Both Sides of the Sun....

I watched the sunrise yesterday morning sitting in the cockpit of the boat from Magnetic Island drinking my tea.  Right before it came up I thought I should run down and get my camera... but I didn't.  I sat there and watched... just watched as the tiniest little glow turned into a sliver then turned into a big red ball over the water.  This was my last morning on the boat, and second to last morning for this trip in Australia... Capt Paul didn't get his train ticket in time and had to book a flight for today instead.

I do have a lot of pictures to share... I still have some raw photos on the camera that I haven't had time to get saved or processed.  In due time I will.  I just wanted to thank Wayne again for the wonderful opportunity that both Capt Paul and I were able to enjoy.  Yes, I jumped ship for awhile... and the guys got a whole lot more done on the boat!  I, on the other hand got to see Australia from both sides of the sun!  Thank you Wayne!

Magnetic Island - Horseshoe Bay...catching up with the guys!

Turns out the guys motored fast and got to Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island Tuesday night.  My diving was cancelled due to not enough people, so I left Ayr Wednesday morning took the bus to Townsville and the Ferry over to meet them!  Wayne even got the dingy going and came in to pick me up from the beach!

Very cute little beach area!

I had previously arranged a couple of nights at the Koala Bungalows thinking that it would take the guys a couple of days to motor up... so I spent one night on the boat and then Wayne took me to shore again for my "resort" stay and tour!  I have to admit the tour was GREAT! 

I got a "kiss" from the black/red tailed cockatoo....

This white cockatoo was upset with the lack of attention!

The Naturalist was extremely informative about all the living things under her care... including this crocodile! 

And then to the Koala's! 

Oh, they are so cute!  And, yes....

I could not resist and got to hold one!  The people at the resort were so helpful in ideas of what to do while on the island!   When I had mentioned the butterfly's at Mt Rooper one gentleman told me of a trail to walk down...

Butterfly's EVERYWHERE as I walked down the trail!  Wayne picked me up again at the beach after my time at the resort. There was also a suggestion from one of the resort guys to go to the Forts!   The next day Wayne and I came in to the island took the bus up to the trailhead and walked up the mountain to the Forts!  It was awesome!  Beautiful view!  AND, another wild Koala!!!   That makes two this whole trip!!  One on Stradbroke Island and one here!  I haven't had time to get pictures done and it is nearing time to be leaving Australia!  I will try to wrap up our great time here with pictures of the Forts on the next blog!
 

Airlie Beach and Butterflys

Capt Paul and Wayne had some great sailing I hear... but now the race is on for them to get to Townsville by this weekend with NO WIND!  Which means motoring!!!

I on the other hand am here at Airlie Beach! 

I am in a wonderful place called Backpackers by the Bay (BBB)!  

And, no this isn't a view from where I'm staying... just a view of Airlie Beach on one of the many walks I've taken!

Friday I returned from the WORST DIVE TRIP I have ever been on and have been relaxing ever since!  If I lived in or around Airlie Beach I would be so embarrassed by the quality of trip they allow to go out to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef!  I won't name names or tell tales here... but if anyone is interested I can certainly give them all the information.  And, relaxing?  Well... okay... today I went for a walk up Mt Rooper.  A gal that was  staying at BBB for one night showed me some pictures of her hike... and well...I just HAD to go!  She told me I should take water and take the bus up to the entrance of the park as it was quite a walk around the mountain loop.  So after breakfast at my favorite restaurant this morning I caught the bus! 

I'm telling you right now that google has to be incorrect 5.1 km CAN'T be equal to only 3.168miles!  NO WAY!!!  This sign has to be wrong! 

And it wasn't just the distance through the forest... it was a sign that said to "never hike alone"...

I broke rule #1 and was feeling a little worried about it...

then I got to the steep rocky inclines and switchbacks.  I was back in the Gladstone sauna! 

I was almost to the top of the mountain and thinking I was never going to find what I was looking for...

When I looked up and saw the "tree"!!  There it is. Not the green normal trees... the odd looking stick tree just a bit to the left in this picture.  I stopped... put the macro lens on.... and...

Butterfly tree!!!  Actually butterfly's feeding on the pollen of this plant!  So amazing and beautiful to see! 

Then I finally made it to the actual top of the mountain and a view of the Whitsundays!  I am a bit tired tonight! I'll be headed back north on the train to Ayer Tuesday morning and then to Townsville Thursday. Might even try for a night out on Magnetic Island Thursday or Friday night!  Dances With Dragons should be in Townsville perhaps Friday if they get some wind or more probably Saturday!  It will be fun to catch up with "Félix and Oscar" (for those that remember the 'Odd Couple') as I got to so fondly call the two of them!!!    

So I'll leave you with another optical illusion... Camels on Airlie Beach?