Homeward Bound in Oz

We have been so lucky with the weather very light to no wind and very little swell made our trip from clearing in at Gove to Lizard Island very comfortable. While we had this weather window we just basically kept on going. We did have a couple of quick stops on the odd occasion one at the Flinders Group where Amy and Daniel caught squid, one of the few things that comes out of the ocean that Amy doesn't complain about eating like the fish we have caught.



Amy and Daniel had a ball catching and eating these squid they were a good size too.

Amy with a fish she caught with a stick, line and a hook, no flash rods for this little girl.

From the Flinders Group our next overnight stop was at Fitzroy Island where we tried to have a look at the aboriginal rock art but couldn't get ashore due to low tide, reef and the swell, maybe next time.

Next stop straight through to Lizard Island where we spent just over a week. This is where most boats stop going north and spends weeks to months of winter before turning around and head south when cyclone season approaches.

We walked up Cook's Lookout a few times while here for exercise, internet access and the view isn't too bad either. We have been lucky as far as rain goes in the fact we haven't had a lot just blue seas and sunshine.



The beautiful Watons Bay 



Like Father Like Daughter.

The not to bad view from the top of Cook's Lookout.

This is where Captain Cook could see how vast the reef is.

We had resident fish live under the boat while at anchor here. We had huge Bat fish, a Lemon shark that came to say hello. A few schooling fish and a big silver fish that the girls had heaps of fun trying to hand feed. For a short time there was a huge feeding frenzy where the fish were everywhere and moving so fast.

Kathleen and Amy watching the fish around them.

Kathleen trying to hand feed the big silver fish but the other cheeky fish would take it off her.

What a way to finish the day!!!!

Another view looking over the resort

We went for a walk to Coconut Beach which is a bit of a challenge in itself with having to climb up a rope on the steep bit and then down another rope to get to the beach itself. I sat up on top while Ian went down to the beach I may not have been able to get back up.

Holding onto the rope for dear life.

Ian on Coconut beach, no way was I going down there.

Kathleen choking the life out of me.

My two beautiful girls.

We did some washing while we were here. This entailed using a hand pump to get the fresh water and then carrying all the wet washing back to dry on the boat.

Preparing to wash.



Doing the washing, come on Daniel pump faster.

Father Son time who will win????? obviously Daniel

It is a great spot with access to the outer reef. We went out to the Cod Hole which was so amazing sharks swimming on the bottom as soon as we got into the water before they came up to check us out. Ian got out of the water so quickly it was funny. We also got the pat a beautiful big Potato Cod who was more than happy for us to run our hands down him, he even followed us as we swam away for more pats. Unfortunately the underwater camera has now gone in the bin we have bought a new one after going here. This is a must return spot on the next trip.

Our next stop was a lunch break at Hope Island where Daniel had a go at fishing and 1 fish was caught by Ian. We had a swim amongst all the bait fish which is good fun. Amy and Daniel had fun catching bait fish by hand.

Daniel trying to catch his bait, which is too easy here.

Daniel trying to catch dinner

Beach Baby

Just chilling

Amy caught one