We weren't alone , there were two other cars there as well , and it was worth it to witness the sun coming up over Pumkin and Sloping Islands ( just south of North Keppel Island ) . There was a bank of cloud over the horizon , that added to the colours .
We sat and watched as the sun gradually made its way over the horizon , changing colours as it went.
After about twenty minutes , the sun was well & truly up - just like us . It was a tad cool , with a southerly breeze blowing - not as cool as down south !! - so we headed back to the RV for some breakfast & a hot cup of tea .
Todays journey takes us over to Great Keppel Island for the day . Heading down to Keppel Bay Marina , we payed our ferry man and waited to board . While waiting a small motor cruiser pulled in and with the assistance of 3 men , they refuelled it - they started about 15 mins before we boarded and were still going as we left - and I thought the fuel tank in the ute was large - glad I'm not paying for this one !!!
You will probably have noticed the inflatable dinghy at the back of the boat , and the jetski on the top level , and the crane to lift them into the water !!!
The trip over was smooth and only took 30 mins each way - we were there before we knew it . Jumping off after the crew put the gangplank down , we set foot upon some pristine sand . There were some people that were doing the all day cruise , with morning tea , lunch & afternoon tea included - they stayed onboard till the glass bottom boat came over & picked them up - they also had some boom netting and snorkelling to do . We , on the other hand , had opted to just go to the island for the day .
We wandered down Fishermans Beach before turning around and going around the corner to Putney Beach . Continuing down the beach , the smiles just kept coming - this was a really good day unfolding in front of us . There were a couple of houses , that used to be on the edge of the dunes at the back of the beach - the cyclone decided it would be fun to remove a lot of sand , and that it did . The foundations of the demountable houses were sucked out to sea , leaving the houses to collapse onto the beach below , still waiting for clean up .
Back around to Fishermans Beach , I hired some snorkelling gear , then we walked around to Shelving Beach , where there is some coral reef . The walking track has suffered badly , and was washed out , rutted and steep in places , scrambling down over rocks & tree roots . The views over Fishermans Beach & out to Middle Island were worth it however !
Another few minutes and we had found Shelving Beach , getting into the swimmers on the way over the hill , and scrambled down the rocks to the beach .
We chatted to a couple from Wollongong , who had children living at Moss Vale and Wingello - you just can't escape it - there is always someone who lives in or knows the area .
After a chat I went down & jumped in , donning the flippers & goggles & snorkel and headed out to the coral beds . The coral was a bit dirty in places , but brilliantly coloured in others - neon blues , lime greens , pinks , there was colour everywhere . Then there was the fish of all shapes , sizes & colours , that weren't concerned about me swimming around above them . There were schools of brightly coloured fish , no bigger than a matchbox , milling around one section of stick coral . There were fish with brown bodies and brown spots all over them - ideal camouflage , then there were cod seemingly asleep on the bottom in amongst the coral . It was a feast for the eyes , and I took as much in as I could . Lyn came out and had a little look , but doesn't like goggles , so we headed back in , as it was a little cool in the water after about 45 mins . The tide continued to go out - it's not uncommon for the tides to go up & down 10 metres or more .
We had some lunch and dried off , before heading back to the old resort . We rock hopped around the corner of the beach , because it was easier than crawling back up & along the access track .
Talk about getting wrecked -the old resort was all fenced off and completely out of service and was like walking through a ghost town !!. Two pools were empty and had a good crop of grass growing . It is an entire waste of facilities , that were built years ago , and could be utilised giving jobs to a lot of people . There is an application in with the government to revamp the resort and have a boutique casino for high rollers who would stay there - not for the average joe's - that would provide lots of employment for the local families - it is needed!!
We came back to the Rainbow Hut , and handed back the snorkelling gear I had hired , then headed up to Hideaway resort , shop & bar . We got some ice creams and sat down in the open bar area . The views were pretty good , looking out over Middle Island . To be able to watch the sun go down over the mainland from here would definitely be a real treat !!
Our time on the island was nearly over , so we wandered down the beach to where the boat was waiting , and jumped straight on and headed back to the mainland .
Time for a quiet couple of beers with Heather & Pete , and reflect on how good a day , today was !!!
As for getting wrecked - those that remember the slogan for Great Keppel - Get wrecked on Great Keppel !!!
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