Part racehorse, part clydesdale
Trip Start
Aug 01, 2003
1
44
66
Trip End
Sep 20, 2004
Magnetic Island,
Australia
Friday, February 20, 2004
16th February
25 minute ferry ride out of Townsville to Magnetic Island. It's such a beautiful place. Arriving here in the Australian summer is frustrating. It's so hot and the water is so inviting but everywhere there are warning signs about the stingers. Took the tropical Island Bus around to Horseshoe Bay and booked into our YHA jungle shack.
The rainbow lorikeets gather in the trees by their hundreds and anyone who gets close enough becosme an impromptu perch.
The smile vanished when they shat on my hat.
Darkness comes quickly so close to the equator Orion and the Southern cross hang above our heads. There is so little light polution it makes the night sky breath-taking.
17th February
A beach ride with Bluey's stable. Jane was on a small white horse Sebastian whilst I, as the only guy, was saddled with Clyde (17 hands and part Clydesdale)a true beast.
Initially trotted on sandy tracks through the bush before picking up to a canter. The highlight was getting to the beach and unleashing the horses for a long gallop through the surf. After a pause the donning of stinger suits we rode the horses bareback into the water for a swim.
18th February
Back on the bus.
The things we regret lugging around the world: tent - useless and heavy, perfume
- attracts the mozzies, all the things I've lost- bed roll, cameras, travel sheet, washbag......
Glad we brought.. mozzie net - essential, frizbee, own snorkel, scissors, supersize travel towel, green bowl and spoon, minidisc player.
19th February
Cairns is such a long way from Sydney.
Stopped at a lookout over Hitchinbrook Island, a nature reserve where only 9 people are allowed to walk at any one time. Although we didn't make it the island itself the view itself was enough.
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