Sailing Erica: September 2010 - 1st Visitors in 12 months

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