Airlie Beach and the Great Barrier Reef

Airlie would be great when its warm, in the sun, with tons of money or just for 3 or 4 days. We have a week here. It is cool, occasionally rainy and rather windy on the water. To have one day at the outer reef would cost 50o-600 dollars for our family. You sort of want some good weather to do that!

We spent our first day getting oriented, exploring the small strip of tourist town, taking in lunch and icy swimming at a resort overlooking the water while listening to live Jazz. It was a great day. (Rod I am getting in cold water much faster these days...We will have to run Thetis and I can demonstrate! Thetis is much warmer than pools here)

Yesterday Hersh and I took a couple of reluctant hikers up the great 3 day walk (for a couple of hours)--a dry, dusty trail with steep inclines and no view within our time frame. We did come across some cool chameleon like lizards, turning from leaf-brown to iridescent blue (Susan, I thought your kids would be thrilled at this point!). This was followed with a lovely Devonshire tea and my offering of tea-leaf reading.

After plotting the weather and planning what will work best, we have chosen a couple of reef outings. Today is rainy so some of us will head back into the forest, armed with maps and park office information recommendations first. Hopefully we'll see some rock wallabies. Later in the day we might swim or rent a kayak.

Savannah is excited about doing her first dive. Later in the week Savannah and I will get to the outer reef when it is sunny but through the 1.8 meter high waves. Bring on the ginger pills and coke. Hersh is sparing Sierra 3-5 hours in a wave crashing boat. She's less than enamored with the idea of throwing up in unison! Tomorrow we've planned a three island sightseeing and reef snorkeling cruise that should be doable for everyone and spectacular. Wait until you see the pics!

In 4 days we'll be in Fiji...the trip is speeding by now.

Love Catherine