Fai Tira blog Thursday 26th August

 Whitehaven Beach 20:17.50S 149:03.19E

The next morning we set off early. Our destination was Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. Our intention being to give ourselves enough time to wander along this renowned stretch of sand before heading round the corner, taking in a short steep walk up to a look-out point, spending the night then moving off in the direction of Nara inlet on Hook Island in the morning.

It was a somewhat frustrating sail, with the wind not quite strong enough to drag the boat along at a decent speed, but brisk enough to make the now low temperature feel seriously cold. Once more the journey treated us to the sight of Humpbacks, this time an adult and calf, and we arrived at a very crowded anchorage in dull very grey cold conditions with light rain being driven along on a persistently strong breeze.

With the dinghy already in the water, all we had to do was mount the engine and off we went.

Well there was plenty of it, and it was certainly fine and white, but to me it was still just a beach. Pete’s been here before and this visit has more significance to him. So over to him for his feelings on the place.

Whitehaven beach is described in the Lonely Planet guide as one of, if not the best, beaches in Australia.  It was eight years ago when Judy and I visited here on a day trip from Airlie Beach.  It was a little different then, as the sun was shining and the sand was hot, and the sea warm and only one other boat anchored.   So it was a bit disappointing firstly to see so many other yachts and boats anchored off the beach, and secondly to walk along this fantastic beach in the rain. The only comparison from that day is that the beach still squeaks when you walk on it, due to the fine silica sand.  So Judy, remember it like it was, I will.  I still can’t believe we have come back to this special place in our own boat.

The weather continued to deteriorate, and soon the mountain peaks were shrouded in cloud, causing a rethink. By late afternoon we were in the cosy secluded anchorage of Nara Inlet, a day early.

Another great setting!