Day 74 - Thursday 13th June 2013 (Travelled 110 kms)

Left this morning and travelled into Townsville. An early arrival and our camp is set up and all the chores completed. We took a drive down town to The Strand, then picked up Cat from the airport and enjoyed dinner at the Longboard Bar and Grill.

Day 75 - Friday 14th June 2013

A warm morning and we venture to the port to catch the ferry over to Magnetic Island for the day. The island is known as Maggie to the locals and is located 8 kms from Townsville, which took about 20 mins. We docked at Nelly Bay and purchased our daily bus pass to get us around. First stop at Picnic Bay, travelling though the beautiful rainforest. There are calm waters within the bay and a relaxed, and most serene spot to enjoy morning tea. A visit to the museum which was limited in scope but had just recently celebrated the school's 100 year anniversary. Horseshoe Bay for lunch at the Marlin Tavern, a walk on the beach, and Anne enjoying a somewhat refreshing swim. Gelati was yummy to consume as we waited for the bus to take us back to the ferry. Back on the mainland and a short drive to Castle Hill lookout to take in the Townsville sights and watch the sun set. Friday night catch up with Lachlan, dinner at Bennys (all things Asian + steak). Lach took Cat into town to experience some of the Townsville night life. Midnight came and the winds picked up so we were all experiencing little sleep as we felt the rocking of the vans, flapping of the canvas and banging of doors in the nearby toilet block. It was strongly suspected that the planned fishing trip for Saturday would surely be cancelled.

Day 76 - Saturday 15th June 2013

The girls headed to have haircuts, nails and pedicures, a touch of retail therapy whilst the boys ventured to Lach's to check out the progress of car repairs.

After last night's wind the boys waited until lunch time before heading out 40 kms beyond Magenetic Island to on the planned fishing trip. A tad choppy but thanks to Mark and Lach the fellas had a great fishing afternoon of fishing, all catching some Spanish Mackerel. Photos and bragging was the order of the afternoon on their return.

Dinner tonight at Bistro One along the restaurant strip at the Port. Curfew is 9.00 pm so it seems everyone is already in bed by the time we return.

Day 77 - Sunday 16th June 2013

Headed down town this morning to the weekly Market, whilst the men folk visited the British Car Club display. We met for coffee prior to spending time at the Aquarium (Reef HQ). The aquarium has the largest living coral reef exhibit and boasts a wonderful variety of fish. Anne and Ralph lunched at the Brewery. We have invited ourselves to Lach and his mates' house for dinner, us providing the corned beef meal which hopefully is to the enjoyment of the boys. You have gotta wonder whether they miss a good old fashioned home cooked meal!

Week 12

Day 78 - Monday 17th June 2013 (281kms)

Left Townsville behind now and travelling towards Cannonvale to spend a night or two with Alison and Glenn. Lunched at Bowen in the park on the bay frontage prior to arriving mid afternoon in Cannonvale. For dinner we shared some of the fresh mackerel caught by the boys on their fishing trip, whilst having a relaxing chat catch up on the balcony.