Page 66 of Outback Secrets

‘Spectacular, isn’t it?’ Liam said, and she had to admit it was the perfect word to describe the sight below them.

‘Uh huh.’ Henri had seen plenty of amazing places from the air, but that didn’t mean she ever took their beauty for granted. The vivid deep blues and crisp aqua colours of the ocean, speckled with the dots of yellow and green that made up the islands and the white foam of the waves lapping at the land, finally distracted her from the fact they were actually flying. It was hard to feel fear when overwhelmed by such natural beauty.

Glenn pointed out notable islands as they flew overhead—Big Rat and Little Rat with their colourful fishing camps, boasting lots of shacks and bordered by jetties. She listened properly now as he spoke about the communities below, the small number of people who lived here all year round and the cray fishermen who spent about three months each year calling the islands home.

‘There was even a school there until not so long ago,’ he told them, ‘but it’s closed now. The lobster industry is changing, it’s spread more throughout the year due to quotas that were introduced. Before the quotas, whole families would go across from March to June and the communities were thriving. It’s different now, but you can still experience that kind of spirit if you visit on Anzac Day.’

‘For the two-up competition? I’ve heard of that,’ Liam said.

‘Yeah.’ Glenn nodded. ‘It’s one helluva day, that’s for certain. Right. You guys ready to land?’

Liam looked at Henri but what could she say? No, please keep flying up here where I feel moderately safe? Eventually they’d run out of petrol and …

Banishing that thought, she nodded, then held her breath again and hoped her nails weren’t digging into Liam’s palm as Glenn brought the Airvan in to land on the airstrip on East Wallabi, pointing out beautiful Turtle Bay as he did.

‘Magical place to swim,’ he said. ‘You might even see some sea lions or dolphins if you’re lucky.’

‘I did it!’ Henri shrieked as the Airvan touched down.

Glenn pressed on the brakes, and they slowed quickly. There were no anthills here and it was a textbook landing if ever there was one. Adrenaline buzzed through her, and she couldn’t help bouncing in her seat. She might not have been the pilot, but this definitely felt like a huge step in the right direction.

‘You did.’ Liam grinned, his expression proud. ‘Well done.’

She squeezed his hand, which she hadn’t let go during the whole flight. ‘Thank you.’

‘Don’t mention it.’ He extracted his hand. ‘Now, let’s go plant a geocache.’