MAGNETIC ISLAND

19 July 2023

Monday morning, there was a light breeze for a change.  I hopped in the dinghy and headed ashore for a walk and look around Townsville.  I didn’t really see anything of significance.  There were a couple of Irish Bars, I made a mental note that a pint of Guinness and some Irish grub may be a good idea in the evening.

Later in the day I returned to Truce and emptied a couple of jerry cans of diesel into the tanks and then headed ashore to the fuel dock to refill the jerry cans.  Once more the fuel tanks are full. 

In the evening the winds were still light and after a shower at the marina I headed off to the Irish pub.  Unfortunately, both were closed.  Disappointing.  I ended up in a bar with a beer and Berger – both second rate, I shouldn’t have bothered.  I am done with Townsville.

The next morning I returned to the marina for a final hot shower and soaked my wretched arm in hot water for ten minutes to ease the pain.  I then handed in the marina key and headed out.  It was with no regrets that I departed the anchorage called the duck pond (which it’s not) behind the breakwater.  The next stop Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island. 

For the first time in days the wind died and we motored on flat seas, (there was a swell of course) rolling around to Horseshoe Bay.  We arrived at horseshoe Bay just after noon, I was surprised to see so many boats at anchor, the place was packed.  Not surprising really, this is the only sheltered anchorage from the SE Trade winds for thirty or forty miles north or south.  Magnetic Island was named by Captain Cook, 1770, as he thought the rocks of the island were influencing his magnetic compass.  Cook wasn’t sure if the island was an island or a headland according to his journal.  Modern day tests have not found any magnetic anomaly.    

I wasted no time getting ashore.  What a happy place, a few eateries and bars along the beach, a convenience store and ice crème shop.  Perfect.  I ordered a beer and a plate of calamari, both excellent. 

I also met up with an interesting couple from Sydney and we spent a couple of hours chatting.  Later I met up with another single-handed sailor.  He complained of the incessant wind and rolling – made me feel better that it wasn’t just me being a pussy.  I returned back on board late afternoon feeling relaxed. 

Wednesday morning, I had a restful night at anchor, the wind blew a bit then died down and the swell was low and lazy.   I did a couple of small jobs on the boat and a bit of splicing and whipping rope ends.  Then ashore in the pig for a lunchtime refreshment.  I met up with Barry (the old seadog) and we had a couple of beers and an interesting chat.  He is also heading up to Cairns so we may meet again along the way.

Later in the afternoon I returned to Truce and stowed the dinghy on deck, shortened up the anchor chain and made ready for sailing in the morning.  Next destination is Hinchinbrook Channel with maybe a stop at Palm Island or Orpheus Island along the way.