Our time on the boat has come to an end but not without more wonderful memories. In the last few days aboard the Floreat we had the chance to go ashore twice. Our first trip ashore could hardly be called "land" but after being at sea for three weeks it sufficed.
Thursday, after our manta tows were done, Alistair asked if we wanted to go see a nearby sand caye. Woody, Kate and I jumped in his boat and we headed out. The sand was brights white and the water glowed a beautiful color of aqua blue against it - absolutely gorgeous. The caye was about the size of a soccer field and filled with masked boobies, noddy terns, shearwaters, Brown boobies and a gull or two. There was a frigate bird too but it never landed just flew around looking for food to steal - there were no trees and Woody told us they can only land in trees.
On Saturday we anchored at Fitzroy Island. It was our last day of surveys and no diving because we had to fly back to Townsville the next day. So we had some extra time in between manta tows. The seas were flat around the Island so we got another chance to go Skurfing and Woody came this time too.
After skurfing Kate dropped us off at the Island and we went for a little hike to test out our legs on land. Fitzroy Island is a top tourist spot located just off of Cairns and was equipt with a resort, and tons of fun things to do. There was a giant trampoline in the water at the beach, you could rent snorkeling gear or go in a mini submarine to see the fishes. Really they were tiny yellow submarines that two people (and a pilot) fit into - click to check them out.
After walking just 1km we felt like we had run a 10 mile race and decided it was time to head back to the boat for lunch.
We landed in Cairns later that afternoon and had another great night out on the town including a stop at the local casino, which was quite the cultural experience. The next day - Sunday March 4 - we loaded up all the gear and headed back to Townsville, our Great Barrier Reef adventure finally over.
Now we're back on the road. Making our way south to Sydney. We'll update as we can.
Be well, everyone. Much love and many hugs and kisses.
-Woody and Giovannina
Hi you two! It's Brooke and I just had the best time catching up on your travels. I traversed some of the same trails you did in Patagonia 20 years ago...it's changed a bit! And I went to grade school with Glen Wallace, which made me laugh. I hope you're enjoying every moment of your rich experience, thanks for letting us tag along!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Brooke