Flying foxes... Aargh, No!!!

So we got to the WhitsSundays on a lovely drizzly afternoon and proceeded to walk all around the marina and the resort complex.   We signed up for a variety of kayak or snorkel trips. Unfortunately, all these trips except one were foiled by the wind. We didn't get to go out on kayaks but did make it to Whitehaven beach and chalkies beach for snorkeling and swimming. Whitehaven beach has this perfect all silica sand, white as can be, and the texture of cornstarch. After walking for maybe 15 minutes, all of the calluses are sanded off my feet.    Because the weather was poor, the coral reef wasn't brightly colored. There were fish, but not many. The variety of coral was better than we have seen in the past years. Sadly much of it has been broken by people walking on it and there are some  signs of bleaching and coral death. They surprised me in that there seems to be little protection built in for the coral reef. They do not sell reef safe sunscreens,  they do not require floating vests while snorkeling above the reef, and they do not seem to regulate what people do the reef. You could break off pieces and take it with you or walk on it, damaging it. The ocean  is about 82° quite warm. I have no trouble swimming for a long periods of time; Mark however still gets a bit cold after a while.   Fortunately, the dangerous jellyfish are not in the water at this time of year.  We are now in Cairns and will be heading out on a boat for four days .   While in the Whitsundays and here we have been surprised by the large birds flying each sunset. Last night we got a much closer look: flying foxes,? Heck no, they are giant flying BATS!!!! Upon closer examination it was clear their wings worked differently than any bird we've ever seen. They are not vampires, but fruit eating thank goodness.

Off to rent bikes for the morning and tour the Esplanade of Cairns. More later.