In which we Venture into Fish'n n Crab'n Heaven or How the Captain Visits the First Circle of Hell

The magnificent, almost untouched wilderness of Hinchinbrook Island beckoned to Arjuna from across the channel to our mooring at Orpheus Island. Its 1200 metre peaks hidden in the cloud-wrack beckoning the crew to make a summit attempt. Its endless waterways teeming with fish said to be desperate to jump into passing boats. The serenity of the Hinchinbrook Channel, legend.

Mighty Hinchinbrook, girt by cloud and mangroves

Clam I Am

We spent another week in Townsville after returning from Nelly Bay. There were, as usual, some details to be attended to including another problem with our solar charging system and the need to get an order in for a new mainsail after shredding it on final departure from the Whitsundays. We had our bow roller straightened and reinforced after being bent sidewise sitting on our anchor in too many strong winds. Eventually, we cast off the mooring ropes for a final time and bid our farewells to Breakwater Marina, hailing a hearty goodbye to the staff over the VHF before knuckling down for another arduous passage to Magnetical Island.

Magnetic Island. Viewed from the general vicinity of the gelato shop at Townsville

Magnificient Maggie



Arjuna amongst the Granite and Hoop Pines at Florence Bay

Magnetic Island ("Maggie") is only 4 nautical miles from Townsville, so on Sunday July 6th, we set off with 5 adults and 6 children in fine weather for a picnic at Florence Bay.

Brolgas and Jabirus on the Town Common



Townsville Wetlands

Jane L. took us for a July afternoon stroll through the lush wetlands at the Town Common Conservation Area.

Living it up in Townsville

We arrived in Townsville halfway through the first week of the winter school holidays, minus two key crew members who were still in NSW enjoying shore leave.

Townsville icon Castle Rock from the tropical lushness of Queen's Gardens.