Fraser

I had a really good opening line for this post but I forgot it.

Fraser not Frasier.

Quick run through - This is the largest sand island in the world. Yes, all sand and when I got back I could tell. Obviously I hadn't showered in about 3 days (standard for the trip thus far) and when I got back to Hervey Bay (try to think North Dakota accent when you say it and it will be a lot more funny) I dug sand out of my ears for a solid 5 minutes in the shower and went through about a dozen Q-tips. This sand not to mention all of it in my camera and ipod wow sucked. The good thing about this sand is that it is Silica sand so Jo and I had a go with her silver jewelry at the inland lakes. I know what you are thinking how can there be lakes on an island of sand but let me tell you something else - it is covered in rainforest, and dingos, spiders, lizards, snakes and many other killing things. Yeah so these lakes are formed by an impermeable layer of organic decaying material from the trees. It's cool because the lakes are next to huge dunes (think Sahara desert since there is more sand on Fraser than the Sahara). We were in a Land Crusier with 10 people and some shitty tents and went at it. Bought some beers and some meat for the barbie and went to it. It was a self drive tour and so our group consisted of a pretty cool but also pretty high maintenance Irish couple, a conservative older (28) Swiss couple, three Irish teacher girls, one Brit girl, Jo and myself. Was a hell of a time out there but our group was a bit lacking. Next time I go we will rent our own 4wd and take the high fiving white guys out there. Plus whoever else I know who wants to go to Australia and is reading this. I will start taking applications immediately.

The sites

Champagne pools - rock formation where sea water comes over the rocks and stays frothy and is great for swimming. The only salt water you can swim in around here because it is full of stingers, is a tiger shark breeding ground, and the rips will pull you out in a matter of seconds. Oh yeah the nearest hospital is a good few hours away by helicopter. I also saw an article when we got on the island about one of these self drive tours tipping their Land Cruiser (hereafter known as jeep) over and being lifted out. Don't worry mom we were safe drivers who all used good judgment. Yeah so we bathed in these pools for awhile and it was quite refreshing.

Indian Head - Highest point lookout used for spotting marine life. We saw a ray and some turtles. No sharks. We did see a stupid surfer where there were no waves and were taking bets on whether he and/or his board would survive. Ran into Jonnny up here too which was cool (he had his tour with a different company since he arranged it all the way back in Byron. I think of that place every time I surf though because my board is from Bay Action a surf shop back there. Good info I know.

Nahemo wreck - I really have no idea if that was the name of the ship but I think it started with an N. Yeah a big rusty ship on the beach that people take pictures of. There seems to be a lot of wrecks on and around the island and whole coast. Presumably because of the reef. I will ask Cpt Cook when I see him.

Colored Sands/The Pinnacles - Eroded sandstone think Bryce Canyon that are nice but it was too sunny to see any colors. The story is something about a rainbow protecting a girl and eventually setting up pinnacles in the sky to watch after all the women of the island. Whatever.

Lake Wabby - The best place. A lake you had to hike about 3k to get to and our whole group didn't want to walk (losers I tell you) so Jo and I did anyway. We ran across the dunes diving head first down cliffs and running down them into the lake. Hey bros its like the sand beaches at Enders in the olden days only about twice as big and a lot steeper. Whoa cool. The best part is the sand doesn't hurt at all you would think it would scrape you but after that initial leap you just can't stop. Silica sand is what the aboriginees say.

Lake McKenzie - Obviously all of these places have other names that are native but I don't know them and probably couldn't pronounce them either. This place is desert oasis in the middle of the rainforest 8k from the sea. One of the most beautiful beaches and clearest water I have ever seen. Certainly the best lake beach. Fiji might prove this point incorrect. Ran into the crazy Swedes from our original bus and the dictatorish one actually talked and smiled. Interesting turn of events. Also ran into JP here and this guy Josh from Canadia that is Jewish in every since and for some reason keeps showing up. I don't know how to avoid people in places that I don't know.

Eli Creek - Great floating in a cold clear creek all the way to the ocean. People come here and chill, play cricket with a tennis ball, and drink beer in the water. Cricket by the way is not a sport. It can last up to 5 days and they have time to eat, have tea, and change clothes built into every test.

The rest of the trip was nice we bumped along in our jeep (didn't think I would use it eh?) over sand tracks nearly getting stuck about 100 times. Luckily they had me the 4x4 king to throw in tips and driving skill. The girls were all lovely and cooked for us each night. I set up tents and unloaded the jeep in return. I thought it quite fair. We ate like kings and I decided early on that since the food was communal that I should gorge myself and try to get my moneys worth. I guess A$20 for 3 days isn't too bad though. Tents were amazingly hot and we didn't get to camp on the beach because of the crazy girls who needed showers and crap. There was a full moon which is always good when you are in a place with no lights. The bedtime each night was 9pm and many groups got fined for not abiding by this. Luckily, my group was good and were all in bed. Except Jo and I, yeah we are rebels. The girls got trapped in their tent and I laughed for hours about that.