So, it's off on the ferry to Magnetic Island, to check out our options for berthing there for the season instead. Bingo! Friendly managers, a great spot available, safe and secure, and a bit of a cost saving as well, more than enough to cover a lot of twenty minute ferry trips across the channel.
Magnetic Island is a few miles off the coast of Townsville, and while it's officially a suburb of the city, it's a world apart. The marina is adjacent to the ferry terminal, and fronts a luxury "Peppers" resort, complete with a giant swimming pool and a bar that serves an excellent Caipirinha. I'm not really allowed to swim in the pool because I'm not a resort guest, but I figure if I order enough Caipirinhas I should qualify. There's a small supermarket close nearby, a smattering of shops, and a bus stop that serves the island's other settlements.
"El Gato" is at home for the cyclone season!
So we had to hang out for a couple of days waiting for the weather window, lazing around on the boat, and then we were away.