A visit to the big town lasted longer than
planned. We discovered some lovely parks and gardens, and did the obligatory
walk up Castle Hill, which provided great views to Magnetic Island and beyond.
A walk would have been sensible and energetic enough, but Matey got tricked
into pushing her bike halfway up the hill and walking the rest by the evil,
scheming Captain, who wanted the quick joy-ride down. Poor Matey almost expired
before reaching the top, but fortunately a strategically positioned solar-powered cool-water spray helped to revive her.
A visit from Barry and Bernadette is
always a delight and we made for Magnetic island. Fortunately we had
perfect, still weather, which made the views even better and the walking,
swimming and snorkeling thoroughly enjoyable. The water temperature is rising
and Matey was informed by a local that summer is on the way. The daily 'bath' is no longer such a shock.
It was fortunate that Barry visited when he
did as his expert skills were put to good use in attending to a cut on the
Captain’s foot. It appears Captain will live. Squeamish Matey was instructed on
how to do stitches if required!
Err, thanks Barry!!
The calm weather looks like continuing. Lured by tales from friends of recent close encounters with whales at 'the reef', a trip reef-ward is currently being plotted.
So, what's your news? C'mon folks - we like to 'hear' your news too. Get those comments happening!
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| Hmmm. Does none of this matter when there's a buck to be made? |
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| Townsville from Castle Hill |
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| Castle Hill, almost 300 m high |
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| Thoughtfully placed cold spray |
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Even a coal ship didn't look too offensive this day.
View to Florence Bay (Magnetic Island), where we snorkelled,
though apparently it was better before Cyclone Yasi. |
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| View back to mainland |
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| Sleeping Beauty, sadly, about to be woken. |
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| Oi! What's all the racket? |
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| Kapok flower. Thanks to Bernadette for species identification. |
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| Captain, Barry, Bernadette and Teresa, our new friend on the walk |
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| Well-deserved ice-cream at Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island |
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| Discussing strategy. Amputation was deemed to be unnecessary. |
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| Captain bravely submitted to surgery by SuperGlue |
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| Curlews |
4 comments:
Great pics smates
That ice cream doesn't look like 'New Zealand' to me! :(
Bikes and hills - happy memories
Sadly, that ice-cream wasn't New Zealand, Tiana. This was on Magnetic Island and we just had to make do with what was available, which fortunately was quite reasonable. Luckily it was ice-cream - not that goo they serve at McDonalds! New Zealand ice-cream is available in Townsville though so we did get a much-needed fix! :)
Yes, Mike - riding up hills brings back memories of former times and other evil schemers telling me we're nearly there! :)
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