Magic Magnetic Island

Last weekend I flew to,Townsville, the gateway to  Far North Queensland for another destination birthday celebration. (Last year it was Hong Kong)  I met cousin Eileen and my brother-in-law Gary who were sharing an apartment with me overnight. We also caught up with an extended branch of the Leong family, Joe and JUdy and their daughter and family friends who knew the Leong family in Hong Kong.  It was a delightful afternoon going through old family photos, an amazing and detailed family tree and learning more about the Chinese in Townsville. 

Joe's father had established a general store in Townsville in the early 1920s. And  the business had survived until the 1970s.  JUdy was born in Townsville but still spoke Chinese. They have had a good life here and love Townsville. Joe told us that after he graduated in medicine from Queensland University he returned to Townsville and a hospital of 10 staff. Pretty small town in those days.

We went to the Jupiters Casino for the seafood buffet dinner which was excellent and we all indulged in  delicious seafood, oysters in particular! Joe at 81 and a slight fellow piled his plate high.  

Next morning was Anzac Day and while our intention was to go to the dawn service, the 5 am start and end of week tiredness as well as the journey,( from Melbourne it took 4.hours plus 45 minutes stopover) we all slept in.  

It has been a special ANZAC day because it is 100 years since the first. Much has gone into the commemoration around the country and in Gallipoli, The Western Front in France and other significant sights of battle. All the shows and reflections on the event has been very interesting and informative. War is such a waste of lives. 

 The cenotaph with wreaths

 Two stone fish.  Find number 2.

We explored the main streets of Townsville and the aquarium before catching the ferry across to Magnetic island. Townsville is very clean and the buildings in the CBD seemed well cared for. 

The strand 

As soon as I landed On Magnetic I felt a calm come over me. It is a very laid back unspoiled island. I haven't been here since a teenager but it doesn't seem to have changed all that much. The house we are staying in is at Horseshoe bay on the top of the island so we need a taxi. The local bus only meets the passenger ferry and we came over on the car ferry courtesy of Gary's cycling friend who managers it  I am falling in love with the island. It might be the granite boulders and the bush which are quite different to most other Queensland islands. 

The house is large where we are staying and has been influenced by Balinese architecture. I like it very much and it works well for a large party. The design of the bathrooms and no separate toilet leaves a bit to be desired but small niggles in the scheme of things. We are having soup and Chinese dumplings for tea tonight. This requires many hands which is a great icebreaker.  Over vodka tonics we chat, wrap and get to know each other. There are several friends and family I haven't met from cousin Barbara's maternal side of the family. We end up with 200 dumplings and delicious soup. 

      view from the balcony and dinner on the verandah looking out to sea.  The next day we swam at Arcadia beach, in crystal clear water, wandered the market at Horseshoe bay and had the big celebratory lunch at the Barefoot Restaurant and Gallery. Fabulous quality food.  

 The birthday girl and daughter and the whole gang below 

Later in the afternoon Gary, Roger, and Eileen and I went bushwalking to Radical Bay. We hoped to spot a Koala for Eileen but  alas that was not to be..

My departure on Monday was an early flight but the passenger hydrofoil is like a commuter ferry and I was easily able to connect by taxi to the airport.  Home to Melbourne by 3:00 pm in time for book club that night.  I am missing the tranquility of Magnetic Island and may try to winter they're next year. Or in the future. 

Now I have to start focusing on saving as I seem to have way too many bills. Working part-time and retirement haven't quite been balanced with my expenditure. It is an adjustment yet to be fine tuned. Another lesson  I need to learn.