Catherine and I decided to stay an extra night at Hamilton Island to enjoy the resort at a more leisurely pace. On Sunday morning we checked out of our beautiful apartment and moved back on board Debonnaire in the marina. After all the fun we had, we reluctantly farewelled our crew at the airport. In the afternoon we cruised around the Island in our golf buggy and cooled off at one of the resort swimming pools. We had a delicious dinner that evening at the popular Coca Chu restaurant.
On Monday morning, we set off for Cape Gloucester north of Airlie Beach. We had arranged with Paul to rendezvous there for dinner. Carpe Diem was stopping there on its way from Hamilton Island Race Week to Magnetic Island Race Week near Townsville. We had heard it was a delightful spot popular among cruisers passing through the area. It was a no-frills, eco-style resort, quite unlike Hamilton Island. We had to get to shore by tender, and that meant we were going to get our feet wet and covered in sand. Shorts and sandals were not only the practical choice but also in keeping with the dress code for the restaurant. Despite its plain appearance, we had warm service and a delicious dinner.
On Tuesday morning, Carpe Diem continued north and we returned south to Airlie Beach.
Debonnaire 