Radical and Florence Bay

It was even hotter this morning when we got up at a more sensible early time with clear blue skies again. We had some new potatoes left over from our chicken and salad cook up last night so they went straight back in the pan with some nice Spanish olive oil for breakfast. You could live in one of these places and be very comfortable, we love it here and if we ever came back I would definitely stay here again but would bring a car from the mainland on the car ferry. The break even point is about two nights so any longer than that, bring your car and it’s so much more convenient anyway. Also the hire companies don’t allow you to drive down to Radical Bay or West Point so we decided to have a walk. If you park up where the restrictions are you are faced with a 3.5km walk to Radical Bay and the same back but there is hardly any flat. You either have up or downhill all the way there and back. I guess that you have around 20 to 30% cover from trees but it is really hot as the tarmac heats up in the sun and you have to walk on it; it’s rather like being roasted alive. However it is remarkably good exercise and you have views all the way there as you follow a little stream or Creek for about half of it and the other half you get some sea views now and then.

There seems to be rock formations everywhere on this Island which looks quite Triassic; you half expect a dinosaur to come around the corner but we only saw flies. Thousands of them, every step of the way; I wish I had found one of those electric tennis racquet things that I wanted to buy as it would have been pay back time. Talking of racquets, did you watch the men’s Australian Open final last night? Never mind Andy, you played well and you will win a grand slam title in the end but Fed was just too strong on the day. Better practice your second serve and try and get the ball nearer the base line in the rallies for your next attempt. Anyway, we finally got to Radical Bay and at first I thought that the wind had damaged allot of the branches as they were spread all around; but then I heard the culprits, those black cockatoo’s that peck off all the fruit and branches. They really had a squawk at us as we walked under their trees; it made me wonder if they had young around.

One quick drink and we were off back up the hills only stopping off at Florence Bay to take some more pictures. It’s strange how it always seems much further on the way back, especially when you have finished all your water on the way there. Finally made it and headed home for lunch to finish the last of our chicken breasts off and a leisurely afternoon around the pool. We did have a drive out to West point but, again they didn’t allow hire cars to travel down the perfectly good road. As it was a 9km trek each way we decided against it and came back to the pool to finish off our relaxation; it is our last day on the Island. Magnetic Island and especially The Canopy is a wonderful place to come for a real holiday to get away and relax from everything; even in the rain!

I had an email from Bill and Barb this morning to say that they had got back to Brisbane safely so good luck with your operation Barb, we will be thinking of you. Thanks guys for making the miserable weather enjoyable, especially with Bill’s energy, enthusiasm and wit we couldn’t help but have a great time.