Perfect weather arrived for sailing further north so after a quick dash to the markets for their fabulous fresh fruit and veg we set sail and arrived at the Low Isles about 2.30 pm. The island with the lighthouse is a sandy cay thought to have begun to form about 5000 years ago and now, although tiny, it supports about 50 species of plants and the birds include mangrove kingfishers, honeyeaters and a large colony of pied imperial pigeons. At waters edge are sooty oystercatchers and out on the reef as it dries are the reef egrets. We have neap tides at present so only one high and one low per 24 hours of about 1 metre and great for snorkelling which is excellent here. The coral reef is right at the beach and extends as far as we have the energy to swim. The colours are magnificent in both the coral and the fish of which there are many shapes, sizes and colours. Angel fish swim around the boat constantly and we have also seen reef sharks, trevally and some of those curiously shaped longtoms. Green turtles are quite numerous too and because the water is so clear we can follow them for quite some time as they forage on the sea grass. Fascinating. Still watching out for a dugong.
Sunday, 7th September:
These isles are convenient for boats from Port Douglas and yesterday and today it has been as busy as Pittwater and Refuge Bay on a beautiful weekend. It is now late on Sunday afternoon and all of the day trippers and most of the boats have now gone. Time to open the red wine and have a drink - for health purposes of course. Cheers.
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