Magnetic Island

 We anchored in Horshoe Bay on Magnetic Island.  This anchorage is usuall a bit rolly because the predominant southeast swell wraps around into the bay but it provides reasonable shelter.  There is a nice street fronting the bay with cafes, bars, a convenience shop and bus service to the rest of the island.  If more civilisation is needed a ferry runs frequently to nearby Townsville.  The island has extensive walking trails which are varied and scenic.

I spent the first day aboard True North doing some needed repairs while Nancy went for a hike.  On the second day I went for a hike to several beaches, up to the WW II gun emplacement and forts and the across to Arcadia one of the other towns on the Island.  I saw lots of wildlife including Wallabies, Achidna and many birds.  In Arcadia I stopped for a beer and took a swim in the hotel pool before returning back on the hiking trail to Horseshoe Bay.  It was a very good hike!

Balding Beach

The trail departing from Radical Beach

An echidna - he would not show his face šŸ„ŗ

Arcadia Hotel - a good rest stop on the hike!

The view from the Sphinx Lookout

Lots of grass trees on the higher and dryer trails.

The anchorage was a bit ā€œrock and rollā€ as expected but I enjoyed the stop at Magnetic Island.

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