Probably dolphins in fact, but was not close enought to check their teeth. Around 6 dolphins were spotted on our return trip to Rosslyn Bay after a perfect weekend on North Keppel Island for a writing workshop.

Dolphins in Keppel Bay.

Weaving words on Kanomi has become an annual event held at the Environmental education centre. This island is all national parks and remains unspoilt. There little evidence of previous ventures but now the focus is for sustainability. All water used is collected from the rain that falls on the buildings. Held in huge tanks it is filtered to a purity beyond bottled drinking water. Electricity is from the solar panels, however due to breakdown of the wind turbine there has been dependence on a gas powered generator for the past two years.
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My alarm is set for 4:30 am. Long before I normally exit my warm bed. I hit the snooze button and huddle a little tighter in by blanket.

The weather has started to give a definite tropical nip as the temperature dips to the sub 15 degree pre winter chill. My body wants to sleep some more and enjoy the comfort of my bed.

The digger had no beds. Their blankets were probably wet. Their alarm was the dull thump of the mortars and the sharp snap of .303 calibre rifles. The guttering of machine guns and the zing of richocheted bullets. Any one making contact would kill or serious injure. Food was from a cold can, water was dirty and would often cause vomitting. Clothes were wet and dirty. Feet rotting from constant moisture.

I crawl out of my warm bed. Wake up with a shower of clean heated water. Make a piece of toast and a warm cup of tea. Then I make the gruelling 30m walk to my climate controlled car to drive to the local dawn service.

For a sort time I reflect on what the members of the armed forces gave in order that I might have all the things in life I have come to treasure and enjoy.

30 minutes of my year is really so little in comparison.

2008 Anzac Day Sunrise