The 11th Hour

I finally made a decision leave Cairns and head down the east coast. I debated doing the Oz Experience, a hop on/hop off bus that includes some activities along the route and a few stopovers. It caters to solo backpackers and has a guide on the bus that talks about the area, etc along the way. However, I wasn’t sure I wanted to travel like that ALL the way down the coast with it being less flexible than the other options.  The Greyhound seemed to allow the same thing, without a guide and included or mandatory stops, so I sided with it and bought a pass valid from Cairns to Surfers Paradise/Gold Coast and booked a seat to Airlie Beach.

From the bus as it pushed onward through the countryside to Airlie Beach

I figured I’d skip Mission Beach (for now) since it recently flooded, and Townsville, in order to be able to relax and possibly meet up with some mates in Airlie Beach.

A Cassowary  (elusive bird) Statue in Mission Beach

Sunset from the petrol station...so romantic I know. yet, so captivating and pretty.

Marc appeared shortly after, and insisted that we immediately grab a drink. So we delighted in conversation over a few VB’s (Victoria Bitter brand beers) and then made plans to meet up in the morning after check-out.

Come morning, I went to check in at reception and pay for another night’s stay. Looked at tours to the Whitsundays. I debated a 3day/2night tour over a 1-day cruise. In the end it came down a small price difference for an incredible and new experience, so I went with the 3day adventure. Thursday was to be my birthday and so I figured what better way to spend it than on a boat, relaxing as we sailed, snorkeled, and hiked in the Whitsundays.

The view of the waterfront and esplanade from the hostel balcony

I pretty much explored the town briefly, buying some fresh baked bread from a local bakery (thanks to the tip from Marc and Carolien) and peanut butter from the supermarket before heading to the Lagoon. I met up with Marc and Carolien there and hung out with them there for the day. We relaxed in the sun, impressed by the beautiful views of the bay, and the brilliant blue color of the water.

Airlie Beach

The Beach Walk to the Lagoon

Airlie Beach's blue waters

Sunset at Airlie Beach

The bus left at 9am and would arrive at 8pm in Airlie Beach. 11hrs on a bus…I would decide after if it was a good idea or not. I was feeling better about having more of a plan for my travels. I liked Cairns but was ready to move on…

The bus ride was long indeed, even with built in stops for filling up on petrol (gas) and meals. But at last we arrived in Airlie Beach. I grabbed my bag and walked down the esplanade about 200m to my hostel. After checking in I ran into an old buddy of mine from Cairns, Emilio (the Chilean wind-surfer!). It was once again nice to see a familiar face. I then went downstairs to watch the end of “UP” that was being shown in the foyer before going to check my email. I was standing outside the Internet café, reading the sign about paying for it, when someone knocked on the door from the other side. I was completely confused by this, wondering, what the person wanted. Then the door opened to reveal my friend Carolien from Amsterdam (from the Rock Tour).  Her and her boyfriend, Marc had seen me walk by earlier with my bags and had tried to chase after me but I disappeared too quickly, so she was emailing me to say she saw me…again, a lovely face to see.

After dinner Marc and Carolien caught the bus to Rainbow Beach. It was sad to see them go, but ever so nice to have run into them and spend the day together. I can only hope they make their way to the States sometime in the future to hang out again! (Or I guess I could always visit them…)

Today to my delight, Libi also called me, a family friend of the Stucky Family that lives in Brisbane. I had emailed her about staying with her while I was in Brisbane for a week, in the coming days.

Along my travels I have met many other individuals traveling on a working holiday, most of who have been here for much longer than I. They ALL seemed to like it enough to stay and work and travel.  I hoped that would be my case as well.