Curlew

After a few glorious days at the Dukes we set out for Curlew Island, again catching the tide. We had brilliant blue skies, flat seas, variable winds and a dolphin for company-can't get much better than that.
Curlew Island is considered by many to be the jewel of the area with golden beaches and covered with open forest. It has a spectacular ridge that is similar to 'the phantoms cave'.

 

Manatee with Phantoms cave in background

 We anchored inside Tinonee (sand) Bank in 3 metres of clear water. We swam, walked, fished, ate oysters off the rocks, explored and relaxed. Perfect!
 

postcard perfect

 
 

one relaxed girl

 
 

smorgasbord

 
 

another relaxed girl

 
 The island is national park and coconut trees have been cut down, with some stumps remaining as evidence of a 'island postcard'. What a shame.
In the middle of night three the winds shifted to the west, causing the swell to break over the sandbank, so we didn't enjoy a rolly, pitching night...off we go to Mackay