Still at Magnetic Is.

We've been enjoying the R & R here - probably the most we've had since leaving NZ. Horseshoe Bay is quite shallow so we're anchored a fair way out but it only takes about 10 minutes in the dinghy to get ashore. The weather has been beautiful with light winds and clear skies with crystal clear visibility. The nights and early mornings are cool and blankets on the bed are definitely the order of the day. And we're supposed to be in the tropics!!
Yesterday we walked up to "The Forts" which are WWII gun emplacements put there to guard against a Japanese invasion. We hadn't realised but, apart from Darwin, Townsville was actually bombed 3 times by long range Japanese flying boats from New Guinea. However, no damage was done. But that along with the decisive Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942 meant that the war was very close to this part of Australia.
The views from the gun emplacements were magnificent and from that altitude the guns crews would have had early warning of any enemy ships approaching. On the walk up there (about three quarters of an hour) we saw a Koala up a tree. He is a permanent resident and likes posing for photographs. His name is Winston. We were told that there could be Death Adders and Pythons also but we didn't see any thank goodness. Nevertheless we walked in the centre of the track to stay away as much as possible from the Death Adders' normal habitat which is loose sandy soil and/or leaf mulch in which they coil themselves half buried. Almost impossible to see and if you step on one they strike with lightning speed.
Close in to the beach there is a shark net for swimming within so all in all not really a place for carefree swimming. No crocodiles yet but they aren't unknown out here on the islands and once we get into the Hinchinbrook Channel though we'll see quite a few. Must take care not to fall overboard!!
However, we are really enjoying the total relaxation before heading north again - probably on Saturday. The Palm Is. group will be our 1st stop (Orpheous Is.) - only about 25 miles away and then the Hinchinbrook. We are looking forward to this because it is supposed to be very scenic but probably spoilt in a way because there is apparently nowhere to land throughout its 28 mile length, it being all thick mangrove forest down to the water's edge. And the prospect of being in our 2.2 metre rubber dinghy with all those crocs around definitely doesn't appeal either!!
Anyway, it's now 2230 so time for bed.
Love from us as always and watch this space........
www.tiaretaporo3.blogspot.com

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