainly changed with new marina facilities and a fantastic "Hamilton Island Yacht Club". You always know when you get close to Hammo as the aquatic pursuits pick up with jet skis and para sailing plus lots of luxury yachts. We got a great berth next to the Yacht Club where we had booked in for a special celebratory dinner which was great. After a good look around, admiring artworks etc, it was off to cocktails on the quarter deck of this impressive building to enjoy sunset over neighbouring Dent Passage, followed by a superb dinner with excellent service. Then, a very slow morning the next day, before setting off for a very pleasant anniversary sail and a damp and blowy night in Stonehaven Bay, where the turtles were great and the seagulls thirsty. Enjoy as we certainly are...

Hammo Para Sailing - looks fun!









Spectacular new Yacht Club and the crew is happy









Great Marina and Erica's berth just right of Phil









Erica and Crew safely in the Marina









Cocktails on the Quarter Deck at Sunset









The Yacht Club inside is just as stunning and great food was enjoyed by these happy sailors!









Yes I got an Anniversay Sail and George even steered for me









This is one thirsty and very game seagull drinking our rain drops









We certainly do love our friendly turtles - this was a very big old one

Farewells and Fathers Day - September 2010

After several weeks cruising in company with Rose, it was time for them to head north and for us to start heading back towards Hamilton Island. So, a fantastic farewell dinner with the Rose crew was enjoyed at Monte's Resort at Cape Gloucester. Then Erica started a slow Cruise southwards, staying at Olden Island were we enjoyed a great Fathers' Day and phone contact with Adelaide. After a bit of mountain climbing by the "Father" he was then allowed a sail to celebrate, but sadly there was now no wind! After all this excitement, we headed to a favourite anchorage at Macona Inlet on Hook Island, where we watched the water disappear and the rain clouds close in. Enjoy life as we certainly are...

Monte's Resort Cape Gloucester where we enjoyed a great dinner










Office work to do before being allowed to go Sailing - All this junk on our little boat!










Erica and others at Olden Island - Australia in the background










Crew and dinghy on beach at Olden Island










A Father's Walk to top of Olden Island










A Father's Day sail but sadly no wind!












On the Beach at Macona (Erica on right) on a good day












Erica at Macona Inlet with the tide out












Only some of the Oysters at Macona Inlet












The weather in Queensland isn't always sunny!!