Flew from Sydney up to Prosperine and then a short ride into Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands. Spent the night over in Airlie Beach and departed the next day for a sailing adventure. We spent 3 nights and 4 days on a 135ft tall ship - The Solway Lass - originally built in Denmark in 1902, has been sunk twice and used by the Germans in WWII. It has been restored and is a fantastic ship. 11 sails but no keel - one of it previous jobs was an ice breaker - she has a lead bow and doesn't need the weight of an actual keel. We sailed through the Whitsunday islands, under no particular charted route and hit many beaches - Longford Island being of particular interest because of the impact of tides on the surrounding beaches and you could get stranded. Many hours of snorkeling amongst the deadly jellyfish - mandatory to wear stinger suits - both Jean and I did get a small sting but no issues so far - felt like a needle piercing the skin - albeit it is described as a sting, but for me it felt more like a 5 minute needle prick. Both Matt and Jack saw some big ones but didn't get stung.

We met some great people from Germany, Denmark, Wales, Thailand, Belgium and Spain. It was a unique experience because we were able to help out sailing the ship...10.3 knots was where we got her to.

Food was excellent and the rope swing and the dolphins at night where a great added touch.

We took the tilt train from Airlie Beach up to Cairns - fantastic train system - first class travel conditions with very high tech trains - they have our planes beat hands down. We had our first little oops with my wallet...sitting comfortably 15 minutes into our train ride (these things can hit 160km/hr) getting settled in when the train conductor asks if there are any Canadians on our car??? We respond...he approaches and says I have your wallet sir - I say...NO, I think you are mistaken, I have my wallet in my bag...no sir... I will have your wallet in a few minutes it was found on a transfer bus...I grab my bag to check - my wallet is missing!!! Holy - - - -! He then tells me that he will have my wallet back to me - great (not really expecting to see it anytime real soon)...at this point I really don't know what the hell was going on...how did my wallet get out of my bag and how did they know where to find me and how are they going to get my wallet back to me...the train has already left the station and we are on route...the train actually stops - in the middle of a field - beside a gravel road crossing...the conductor then comes to my seat with my wallet. They stopped the train!!!!!!!!...the bus driver hired a courier to run the train down...I really don't know how all the communication worked but I am writing a letter to the rail and transit authority to thank them. The best thing I can do is keep telling the story to spread the word about how great Australians are...I really don't believe this would have happened the same way at home.

Write again soon...