Climb to Whitsunday Peak

Russ and Roz wearing their Marriage Saver Headphones

Sunday, June 10, 2012 - Whitsunday Island

Garyn and Jessica were impressed with our "Marriage Saver" head gear and microphone system.  We no longer have to use hand signals or scream at one another over the roar of the wind, motor and length of the boat while anchoring.  I am at the helm on the stern and Russ is dropping the anchor on the bow. I report speed and water depth as we approach an agreed upon target.  Russ can whisper into my ear, forward and right, cut it, glide, a little to the left, give it a bump, back it down, etc.  We have definitely improved our techniques since the last time the kids were with us.

After our arrival and anchorage at Cid Harbor, we ate lunch and decided the clouds had cleared enough that an afternoon hike to the peak was in order.  It took Garyn and Jessica an hour  in flip flops and us an hour and a half in our hiking shoes to reach the peak.  It was a good climb from sea level to the peak. The views from the top were spectacular and well worth the climb.  

While the climb up really worked our quads, calves, heart, and lungs, the climb down worked our knees and hips.  We reached sea level about 4:30 p.m. as the sun was low in the sky and were happy to take showers and relax.  Back on the boat we bar-b-qued chicken and corn on the cob. 

Monday, June 11, 2012 - Nara Inlet

Look at that!  

We made our way to Nara Inlet on Monday morning.  It was a gentle sail.  Worrall Wind was the second boat in the inlet to anchor.  Nara Inlet is know as a breeding area for Hammer Head Sharks.  Needless to say, no one was interested in swimming here although there wasn't a shark in sight.  Garyn and Jessica did take the dinghy for a ride and went ashore to visit the Ngara Cave. They were the only people on shore.   While they were gone, I baked some chocolate chip cookies!

Late in the afternoon, we sat around ate cookies, drank Margaritas, and played Fiji Rummy.  The Southern Cross and the Milky Way were brilliant in the clear night sky.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - Stonehaven Bay

The weather is cool and clear today.  Several tour groups have come into the bay and made their way to to the Ngara cave.  When we left Nara Inlet, we had a 12-15 knot breeze and were able to sail wing on wing to Stonehaven Bay, arriving about 2:00 p.m..

Wing on Wing

This is the bay where Russ and I snorkeled last week.  It was cool then, but even cooler today.  No one seemed inclined to go swimming, or even leave the boat.  We did enjoy being in the sun when the wind died down, but it was still too cool to really enjoy being outside.

Garyn and Jess gave the hammock a try for awhile, but eventually came inside where it was warmer.  We spent a leisurely afternoon, reading, talking, and playing cards.  Tomorrow we are off to Butterfly Bay.  Our time together is growing short too quickly.

All is Well With the 2 Sail R's, Garyn and Jessica, on SV Worrall Wind