Orpheus' underworld

More images taken at Orpheus Island, including of its fabulous underwater world.

Looking towards Hinchinbrook Island

Hinchinbrook

Fantome and Orpheus islands

We decided to continue north rather than detouring to the reef, as it's still a long way out from where we are and several days' calm weather is required. And, we now have limited time before the winds change and we have to go south again. We made our way to Juno Bay on Fantome Island, where there had been an Aboriginal leper colony in the 20th century. It was abandoned in the 70s following a fire, though remnants of buildings etc. remain. This is another one of many tragic events in the history of Queensland that don't seem to be well publicised. 

We then headed on to Orpheus Island, where there is plenty of fringing coral. With a full moon almost upon us some of the coral was quite exposed at low tide.

Fantome Island

A memorial to the nuns who ran the leper colony. Presumably also to the people who had leprosy? Maybe one day we will see memorials to Aboriginal people who were massacred, poisoned and died or suffered from European diseases. More.

Current occupants of Fantome Island

Coral at Orpheus Island

View to Hinchinbrook Island at sunset with 50 foot Lagoon catamaran.
Captain is wondering how they cope in such cramped conditions ...

Townsville

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!

Hmmm. Does none of this matter when there's a buck to be made?

Townsville from Castle Hill

Castle Hill, almost 300 m high

Thoughtfully placed cold spray

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.

View back to mainland

Sleeping Beauty, sadly, about to be woken.

Oi! What's all the racket?

Kapok flower. Thanks to Bernadette for species identification.

Captain, Barry, Bernadette and Teresa, our new friend on the walk

Well-deserved ice-cream at Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island

Discussing strategy. Amputation was deemed to be unnecessary.

Captain bravely submitted to surgery by SuperGlue

Curlews