15th March Mango Country

This morning we explored Bowen and found out that it's not just well known for it's mangoes. After a walk along the jetty turtle spotting (sadly didn't see any) the mango sorbet was delicious and very refreshing on a 34C morning.

Along the jetty we noticed that each of the benches have a chopping board - in an attempt to stop the fisherman hacking up the bench when they gut their fish.

Bowen was made into Darwin for the film 'Australia' starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. Many of the buildings were converted and the town square became the centre where many of the town scenes with the pub and post office were filmed. It's a great film so I'll be watching it again to see if I recognise the town.

The tourist information lady recommended the view from the top of Flagstaff Hill so we admired the view looking over nearby islands, before starting our journey to Townsville.

For once the pool resembled the pictures on the accomodation advert - most are the size of a teaspoon so we thoroughly enjoyed our lazy afternoon. Made even better as we had the pool to ourselves and could just float about without screaming children leaping in.

On our walk to Townsville sea front we found a sausage tree!

Sausages!!

Townsville has it's stinger net swimming area - we stuck to the pool.

Vinegar is a key bit of a first aid kit at the beach.

Out in the sea off the jetty is a sculpture that lights up with different colours depmending on the sea temperature at the reef. It's disturbing that the sea temperature was about 28C as the increase in water temperature is sadly gradually killing off the reef.

When we snorkel on the reef we'll be able to see the impact (if the weather holds until next week and a possible cyclone steers clear!).

After fish and chips, Australian style (included breaded prawns, scallop and squid rings) sitting outside overlooking the sea - sweltering in the heat 🥵 we managed to find our way back to the accommodation. Not helped by me directing us in the opposite direction to where we were supposed to go! 😂 I then left navigation to Freddie who got us back without a hitch.

Tomorrow we're off to Mission Bay. Hoping for decent weather and pool.