South Molle Island.

Following the bliss of Whitehaven, we crossed the bay and around some islands to arrive at our mooring in the shadow of South Molle Island. The next morning, we were shuttled over to the island to explore. Though most of the island is protected, it does house a little resort, and we were told that this was our next stop. Upon arrival, they hit us with an entry fee that none of really expected when we embarked. Ah well. Activities on site included jet ski, kayak, and catamaran rental, as well as golf, tennis, basketball, and swimming, not to mention access to the National Park. I decided to hike up to the peak, Mt. Jeffrey. It was a nice day, so I didn't mind the walk, or the view, for that matter. Crossing back across the golf course, I watched a bunch of colourful parakeets playing in the trees, but they wouldn't hold still for the camera, so I reached OUT AND GRABBED 'EM BY THE......

kidding. I miss my birdies.

Although I would have loved to take one of the toys out on the water, it was quite pricey, and I was already a bit sketched out by the unexpected fee. A bit of a captive market.

After South Molle, it was a mellow cruise back to Airlie Beach. I wanted to try a different hostel, since the stay at the Beaches had left a bad taste in my mouth, so I checked into Magnum's with Warren. Turned out to be a decent little spot, the dorms being little two storey units set back from the street amid a garden of palms and ferns. That night, we went out on the town, determined to use the drink coupons that had come with our tour. Morocco's, Mama Africa's, Beaches, Magnums. After the Jagerbombs, the night got a little fuzzy, but I think it involved a foam party. At least my jeans smell clean now. What I know is that at 2am, I participated in a didg-and-trumpet jam, to which the couple upstairs retaliated with a little amorous noise of their own.

The next morning, the 23rd of September, was perfect for hangovers: really hot and sunny. Eric, Kara, Warren and I lazed around the manmade lagoon for a while, but I couldn't be mellow for long, for I had to catch the 1:45 shuttle, bound for Proserpine Airport. It was time to head to Brisbane and hang out with my friend Sab.