A hectic morning! We packed up the camper trailer then Charlotte, Brad and I took the luggage and food to Shute Harbour.
Whitsunday Map.
I loaded the luggage onto the catamaran whilst Charlotte and Brad did the boat briefing, and Kirsten managed the children and herded them onto the Shuttle Bus bound for Shute Harbour.
Matthew enjoying the cruise to Cid Harbour.
We were all on the boat and sailing just after midday. The weather was overcast but not too cold.
Whilst Brad and Charlotte got to grips with the boat, and the children clambered all over the boat looking for defensive positions in the event of Pirate attacks, Kirsten prepared Prawns for me to BBQ for lunch.
How did this lot get on board?
We saw some whales as we sailed towards our first night’s stopover at Cid Harbour, a bay on the west side of Whitsunday Island.
After anchoring the boat the children and Brad decided to jump in for a quick swim.
We then took the Tender for a trip to Sawmill Beach, just as Brad was starting the engine a large Turtle appeared right next to the engine, we saw another on the way to the beach.
We walked along the beach and found the remains of the railway lines that were used in the 1800s to transport timber to be shipped to the mainland.
By the time we got back to the boat the wind had dropped and the sea was flat calm. After diner we sat on deck and looked out over the sheltered harbour – very peaceful.