Swimming, Snorkelling and Baking

The last few weeks have been spent exploring the Whitsunday Islands.

Ava in the air

Ava under the water

D'Arcy the Dinghy Skipper

A myriad of islands and anchorages to explore and lazy days of swimming, snorkelling and beach time interspersed with some serious baking on the boat turning out all manner of cakes and goodies. 

Aratika 2 Bakery Goodness! Baklava Torte with cinnamon mascarpone cream and honey lemon syrup.

We had Em's birthday in Airlie Beach where the girls and I managed to turn out a half respectable chocolate cake for her birthday dinner. 

Birthday Girl with Choc cake. 

We've met some great families on the water here on charter boats and spent time with our friends on the yacht Last Dance with their daughter Mayja a favourite playmate for the girls. 

Here are some pics of the last few weeks. 

Seaplane at Whitehaven Beach

D'Arcy finds a whale vertebrae

Checking out Whitsunday Aboriginal art

Tow in surfing

Hill Inlet and Whitehaven

Idyllic Beach with Robb & Em

Wandering the Whitsundays

Fathers' day on Aratika 2 saw us enjoy a great run under spinnaker from Mackay up to Brampton Island. The girls baked a fantastic coconut and lemon cake (while dad had an afternoon snooze) which we all enjoyed for afternoon tea.

Aratika II under spinnaker (Thanks Al for the photo)

Fathers' Day Cake! 

With a 30kt + blow forecast for the rest of the week we had a quick sail up to Goldsmith Island where we anchored in a great protected bay and best of all we had the place to ourselves. We spent three days here getting schoolwork done in between swimming and playing on the beach and remained the only inhabitants throughout. That's if you don't count the resident turtles that popped up beside the boat during the day. The girls also enjoyed games on the boat and remodelled themselves as Sarong Superheroes.

Beach to ourselves at Goldsmith

Sarong Superheroes

The wind eased to 20kts by Friday so it was off towards Lindemann island again at a brisk pace with the wind and tide both in our favour. On arrival the anchorage looked particularly rolly so we elected to use the strong breeze and continue through to Cid Harbour. This was a nice anchorage but very crowded which is to be expected this time of year in the Whitsundays.

From Cid Harbour we were able to conquer Whitsunday Peak which was a great walk with excellent views that were a good reward for all the uphill. We set the crab pot again to no avail and eventually set off for for Stonehaven and Hook Island.

Whitsunday Peak

We have been snorkelling lots here at various locations and have enjoyed seeing some great coral and fish and even a few turtles while snorkelling.  The baking theme of the week has also continued with choc chip cookies and carrot cake being produced from the oven onboard. Emma has also taken to yoghurt making and after a sloppy start is now producing great fresh yoghurt for us.

Into the water

Snorkel Team

Resident

Local Colour

Life is good and there's lots more to see here in the 100 Magic Miles of islands.