After all that wedding thingy stuff was over the fun could begin. One of the planned trips we had was with Captain Andy's trips and their super fast zodiac boat ride. Heather recommended this for everyone as you get to go all the way round the west coast and then round to the north and the Na Pali coast. Short of undertaking an 11 mile hike this is the only way to see the coast as there are no roads up here.
So we had one of the two boats all to ourselves, full of friends and family. The group safety briefing beforehand had warnings that the seats up front were worse for movement/sea-sickness and if you have any back injuries then now is a good time to think about dropping out.
The boats turned out to be a little smaller than I thought they were going to be! I say boat, but it was more just like a rigid inflatable. The other boat pictured above which towards the end of our 4 hour trip started to get a bit close to us as they tried to splash each other.
They armed you with gloves or a glove as you have to grip onto the rope pretty hard with one hand, especially the further towards the front you sit. Basically me and Steve sat right at the front for the outward trip but sat in their "princess seats" right at the back on the way back as we just wanted to relax and what a difference between those two seats!!
So you go speeding along cresting the waves and getting a whole body workout. Then occasionally we'd stop for some coastline photos. The stopping was worse and the boat was being moved up and down due to the pretty decent waves.
Then we docked at a little beach. Apparently there are only the two boat companies allowed to land here. They gave us an amazing lunch of pulled pork, noddles, rice, dessert, cold drinks etc. Then took us on a little walk through an old sacred site
Now was the time to utilise that disposable underwater camera we got for $9.
I hadn't been snorkeling for ages and it was a little difficult trying to get the flippers on while the current tried to drag you along the coast!
I got going and seen some fish, some more fish and bits of reef, then after 10 minutes I seen a little dark cave part and lo and behold, out of the darkness came this giant turtle!!
I was so excited to both tell people (impossible) and to take photos (difficult). You get so used to seeing the photo you are taking on a little digital screen that I found it difficult and really humorous trying to look through the little viewfinder while underwater, while both you and the object are floating, trying to extend your arms as a way of manually zooming. Plus the only way I could tell if the camera was ready to take another picture was by lifting it up to my ear, winding the knob and listening out for the louder click.
Then of course I had to wait until we came home before taking the roll of film to be developed, how quaint, and praying at least one of them came out.
On the way back we stopped at some caves but the current was so strong we couldn't go into the cool one. Another we reversed into ready for a speedy getaway if needed.
Then we sped back to the harbour with our new crew.
Such a tiring day and yes we were all sore the next day especially biceps and back muscles from the constant jumping up and down and stretching backwards and forwards. But this was really one of most fun trips and things I've ever done. It was also really fun sharing it with friends and family. Anne, constantly getting soaked from the other boat, despite moving seats from one side of the boat to the other left both her sons in stitches.
Then later on, a dip in the pool to finish off the camera film!
So we had one of the two boats all to ourselves, full of friends and family. The group safety briefing beforehand had warnings that the seats up front were worse for movement/sea-sickness and if you have any back injuries then now is a good time to think about dropping out.
The boats turned out to be a little smaller than I thought they were going to be! I say boat, but it was more just like a rigid inflatable. The other boat pictured above which towards the end of our 4 hour trip started to get a bit close to us as they tried to splash each other.
 |
| Most of our group (where's Murd?) |
They armed you with gloves or a glove as you have to grip onto the rope pretty hard with one hand, especially the further towards the front you sit. Basically me and Steve sat right at the front for the outward trip but sat in their "princess seats" right at the back on the way back as we just wanted to relax and what a difference between those two seats!!
So you go speeding along cresting the waves and getting a whole body workout. Then occasionally we'd stop for some coastline photos. The stopping was worse and the boat was being moved up and down due to the pretty decent waves.
Then after a shout of "dolphins!" we slowed right down and began circling as these spinner dolphins began racing the boat and a couple up ahead jumped out of the water spinning round in the air. First time seeing dolphins in action for me, a cool sight.
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| Shark! We hoped not. |
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| Cool, they jumped. Too slow for the photo though :-( |
Then we docked at a little beach. Apparently there are only the two boat companies allowed to land here. They gave us an amazing lunch of pulled pork, noddles, rice, dessert, cold drinks etc. Then took us on a little walk through an old sacred site
and showed us how to shuck a coconut, letting us try some chunks.
Then they led us down to the other beach where there were a tonne of giant turtles resting!
Then, like something out of a prison drama we were led back through the searing midday sun back to the boats for some snorkeling!
Now was the time to utilise that disposable underwater camera we got for $9.
I hadn't been snorkeling for ages and it was a little difficult trying to get the flippers on while the current tried to drag you along the coast!
I got going and seen some fish, some more fish and bits of reef, then after 10 minutes I seen a little dark cave part and lo and behold, out of the darkness came this giant turtle!!
I was so excited to both tell people (impossible) and to take photos (difficult). You get so used to seeing the photo you are taking on a little digital screen that I found it difficult and really humorous trying to look through the little viewfinder while underwater, while both you and the object are floating, trying to extend your arms as a way of manually zooming. Plus the only way I could tell if the camera was ready to take another picture was by lifting it up to my ear, winding the knob and listening out for the louder click.
Then of course I had to wait until we came home before taking the roll of film to be developed, how quaint, and praying at least one of them came out.
On the way back we stopped at some caves but the current was so strong we couldn't go into the cool one. Another we reversed into ready for a speedy getaway if needed.
Then we sped back to the harbour with our new crew.
Then later on, a dip in the pool to finish off the camera film!
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