Friday 31 May Magnetic Island

In brisk, that's 25 knots, winds we made a fast overnight passage from Airlie Beach to arrive in Horseshoe Bay in time for breakfast. Horseshoe is a pretty and large bay on the north side of the island with plenty of space for many boats; with our arrival there were a dozen boats.

A quick nap after our porridge and we were set up to go exploring. Our friends on Camomile had prepped us with information on some of the many walks on the island and as I was here many years ago as a backpacker I was keen to go ashore and re-discover. The walk to WW2 forts which had been especially recommended begins 3kms up the road from the waterfront shops and restaurants so we took our bikes to and cycled to the start point.

Shh! don't wake him

Our folding bikes are much used and most treasured. They're favourite toys for breezing along island roads. The forts walk begins half way up a hill in a car park around the corner from a sign which indicates take this part to the forts. We locked our bikes to the sign and walked up a curved path to the car park and the beginning of the walk adding a few more steps to our exercise. The walk is easy beginning on a tarmacked road which becomes an unmetalled track and then rock steps up to the summit. The twin lookout posts and gun emplacements were built in the early 40s to protect Townsville from air attacks. Magnetic Island is just outside the city and has good views over the shipping channel and the skies northward.

Today's visitors come for the views, the history and to spot a real wild koala; a small colony live at the top of the hill. From the lack of photos of man made concrete blocks and this cute koala you can guess which interests me most. The views were spectacular too.

Also of note was the downhill all the way run on our bikes back to Horseshoe Bay.