Magnetic Island - A selection of sunsets

Staying across the road from the beach where the sun sets,
it was often a theme for photos.

Magnetic Island - Teenage dream realised

As a teen I loved the idea of owning and driving a Californian
Mini Moke. The canopy could even be in denim.

That never did happen, however on a whim I asked a favour at
Bungalow Bay Backpackers and Koala Park for a photo opportunity.

Magnetic Island - The Beach

The beach at Horseshoe Bay is right across the road from the
accomodation, my friend's home.

Walked there a lot, beachcombing for shells and coral. As it
is situated within The Great Barrier Reef, there is a lot of
broken coral.

Another little treasure is quite a plentiful offering of 'Sea Dollar'
shells. I have never seen so many.

 There is a lagoon behind the beach, though low on rainfall currently. 

 Rounded granite boulders bookend the beach, make up the hills and mounts.

 The last cottage at the end of the beach, you need to drive on the beach to reach it.

Palm Island in the distance, shrouded in cloud.

Magnetic Island continued

The highest point of the island still has old WW2 fortifications.
Lookouts, gun turrets, remnants of other practical habitation,
like mess buildings, workshops etc.

It would have been arduous hard work to build in the heat and
humidity, and the steep site, the concrete structures.

 Marvellous views from the peak.

 A sleeping resident, Koalas were relocated to the island a long time ago.

 A gun mount.

 We climbed on top of both forts.

 Looking out of the gun turret.

Figs grow prolifically here even attach to rocks.

Magnetic Island

A week was spent on Magnetic Island, northern Queensland.
My friend Helen of many years has a home there, so a trip was
planned to have a great catch up.

I'd had a fall that morning so didn't do a lot of the more energetic
pursuits, however there was still so much to do, as these photos
will illustrate.

 Townsville, where you catch the ocean going ferry to go to Magnetic Island. 

The city wraps around this mighty mount. 

 Just before you set off at the wharf.

 Approaching the large island. 

 The view from the balcony of the apartment to the beach, 

and daily fine sunsets over the same beach. 

Mother's Day

I was lucky to see all my children on Mother's Day weekend. First Ben,
and then the girls and I went to brunch at The Buddha Belly restaurant.

We finished our meals, luckily just in time, to be out of our outdoor
setting before a major storm hit and flash flooding.

Sam went off to join her fiance's family, and Bec and I perused the nursery
adjoining, lots of luscious rainforesty plants.

We left soon as the torrential rain meant the trip to a nearby salvage and
recycling yard had to be held off.

 Always happiest if I can find wildlife to play with!