Great Keppel Island

Fish count A=23 R=22.
The weather here at GKI has been absolutely PERFECT! Sunshine, blues skies and glass outs. How lucky we are! We up anchor everyday to explore a new bay, coral reef, walk on the beach, dive, fish and spear. We have eaten fresh fish every night since we have been here. Noah met his namesake (Noah’s Arkie Sharkie) washed up on the beach a couple of days ago. A bull shark whose very presence, although dead as a door nail, put a little wind up us in regards to our snorkelling explorations and hunting. But nevertheless the water is too beautiful to be deterred.
We continue to catch up with yachty friends that we’ve made along the way. The network of e-mails, radio scheds and information from other boats ensures an up to date communiqué between boats. For example Maripi’s big sister’ Omazey’ whom we met up the Mary River anchored close by us here for two nights with some tools borrowed from us to effect repair on their yacht. At times you feel like you are the only boat on the ocean and then you round up into a bay and see familiar hull shapes and faces. Some valuable and memorable times have been spent here with new friends Mark and Deb and their 10 year old son Fraser, spear fishing and chewing the fat.
Great Keppel Island is currently embroiled in a political dispute. The once vibrant and colourful island resort has been closed for the past few years, whilst the developer continues to fight the government for what some would say is a ridiculous redevelopment plan, including a marina and golf course (Hamilton Island style). So instead of maintaining the resort as is throughout the dispute process, the owner has pulled up stumps, taken his bat and ball and left the field, leaving behind a fenced off, boarded up multi-million dollar resort to succumb to the encroaching effects of Mother Nature. A swimming pool that Ro can remember doing back flips into only 5 years ago (whilst on a school trip from Tassie) is now unrecognisable. A sad and strange energy was present as we walked through there. Fortunately, the owners of the camp ground, bar and restaurant have regained control from the developer and were able to re-open with only 2 years absence and even then the task was huge to restore the facilities.
Celebrating their honeymoon on Great Keppel Island, we met Anna and Garth and their 4 month old gorgeous little girl Bonnie. Garth, originally from Tassie is a GP at Yeppoon. They married last weekend and escaped to the island for a little getaway following a week of celebrations with family and friends. We invited them out on the boat for what we refer to as ‘The honeymoon cruise’. They enjoyed snorkelling off the boat, while we kept both Bonnie and Noah entertained. Got a glimpse of what it would be like having twins!! We shared a fantastic day with them and Noah enjoyed his first date.
We have been following Jessica Watson’s blog over the past few months, especially after meeting and spending time with members of her team at the Mooloolaba marina. Yesterday afternoon we sailed into a beautiful bay (with tv reception) and were able to witness Jessica’s home coming from such an epic voyage. We are in awe and very proud of her achievements. What a AMAZING young lady.