Here, on a Boat

Here where the sky meets the ocean between the untouched islands on the Great Barrier Reef, we cruise because we can.

Here, where butterflies are seen flying so far from land, you can only imagine they are travelling from island to island, and may not even make it during their short 1-2 day lifespan.

Here, where tiny fish, get so scared, they are able to skip along the surface, like a well thrown stone, using their tails to stand up and run like lizards above water when they get tired of skipping.

It is here, with the wind in your hair, on a boat, cutting through the glassy waters, the sun reflecting up at you from the liquid turquoise, that you feel a freedom like no other. Just you, the sea and the great unknown.

What creatures lie beneath?

What lands lie unexplored?

I dare you NOT to live in the moment

It’s impossible to even remember any nagging thoughts and worries. The sky has untangled them and the breeze has plucked them away. Like an echesketch for your mind. Now all that’s left is for the ocean to fill up your senses and soothe your grateful soul.

Damn you irikanji jelly fish! Damn my irrational fear of sharks. If it weren’t for you two, I’d seize this precious moment and dive into the water fully clothed, like the impulsive, spirited girl I know I can be!

***

It is here, on the boat that Bernard and Abby make their life; stepping around each other in the kitchen in a well-rehearsed routine. I watched from the landing as Abby made toast with avocado and vintage cheddar while Bernard ground coffee beans and brewed tea.

Watching Bernard make coffee is a fascinating experience. He worked diligently in a relaxed methodical manner, with precision that bordered obsessive.  (The same way he does everything in his life.) With beans ground, he set an alarm timer. Seconds later - beep beep beep! He flicked a switch on the coffee machine, then reset the timer… beep beep beep! He poured the coffee, beep beep beep! Inserted the thermometer into the milk jug for frothing. I imagined he was following one of his laminated check lists in his head.

Leaning back I took in the smells of the clean Whitsunday air, mixing with fresh coffee and toast. Behind me the island greenery towers high from the water’s edge. Can I please stay in this moment for ever, I pray.

Abby was now cutting fresh fruit onto a clean white plate, while Bernard was using a spoon to make an unusual coffee-art design in the top of the cappuccinos. If only he turned the spoon upside down, he’d get a better design, the perfectionist in me thought. WHO CARES, yelled my voice of reason.

Nothing broke the stillness and calmness of the water surrounding us, except the occasional breath from a surfacing sea turtle, leaving a small trail of bubbles as it disappeared silently, on it’s way to it’s next breathing destination. Ah the serenity.

“Here we go!” Bernard said, grinning proudly as he handed me a cappuccino. “How’s this hey? Good coffee on a boat.”

I loved it here. Wrapped up in the safe bubble that is my parent’s love. Surrounded by sunshine and nature, and jelly fish and sharks. I wondered if I would ever be able to provide such a wonderful fun and loving environment for my future hypothetical family. I doubt it will be quite as lavish. But then it’s never been about the setting. I’d happily live in a toilet if Abby and Bernard were there. It has always been and always will be more about who they are as people.