Page 64 - Port Douglas Magazine 31

SEA STARS

The spirit of a boat does not come from her design or the
name painted on the stern but rather from the character of
the people who guide her to put the wind in her sails.

WORDS by Jeremy LeBeuf

PHOTO CREDIT: Rian Cope Photography

he spirit of a boat does not come But however special these boats are, what preservation of the island and its coral
from her design or the name really sets them masts above any other surrounds, with the Kate, Flynn and their
painted on the stern but rather are the people who are at the helm. Well sister Tessa helping every step of the way.
Tfrom the character of the people known trio, husband and wife team Lucas Kate tells with vivid description stories
who guide her to put the wind in her sails. and Kate Agrums and Kate’s brother Flynn of their childhood, etching idyllic images
There are all kinds of ways to explore the Bickford give these tours that je ne sais quoi of her dedicated family working hard on
splendorous waterways and Coral sea off that cannot be matched, with the Bickford marine conservation.
Port Douglas but none as unique and iconic family having an intimate connection with Days were spent waking up to the sound
as the Lady Douglas Riverboat and the both vessels since childhood. of waves, heading straight for the shore,
Shaolin Chinese Junk. The Coral Sea flows in the blood of lifelong running through the sandy shallows,
A charming nature-rich cruise aboard the locals Kate and Flynn who have grown up swimming with a kaleidoscope of sea life,
handsome Lady Douglas takes guests on conserving its marine life and reading the beach combing, painting, charting the
a one of a kind wildlife adventure through nuances of the ocean. The family-owned clouds, returning at night to a sky blanketed
the crocodile inhabited inlet with trusted company, much like their boats, embody with stars.
Captain Lucas at the helm, famous for his stability, longevity, and if nothing else, an “We learned a lot about the sea and its
dry and humorous commentary. Running ability to withstand troubled waters. inhabitants firsthand – swimming off the
30 years strong it is a local favorite, making They had a childhood full of freedom and beach with turtles, scanning the skies to
memories on every trip. fun that would be the envy of any other understand how to read the weather,” Kate
The Shaolin, affectionally known as the child with a sandy cay as their playground. said.
“Junk” inspires the imagination to run wild They spent much of their time on soul “We’d get on with the work and do what
with its dramatic sails drifting the sun- satisfying Low Isles, which The Shaolin kids do - play around, but at the same time
splashed sea catching the warm soothing now tours daily. learning vital skills that complement our
sunset breeze. With a history as vibrant as Their parents were integral in the Low operations today – they’re second nature to
her sails, the “Junk” has been operating Isles Preservation Society, a conservation us now.”
tours since the golden era of Port Douglas. group dedicated to the protection and
64 tourismportdouglas.com.au