Magnetic Island: Koalas & Sea Kayaking

July 13, 2012:

We had to wake up at 330am to catch the ferry to Townesville. Upon arrival, we checked into the Koala Sanctuary hostel and did a hike we dubbed the "Stairmaster" to Radical Bay. I almost didn't make it.

 

Recognizing the beauty of the bay, Brittney asked me if it had turned out to be worth it. I still hadn't shed my bad attitude and initially said "No", but quickly realized my error. We changed into our bathing suits in the centre of a small circle of mangrove trees and had a blast swimming. I realized what I had initially overlooked.

 

Somehow, the hike back did not seem as bad.

July 14, 2012:
We started the morning with a scheduled walk around the sanctuary. I got to hold a saltie croc! I was shocked by how soft they are to the touch, considering how tough their skin looks.

Her name was Barbie. I also held a Koala named Noah, and Amanda the boa constrictor snake.

And our seriously cool morning was bound to get better - we had sea-kayaking planned at sunset! We went out with an instructor and another couple. Caitlin and I managed, but the woman in the other kayak was a competitive kayaker, so we didn't feel that confident. Regardless, we saw sea turtles coming up for air (maybe? do turtles need air?) while eating the sea grass in the sea grass bed we were kayaking over.

 

Because of the sunset, we only saw the silhouettes of the turtles which looked like miniature dinosaurs. Champagne in our kayaks watching the sunset concluded our trip, and we finished the day by warding off some possums while we ate our spaghetti.

It was our last night in Jucy! She was the site of great memories, but we were ready to give her away.