Today’s segment was, unfortunately, ripped off by Oprah (or is it the other way around?). It is called Eby’s Favorite Island Things. While the audience (you) will not be getting these complimentary gifts (sorry, Oprah has a bigger budget than us), you will get some insight into the great things I enjoy here on the islands. These are the 10 things for this week:
1)Seashells!
Ever since I was a kid I have enjoyed finding seashells. Unfortunately, the beaches I always had access to were so overpopulated with people that it was hard to find the good ones before they were scooped up by the older folk during their walks at dawn. Here, I don’t have to worry about that too much and get to find some of the best shells. If you come here, make sure you tell me so I can warn you where my shell turf is! ;)
2) Seen from space
The fact that the Great Barrier Reef is underwater and can still be seen from space is a testament to its size and show the scale of importance it has in Oceania. Does this make me an ambassador to space aliens?
3) Island Bar (Hamilton Island)
Yes, this is a bar in a pool. Click here to see it virtually!
4) Sea Turtles
There are actually 6 species of sea turtles that breed in the area: the leatherback, the hawksbill, the loggerhead, the green sea turtle, the flatback , and the olive ridley. I have always been a huge fan of sea turtles and am lucky to have seen 3 of these species. I am hoping to find the other 3 before I leave!
5)Helicopter Rides
There is nothing like a view of the islands and the reefs than seeing them from above. It defeintely puts things in perspective. You could dive deep below or bushwalk the islands, but you are always in the moment there. The aerial views make you step back and see the big picture.
6) Heart-shaped Reef
How cute is this reef? It is almost an icon of the reef. Peace and love!
7) Dent Island Lighthouse
Who doesn’t like lighthouses?! This one is great and is 130 years old.
8) Qualia’s Infinity Edge Pool
Look at that! Tell me it wouldn’t be one of your favorite things! The view is amazing and the water temperature is always spot on.
9) Camping
With such great weather here on the islands, sometimes we just decided to forego the house and camp out in the bush. I love the smell of a camp fire before bed and waking up to the sound of birds surrounding us. It is magical.
10) Snorkling
So much of the water in the Whitsundays is so clear that you can pretty much just look down from land and see so much, but there is nothing like getting in the water and exploring a bit further. The deeper it gets the harder it is to see, plus it can get cloudy after a rain too, obviously. Snorkling is always a good time here.
Well, that is it for this segment of Eby’s Favorite Island things. Until next time…
