Saturday, September 27, 2008

Holiday Snaps From FNQ

In a warm shady courtyard with a gourmet lunch before us, we looked back on the last 14 days spent on the beautiful islands of the Northumberland, Smith, Whitsunday and Gloucester Groups in North Queensland and amused ourselves by dreaming up captions to accompany some of our holiday snaps. Here are my recollections of some of the more helpful hints.

Just because its a holiday doesn't mean it's always going to be "plain sailing".
(Peter sailing, wind against tide. Photo: Rob)
Develop good downwind skills and catch the tradewind express.
(Sharon off Armit Island. Photo: Rob)

Cover forseeable navigation issues before you launch.
(Boatport breakfast meeting. Photo: Sharon)
Other members of the group will often see things from a very different point of view.
(Approaching Saddleback Island. Photo: Rod)

... but, running repairs are the only reason you should "crawl into your shell".
(Armit Island workshop. Photo: Rod)

When they are "human watching", whales sometimes refuse to keep their distance.
(Rob and whale tail off Goldsmith Island. Photo: Peter)

There are locals on even the most remote islands and, even if they are a little "nosey", they deserve respect. ( Cockermouth Island locals - Pied Oyster Catchers. Photo: Sharon)

Beware of "destination syndrome" and allow time for exploring special places along the way.
( Above-Sharon explores Pleistocene reef on Cockermouth Island. Photo: Rob
Below - Sunset off Steens Beach. Photo: Sharon)

Sometimes it is more interesting to take the long way. ( Rob and Peter enjoying a detailed circumnavigation of Gloucester Island. Photo: Sharon)

The fishing is always best when you would rather be eating or sleeping.
(Fishing at sunset. Photo: Sharon)

(Rafting up for lunch- Edgecumbe Bay. Photo, Rob.)