Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island. What a gem!

Daph was in her element as she whizzed about the island in our hired open-topped car. The thing was a death trap, with bald tyres and non-responsive steering... which only made the whole experience even more exciting for Daph. Not so much for Ern.

Daph has a reoccurring dream. In this dream, the steering fails on her car as she takes a bend on a mountainside road, causing her to veer into crystal-clear tropical waters. Daph had crazy déjà vu moments throughout the day as she zipped about the island. Ern was hoping that dreams don’t come true.

The island is a sanctuary of bushwalks through rugged molten granite landscapes to deserted sandy beaches and snorkelling bays. It is residence to an abundance of wildlife and chilled-out backpackers. An altogether relaxing experience.

We had a go at snorkelling, but Daph is not the most coordinated of movers, except on the dance floor after a few bevvies[1]. We managed to find the perfect snorkelling gear for Daph... a full-faced mask, so she could breathe through her nose and mouth at the same time, despite looking like a doofus. After a dodgy start where Daph looked like a writhing octopus, she finally got a good rhythm going and made it to the first buoy of the snorkel trail. At this point, she decided it was a good idea to head back so she didn’t drown after expending all her energy just to get there.

We did spot some stingray, and by the time Daph got back into safer waters where she could touch the bottom with her flippers, she had a handle on this snorkelling lark...

Daph: “I’m like a mermaid!” ...

Just slightly less graceful, much to Ern’s amusement.

Overconfident, Daph bounded about on the rocks, pleased as punch with her efforts... slipped, and landed flat on her back in the rocky waters. She laughed so hard at her own misfortune she couldn’t move, star-fished and silent belly-laughing until she caught her breath. If Ern wasn’t so concerned about the possibility that she had cracked her head and was unconscious, he too would have laughed so hard no noise came out.

Our last night was spent at the backpacker bar drinking happy-hour cocktails and cider jugs, and unofficially winning at the trivia night.

Onwards to Innisfail where Daph has a six-week midwifery contract at the local hospital. We need to earn some money to keep travelling and fund Ern’s “lady of leisure” lifestyle.

[1] Alcoholic beverages.