The Kronikles of Tony and Ruth

Day 19 - Tuesday 18 July 2006

Today is Magnetic Island Day! The sun is out – really out as it should be, not the half-baked light we have been getting for the last few days. The four of us in the big van board the ferry, have a smooth trip and arrive at Nelly Bay at 11 AM. There’s a huge “Peppers” resort being constructed at the ferry terminal. Will it disturb the harmony of this island?

To get the juices flowing we start the tour with a coffee. There is a Corsican flag flying and the waiter speaks French. I practice my broken version with fierce determination. At least I can make myself understood and I understand him. The French must get a laugh at our efforts.

A feeling of deep peace descends as we walk around the various beaches. The bays are lined with palms. These trees have been introduced for the tourists. The natural physiography is of huge granite boulders with she oak pine and scrub clinging to the rocks.

We take more time at Florence Beach. Again the calm descends. There are swimmers, sunbathers and a lot of people snorkelling. There is some coral reef to be viewed here – away form the Barrier Reef.

Calamaris and steak and two bottles of Sauvignon Blanc comprise our lunch at Horseshoe Bay. As a dinning setting this beach rivals Phuket (Thailand) and Roqubrun (France). Balmy, sunny day, palms and a sparkling bay at our feet. Ruth and Darlene walk off to the beach while Brad and I discuss secret mens’ business and drink lots of coffee for about an hour.

At 5PM we catch the ferry back to Townsville, 41 and the two happy dogs, PJ and Casey.

Great chicken dinner followed by a check on the weather reports as we designate tomorrow as the Great Barrier Reef day.

Gute Nacht at 11PM.

Magnetic Island, Florence Bay, Darlene, Ruth, Brad