Magnetic Island

We went ashore today and landed on the beach in the dinghy. Tide was coming in so it was a matter of hauling the dinghy above high tide mark. Apart from the fact that the beach was a brown/gold sand, it reminded us very much of Russell as the beach was similarly steep with a grass verge at the top and a row of shops and cafes across the road. We found a pub and Jean had fig and goat cheese salad and Jim a healthy dose of roast pork belly!! Then tp have a quick look at the island we hopped on a bus which took us to the other (Townsville) side where the ferry terminal is. The island is rocky but very pretty having much tropical vegetation with great sea views. Like Waiheke and Auckland, Magnetic has become a suburb of Townsville with the advent of fast ferries. It has a permanent population of 2,500 many of whom commute to Townsville for work.
We eventually returned to the Tiare where we had a green chicken curry which had been prepared by Jean before she went to NZ. It's now 2200 and time for bed. Beautifully calm tonight unlike last night when it blew quite hard for half the night.
Keep watching this space!!..............
Lots of love from us
J & J (G)

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