Oi!

Today was a beautiful day. Got up this morning a few minutes to nine and had a nice quiet breakfast. It was just absolutely gorgeous out. I came back packed and headed out for the morning.

I had originally planned to do a little snorkeling for the day but a variety of factors came into my decision not to. For one the rental price was a little higher than I wanted to pay, $20. Second I was a still a little sore from yesterday. And most importantly my conscious told me to take a day and just relax. So I did.

I headed off to Radical Bay and crossed back over the saddle ridge I had crossed last night. It was much prettier in the day time. There were a lot of areas where controlled burns had gone on and the colors on the trees leaves were various stages of yellow, orange, and red. It was a pretty walk.

I plopped myself down in the sand with my towel and book and just relaxed for a few hours. I got hot and went into the water and saw a stingray and what I thought to be some sort of watersnake. I really didn’t like the snake. After going in the water I went to the end of the beach and did some exploring on the rocks. This was really fun, trying to get up and down and around the rocks. As I have said before I very much enjoy this.

I then went back to my spot and took a nice nap and occasionally awoke to do some people watching. Lots of old folks, couples, and families. After I got hot I went and walked in the water a little more and then climbed on the rocks on the other side of the bay. That was also fun.

I went back and layed out for another 10 or so minutes before deciding to move over to the next bay. I gathered my things and headed out. I already knew the trail so it wasn’t too hard to get there. I also had almost run out of water and was looking forward to freshwater at this next bay. Unfortunately I found that it was nonpotable rain water. That was disappointing.

I continued laying out and reading and explored some more rocks. I also got a good picture of a sting ray! Well good is relative, at least you can kinda see it. It was about 4:30 so I figured I should head back before sunset.

I got back into Horshoe Bay and paid an extravagant sum of money for two scoops of ice cream in a waffle cone. I sat on the beach watching the sun set and enjoying my ice cream. It was nice as there were lots of families out barbequing at the little park off the beach. The older folks seemed very happy as well. It was kinda neat because the old folks were on the swings and the kids were sitting at the table.

I then walked down the beach towards the end. The sunset and I sat talking and reflecting to myself for 45 minutes. Those are always good times as the beach is definitely my happy place. On my way back to the hostel around 6:45 I saw what I thought to be bioluminescent plankton. I can’t be sure but they were definitely glowing.

I got back and had some chili with cheese and toast. I really like these precooked meal as they are good and really easy. It is probably not the best, but I think I’m going to settle for the remaining 5 dinners.

I think Magnetic Island is the closest thing to an Island paradise I have ever been. The weather is gorgeous. The sunset had this magnificent red color that was extinguished quickly, kinda like the flame from a torch. On a clear night like tonight I can look up and see tons of stars. As well there is an abundance of wildlife and the fauna with the green trees and granite rock outcrops is gorgeous. I am really fortunate to have travelled here.

Another thing I have noticed throughout the trip but for some reason today especially is that other people are travelling alone as well. I know of course that lots of people travel solo but It is nice to be see a few others in a similar boat after all of the couples and groups. I thought I had more to say on this but I think I’m done.

I got a little burnt today. Aus sunscreen is not American sunscreen. Ohh well hot shower should do the trick.

Tomorrow I am off to Cairns (pronounced Caanns, don’t ask me why) for three nights. I’m catching the train up there tomorrow at noon till 8. I am staying in a 12 person share room in Cairns so that should be an experience. The largest I had stayed in till now is 8 so I figured I would give it a try. And it was cheap only $20 a night.

I thought I had more to say but that is it. The sun really takes the energy out of you but mentally and spiritually I am feeling pretty good.

Until Tommorrow,

-Mathias