Lizard Island
15 July 2006 | Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Julie
We have heard from people at home that the remote posting of our blogs is working, so we will keep doing this and add photos next time we have an internet connection, probably about ten days.
We just spent three really fun days at Lizard Island. It's a beautiful island with the best anchorage I think we've been in here yet. Although there was upwards of 20 knots of wind the entire time, it stayed very calm. There is a beautiful lagoon on the north side of the island and several white sand beaches. There's a small, reportedly very exclusive resort on the island, but it doesn't detract as they often do.
We did the walk up to Cook's Look on the first day. It follows the path Captain Cook took back in 1770 when he was trapped within all of the reefs and had no idea which way to go. He climbed to the top of the mountain and spotted a passage that he eventually used to get out. It was a pretty challenging hike, but well worth it. We also saw a five foot lizard which was kind enough to stop and pose for a photo for us.
Yesterday we snorkeled in the lagoon which was spectacular. We saw giant clams (about three feet across), beautiful coral and fish, black tipped reef sharks, rays and barracudas. I'd have to say it was some of the best snorkeling I've done so far. In the evening I made ceviche and a coconut appetizer from coconuts we got off the beach earlier and everyone in the anchorage gathered on the beach for happy hour. It's always fun to meet new people and hear their stories.
We are now on our way to Flinders Island which should be a long day sail. Fortunately the sun just came out and we have a fair amount of wind, so it should be a nice day. As we have been eating mackerel for days (baked, grilled, smoked, raw, etc), we are hoping to catch another variety of fish on our way, perhaps a tuna or wahoo?
Julie