Wednesday 6 August - Airlie Beach

Wednesday 6th August

After showers and brekky and a refill of the water tank we headed north by bus to Centro shopping centre for some diesel oil and a few supplies. Amazingly our Victorian Seniors cards were accepted and we paid the bus driver in cash - and got change from him - and one paper ticket that accounted for the thereof us.  How can that be so simple yet our transport in Victoria can't accommodate that system?

The weather is overcast again today, but at least we're warm and able to walk around in shorts and t-shirts.

We are surrounded by glorious mountains (except for the ocean of course) and it is wonderful to see the lush greenery and magnificent homes, some perched on top of the hills and others interspersed throughout the hills and valleys.  Any tradies who are short of work should head here - there is so much going on in the way of new builds and renos and stone works - beautiful stone walls and timber walkways are going up all along the coast.

We're on the north arm of the marina and there is truly some serious money in the boats here - some are worth millions and millions of dollars and it costs them $18,000 just to moor their yacht here for one year.

Mercantile bought the marina here for $70,000,000 ten years ago from three solicitors. They got into financial difficulties and the current owners bought the marina from Mercantile three years ago for $25,000,000. They have poured loads of money into it and they're apparently reaping the rewards.

Loaded up with a couple of five litre containers of oil, a ladder for easier access to the yacht, and some supplies we caught a bus back south however it didn't come back to the marina! We offloaded in Airlie a Beach township, bought some rolls for lunch and a bun for afternoon tea and walked back 'home'.

The sun has decided to shine on us and the winds have blown the grey and white clouds away to reveal the most gorgeous blue sky.  We've just heard on ABC telly that it's currently 15C in Melbourne so we're making the most of this glorious afternoon lying on the bench seats on the back of Breezly in shorts and t-shirts. Bliss!