Having spent nine days exploring Horseshoe Bay and the other bays on Magnetic Island that we could access by bus, we decided that as the weather was calm we would motor around to Radical Bay for our last night with the younger Scotts, before making our way back to Townsville. Clive and Andrew had advised us to anchor near the south east corner. A swell rolls around the rocks at the entrance to the bay and catches the boat side on so it can get uncomfortable there unless it is calm. No sooner had we anchored when we were surrounded by a bunch of fish waiting to be fed. It amazes me that the fish know where the Green Zones are and are not shy in showing up for food. On this occasion we had trevally, grouper and mullet surrounding the boat. Jess and Anna were fascinated. We gave them some bread to feed the fish which kept them amused for some time.
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| Anchored at Radical Bay |
Greg and Jess paddled around the bay watching fish and exploring the rocky shore. The water is much clearer here than in Horseshoe Bay and it wasn't long before everyone (except me) was in the water. Greg found a coconut that was edible and he cracked it open and everyone enjoyed chewing on the lumps of coconut meat (except me - yuk!) Several other boats joined us for the afternoon, but they returned to Horseshoe Bay before dusk. Only one small craft remained with us and it was an interesting affair. It looked just like a caravan on water with very little freeboard. We found out that it was indeed a caravan/boat. Apparently the owner simply drives it onto a purpose built trailer and secures it and hey presto - he has a caravan. It would only be safe in lakes, rivers or close to the coast in calm weather.
The night in Radical Bay was beautiful and we didn't experience much rolling at all. We have discovered that our tolerance of rolly anchorages is higher than a lot of peoples though. Early on Wednesday morning we weighed anchor and made our way back to the Breakwater Marina where we had booked in for another week. Greg, Leisha and the girls stayed on board and spent much of their last few days at the Waterpark and playgrounds on The Strand.
Sheep On Holiday
Sheep is a much loved soft toy that Jessica's other grandmother, Linda, gave her after a visit to her family in New Zealand. Sheep has been Jess's constant companion ever since. It is amazing what that sheep got up to when we all went ashore and left her on board to guard Olivia. We didn't want any pirates sneaking on board and getting up to mischief.
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| Sheep and Dorrie get into the fruit |
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| Sheep cooks dinner for herself |
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| Sheep radios her friends |
A Family Day at Muntalunga
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| Peter, Virginia and Jess having fun with Tess |
Muntalunga is Virginia and Clive's property which is about 30km south of Townsville. They invited the Scott clan out for a barb-e-cue lunch and family 'get together'. Virginia has several horses on the property, one of which is a Shetland pony called Tess. Tess was bathed and groomed (she probably wondered what that was all about!) and saddled up for pony rides. She is the perfect pony for little people rides. The girls loved it, even 1 year old Anna. We had a lovely day out at Muntalunga. The weather was mild and sunny and we all relaxed under the large shady trees at the back of the house. Thanks Virginia and Clive for giving us all a memorable day at Muntalunga.
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| Jess and Anna double up for a ride on Tess |
Greg and Leisha and the girls have now gone back to WA and Peter and I find it very quiet on Olivia. We strolled along The Strand today and there was no Jess and Anna at the Waterpark or at the playground. We miss you guys. You must come again soon.
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| Greg and Jess enjoy a ride on the quad bike |
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