A 2 week boat cruise in the Whitsunday islands was our big goal for Northeastern Australia. Visiting the great barrier reef has been something I’ve wanted to do since I first donned a snorkel mask on vacation in Hawaii.
We set out, optimism high, sun shining, with our course set for Sawmill Bay in Cid Harbour. Good protection from the wind and swells of the southeasterly winds, a sand beach, good clay anchoring. Great! And then we crossed the PASSAGE BETWEEN. It was bigger swells and stronger winds than anything we have ever experienced in the Puget Sound or Gulf Islands. Our 9 meter catamaran powered through them with a strong but perceptible shudder. What did we get ourselves into? This must be a bad day I thought. And ensuing rain and rainbow ended our first day in Cid Harbour after a quick jaunt to the beach.
The next two nights weren’t anything more than “hunkering down” in Hamilton Island Marina and Resort to find protection from the howling storm that rolled through. Wind 20-30 knots with gusts up to 40 left us feeling very grateful we were in safe moorage. But that’s about where it ends. I’ve read other people’s blogs about their “Hamo” experiences as visiting boaters and their polite claims of “this just isn’t my thing” is putting it lightly.
Hamilton island is a full on resort island. Everything is designed for maximum revenue gain and consumerism. Kids stay and eat for free if lodged on the island, free shuttle buses circuit the island, and the pools are free to anyone on the island. But that’s about where it ends. Meals and groceries are expensive, moorage is $115 a night, cocktails are $15-$20 (let alone the actual costs of a meal). There are all sorts of tourist attractions to draw more $$ out of your wallet. Cruises, snorkeling trips, ATVs, side by sides, dinghy rentals, jet ski rentals, etc.
But it’s not just the tourist trap feel that gave me the willies, it’s the sheer attitude of consumerism, excess and wealth that is so generously portrayed. I felt like I was in Jurassic Park, “no expense was spared”. Perfectly manicured everything. Women powdering their noses on the cockpits of their mega yachts, everyone dressed in high fashion (meanwhile I’m in chacos with my unwashed windblown hair and practical travel clothing), driving around in their golf carts and looking pleased as punch. Barf. I kept waiting for the dinosaurs to come crashing through, crushing the fakeness with glorious swipes of their tails.
Not my cup of tea. We waited out our obligatory 2 nights, wandered around a bit, and planned our escape. No offense, Hamo, you’re just not my type.
Addendum to Hamo Experience:
One cool thing did happen. Cameron set Bells up with a 30 minute ATV learn and ride session. I was skeptical this would go well, but went reluctantly to watch my kiddo put on her full face helmet and gloves and give it a shot. As I suspected, she wouldn’t get on the thing, silently cried and buried her helmet head into my armpit. Our attitude is “If you don’t want to you don’t have to, but you have to watch.” She silently stood there and watched for 20 minutes, even though the instructor offered to drive her around. Then she set her mind, got on that bike, figured out the gas and break and took off! She drove full speed ahead around the track 3 times! I was in pure shock.
Her determination in the face of severe discomfort and fear is absolutely inspirational! Cheers to B!
camerabells - CAMEron RAchel BELL(s) 