It was a Carole King kinda day from the start …
August 18, 2016
Just add water …
Driving in to Airlie Beach I absolutely squealed with delight at the sight before my eyes, not for once realising it was going to be a Carole King kinda day …
I’d always heard it was a pretty place, but to arrive on the final day of a week-long regatta meant the water was filled with brightly-coloured yachts and craft of all shapes and sizes. It was an absolute bonus.
First things first, though. We had a long, leisurely walk and then breakfast at Salt in the main street, with the girls at my feet.
They were made very welcome by the wait staff at this cool café, so I was happy to part with my money for some delicious soft poached eggs, with avocado on the side, on sour dough, washed down with a cappuccino.
I don’t make it a practice to eat out every day, but I do try to support the towns I’m passing through, even if it is just a meal here and there – or spending anything up to $100 in meat, fruit, veg and grocery items at the local supermarket.
Touching base with Butto
Realising I was on Gavin Butlin’s turf (Butto is the man behind the gigantic Airlie Beach Festival of Music, held the first weekend in November each year), I gave him a call and we arranged for me to visit his office after breakfast and before his next meeting.
After catching up on the latest news, he suggested I stick around for the night, as the Hillbilly Goats would be playing at presentation night at Whitsunday Sailing Club.
He also said I should take a drive out to Shute Harbour to the lookout, where you can get a great view of the coastline. It was no disappointment. How beautiful. I nearly wore out the panorama feature on my Samsung Galaxy S6 … love that gadget.
Up close at Abell Point Marina
Driving back in to Airlie, I visited the local shopping centre, bought some supplies, and had lunch in the van.
I thought I’d check out the local marina – Abell Point – where I could get an up-close look at some of those craft I’d spotted on my way into town.
I took the girls for a walk and then settled them back in the van, so I could do some exploring on my own with the camera. Juggling three dogs and attempting to take photos isn’t a skill I’ve mastered just yet. There was no shortage of photo opportunities at the marina, which was a hive of activity with all the boaties in town, stocking up on supplies, fuelling up and enjoying a coffee in the sunshine.
I feel the Earth move … under my van
After snapping for all I was worth, I returned to Rambling Rose and was sitting in the driver’s seat reviewing my shots when the van started to shake.
At first I thought it was a really strong wind that had got up underneath the van, rocking it recklessly. It almost felt as if I was in a washing machine, being agitated from side to side. It would have lasted about 30 seconds, I’d say.
Having never experienced anything like it before I didn’t realise it was a 5.8 magnitude earthquake until my friend Anna sent me a text asking if I’d felt the earth move, then told me what it was.
Yes, it was an earthquake!
Read all about the 5.8 magnitude earthquake off Bowen at the following link … http://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/earthquake-felt-in-north-queensland-was-58-magnitude/news-story/1de39840d54d7dd2f006f5cf12b2ce25/
Well, I certainly can’t say life in Queensland is uneventful. The media reported it as the biggest earthquake event in the state in 20 years.
Exactly how do you follow an earthquake?
Attend a Hillbilly Goats outdoor gig in the pouring rain, of course!
The Whitsunday Sailing Club was a pretty cool venue, particularly when the driver of your vehicle has backstage access, so parking close to the venue packed with the seafaring set was a breeze. Onya, Butto!
Getting the lie of the land was the first challenge here. I soon worked out it was infinitely easier to buy your drinks from the bar upstairs at the sailing club than fart around with tickets at the booths below …
Now the formalities are out of the way
It’s time to mix and mingle. I actually sat with the smokers on the outer deck of the sailing club as the sensible non-smokers (who’d all reserved tables) were nowhere to be seen – but you couldn’t squat – it just didn’t seem like it was the done thing.
In between downpours and conversation with polite table crashers, I cheered on the Goats. Only then did I brave the great unknown and find somewhere to acquire sustenance for future alcohol consumption – closer to the music.
On Butto’s recommendation, I chose the pizza man – and he was a champion; the whole family pitching in to punch out the orders. Like a well-oiled machine.
Balancing my pizza on my lap, we moved our plastic chairs out to front of stage where we could appreciate the Goats’ music more easily than inside, where we couldn’t see them.
A good time, not a long time
Whoever was responsible for the regatta slideshow inside the marquee, congratulations on wonderful coverage capturing some extreme moments of the event.
Seize the moment. Savour the sound. It’s all gone way too soon. That’s how it was that night with the Hillbilly Goats. Their music was fabulous but it was a school night … and there were tired kids and weary travellers in our party.
As it was, the girls and I had to get back to Mackay the next day so we headed off after an early-morning cuppa with Butto. As we drove away, the warmth of the hospitality extended by both Elanor and Butto won’t be forgotten quickly. That’s lovely stuff. Thanks, guys. The festival is going to be fabulous! See you on Thursday for day 1. Can’t wait.
Next stop: Airlie Beach Festival of Music
Check out all the latest festival news at http://www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au/