Taking to the skies in Airlie Beach - part 2
Seaduced
John & Jane Craven
Mon 23 Mar 2015 08:01
The plane we were due to fly on originally was a six-seater, but due to weather conditions and the fact it would be full, take off from water might have been difficult so we were upgraded to the 10 seater instead. It is almost certainly the smallest plane I have ever been on.
We have seen seaplanes landing and taking off previously when we were anchored in St Croix in the Caribbean and were initially a bit disappointed to find out we would be starting our tour from an airport on dry land rather than a floating dock or pontoon. However, as we had a further pick up on another island, we actually got an extra take off and landing each way.
The first landing on the water, was a bit weird to say the least, but the whole situation got a lot stranger when having driven through the markers buoys on the way into the island marina, we then taxied up a ramp out of the water and into a car park! The whole process was reversed once we had picked up our passengers in order to take off again from the water.
The day was gorgeous, blue skies, and little cloud so we had a great view of the islands we were passing as we flew onto Whitehaven Beach. Once we landed here, it was time for a glass or two of champagne and a walk down the beach. Does it get any better than this?
The view from above
Hill Inlet which is at one end of Whitehaven Beach
The gorgeous white sand of Whitehaven Beach
Almost our own private beach
John declares undying love... or at least until the tide comes in!
Our transport for the day
Tomorrow we are heading back to Mackay to close the circle(ish) on our route around Australia. It has been an amazing trip with lots of different experiences. We have a couple of days in Mackay to sort ourselves and the boat out before we fly home for a bit.