Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach

Saturday, October 7th, we drove 9 hours straight -- Hervey Bay to Mackay.  We stayed in a nameless motor inn at MacKay that night and then got up early for another 2 hours of driving into Airlie Beach.  We arrived in Airlie Beach on Sunday, October 8th.  Along the way we drove through Queensland's sugar cane fields and witnessed the burning of the fields. We also came across a few "sugar cane trains" which transported the cane to be processed. We stayed at The YHA Habitat, in Airlie Beach Sunday night. The main reason most backpackers come to Airlie Beach is to sail the Whitsunday Islands and there are many sail boats to choose from.. Monday, October 9th, we took off on a sailing cruise of The Whitsunday Islands.  We were on The Card, all day Monday, Monday night, all day Tuesday, Tuesday night and we got back to Airlie Beach Wednesday, October 11th at around 4:30 PM. The Card is an 83 foot around the world racer that was built in Rhode Island for Ted Turner. Its mast measured 93 feet. We were told that brand new it would go for around  $2 million and now you could get it for $600,000. Although we didn't buy it we had an awesome time on it! The Whitsundays and the surrounding water looked just like a postcard -- picture perfect!. The water was crystal clear turquois and the islands were mountainous and green. The Skipper Ed told us that the waters were infested with sharks but not to worry about it. They say its easier to get struck by lightening than to "get taken" by a shark. We did brave the water to snorkle and swim off the boat.  It was awesome!  Fish, coral, all kinds of sea life.  Amazing stuff!  This sailing trip represents what around the world travel is all about -- it was an awesome adventure!  Unfortunatley we didn't get any pictures with the digital camera (we were afraid it would get damaged on the boat), but Lisa did get some awesome photos with her camera, so you will just have to visit us when we are back to see them.  (When ever and if ever we get back.) Wednesday night we stayed at Club Whitsunday in Airlie Beach.  We ended up staying there through Saturday, October 14th, when we finally left Airlie Beach.