On Sunday, October 29, 2000 12:05 PM, Huw Porter wrote:

(snip)
> > We swam for half-an-hour before a
> >passing boat threw us a line, towed us into shore and then went back to
> >search the area.

> Out of interest, how much headway had you made in that time (given that
> it's normally about half an hour back from 'da patches' to the beach u/w)?

Because of the combers breaking around the point we couldn't take the direct
surface route but had to swim a dog-leg.  The only unpleasant part about it
was wondering if Leighton was OK or not!  (I spent the time rehearsing my
appearance in the Coroner's Court!)   :-)

> >And this time next week?  The Barrier Reef!  :-)

> G'day from the Alice, mates!  Just dusting meself off after five days bush
> camping round the red centre, ending up at some big red rock in the middle
> of nowhere. ;-)

They say you can *almost* see both sides of the island from the top!  :-)

>(Did I climb?  No, I didn't!)  Going to give the goggles,
> flippers and bend-o-meter a bit of a polish, before flying to Cairns
> tomorrow.

> See you there! :-)

I arrive at about 15.05 hrs local time which means I should be in the hotel
by about 16.00 - as close to beer-o'clock as makes no difference.  My shout!
:-)

Strike