Townsville, arrived 31/8/10

What a wonderful train to ride in. I was in the carriage called Sapphire, my favourite gemstone, also my birthstone. I will include a photo of the interior of the roomy carriage. Seat very comfortable. Train travels slowly as old, but great for the sightseeing passengers. Spotted a couple of kangaroos, a cluster of butterflies on the wing, an assortment of cows and a dead ferral pig. Was picked up at station by landlady, and we went off to bus station to pick up one other. Her name was Jami, from California. We got along very well and shared the evening together. We walked along the Strand in the pleasant evening. We were also sharing the same room. Jami is 21 in a few weeks time. She had been sky diving a few days before, and had the video on her computer. She wanted to show me how she had got on - terror etched on her face, even though she was strapped to the instructor! She departed the next day, leaving me her e-mail in casse I should ever go to the US. I was off to Magnetic Island, so called as Captain Cook's compass would not work as he passed it, and thought the Island must have an amount of magnetism, throwing his compass off. Turned out, his compass was NOT working! However, as locals say, if you visit Magnetic Island, you will be drawn back to it magnetically. I can only agree. It is beautiful. One lovely bay after another. I visited the Koala Sanctuary, which houses other animals as well. The animals can all be handled but to hold a koala incurs a cost of about £8. This is in part to keep down the number of people handling the koala; and to raise money for the transportation of the eucalyptus leaves from the mainland. At the end of the tour we went into an area of bush to look for fruit bats. None seen, but I have never seen so many butterflies in one place. They were like a cloud. A thoroughly good day out. On one of my wanders I encountered rock wallabies. Quite the posers! Next day, off to Reef HQ, a government-backed venture. It houses a huge aquarium with living coral, and masses of fish. All the fish I saw when snorkelling, but could not photo, now I could see and photo on dry land! The fish literally swarmed 20mins in advance of feeding time, and they do not get fed every day. Also managed to fit in visit to art centre exhibiting fibre art of the Tjanpi Desert Weavers. Back on the train heading for Airlie Beach. Again, spotted kangaroos, a large vatiety of birds, and quite a few calves. Late arrival in Airlie Beach (9.45pm) but had a wander about to stretch the legs. Think I have landed in the midst of an 18-30's club! Up early today (Fri) and a good look around. Beautiful down by the lagoon surrounded by white sand. Area created as stoney beach. Very warm. Unfortunately, camera battery down so no photos in the morning. By afternoon, wind off the sea, and cloud covering the sun. However, benefit of that to me was could go for good walk. Off to Long Island tomorrow, one of the Whitsundays, for 2 nights at all inclusive hotel. Think I need the R&R- very busy all this travelling and reporting, you know! Thanks to all keeping in contact - it's lovely to hear from you all. I return to Airlie Beach 7pm Mon, and off on train again to Hervey Bay, then ferry over to Fraser Island. I am staying with a 5W contact - Women Welcome Women World Wide. Judi is a year older than myself, and a retired journalist. I look forward to meeting her and hearing more about the organisation, of which I am now a member. Marion Jones in Brisbane is hoping to arrange for me to meet a few members while I am there. I will be staying with a sister of Rhonda's in Brisbane, and staying with another in Coolangatta. Lots of lovely friendships and meeting of family members.