Day 50

Hello from a little piece of island paradise! Magnetic Island is fabulous, and I am enjoying some time off!

Kat came to join me in Brisbane and I had another good two days re-huminising (is that a word?!) myself with some new clothes which are not covered in irremovable sand, and a haircut - I now look marginally less like a "bogan" as the Australians would say - read more like a normal human being!!

We flew to Townsville yesterday (Tuesday) and caught the ferry to Magnetic Island, it is so beautiful and absolutely stunning. We started our trip in accomodation which resembled a delapitaded beach hut which was falling apart at the corners, with lots of geckos and insects, and torn lino on the floor and two narrow and uncomfortable single beds. We were unconvinced, but stayed last night before giving in to luxary and moving to a lovely hotel with pools and air conditioning and a bathroom! Showering here highlighted that I don't think I have been clean for weeks!

We are driving around in an open top mini car which is pink with barbie seats! I don't want to begin to think what we look like!! Today we went on a horse ride through the bush and then out onto the beach and swimming in the sea. Fantastic - I loved it!!!

Other plans are to visit the Barrier Reef before leaving on Sunday... it's a hard life!

Love you all so much,

A xxxxxxxxxx