A view from the top

The lightening lasted pretty much all night, but the rain did not return. We slept pretty well, as there was very little rocking. We woke up early, ate breakfast and headed out for some bushwalking.  We dinghied to Sawmill beach and headed up the Whitsunday Peak trail. The trail was straight uphill and felt strenuous, but think it would have been Ok if we were at our best. While we were hiking up, Bernard felt a stinging sensation on his calf, which was very aggravating and slightly painful. He thought maybe it was a jellyfish sting, but brushed it off since it wasn't that bad.

That's Lulu, our boat, on the far left

Cid Island

When we reached the peak, the view was amazing. We met a bunch of teenagers from Melbourne who were hanging out, smoking and drinking beer and having a good time. They were super-friendly and offered to take our picture.

The girl was shooting photos like crazy and this was the best we could find

While we were enjoying the view from the peak, we noticed a dinghy floating in the bay and joked about how funny it would be if it was ours. Of course, there was NO way it could be, since we got some great tide info from a guy on the beach who was fixing his broken dinghy (omen??)

We rested a bit before heading back. As we were hiking down, Bernard's leg (the same one as before) brushed up against a plant that immediately caused a sharp burning sensation on his shin.  This lasted the whole day (edit: it still hurts a little a few days later kinda like poison ivy).

When we reached the beach, we discovered that the dinghy floating in the bay was ours! Turns out the tide was NOT going out as we were told. Bernard swam after it. Luckily we had anchored it before leaving so it was just floating there and not drifting away.  He got in and picked Am up from the beach and we headed back to the cat for some lunch.

Hmm, guess the tide was coming IN

We got back to the boat and relaxed. You'd think Whitsunday Peak was a 14'er instead of a 437' peak with how tired we were.  Must be the heat.
We ate lunch and then moved the boat to the anchorage across the bay, called Sawmill Bay due to wind shifts. We dropped anchor and were able to set the anchor on the first try with no drama.
Once securely anchored we napped for a bit in the shade of the bimini which provided a little relief from the heat. While we were relaxing, a couple of birds visited us on the boat.

Watcha lookin' at?

After resting up a bit, we were hungry, so we cooked up a dinner of shrimp, brussel sprouts and carrots, rice, and an icy cold Coke.

Yummy dinner

After dinner Bernard decided to try his luck fishing and used the shrimp remnants from dinner as bait.  In fifteen minutes he caught two fish!  Neither of which were in our guide book so we still don't know what type of fish they were.

Unidentified fish number 1

What is this?!

As dusk was approaching, the bay was filled with activity. Spotted: fish jumping 6' straight up while chasing another fish, a frolicking sea turtle and various loud, vocal birds.

Sunset over Sawmill Bay

As it grew dark, the clouds moved in and we were treated to another lightening show. This time, there was no rain and very little thunder. There was also a magnitude of stars!

Beautiful moonrise

Who needs fireworks?

Tomorrow we pamper ourselves and go to Long Island RESORT.