Townsville from the Top

It feels slightly odd to be here after Him Outdoors has finished racing. There are still other races in the festival to take place - mainly triathlons - and there are lots of athletes warming up; jogging and biking along the front and swimming in the sea. There is a super salty rock pool, which is very popular with the post-race athletes, possibly because it is a spot where they can cool off without being attacked by wildlife. Yesterday we encountered a whiptailed ray and two snakes. There are also crocodiles in the estuary - we didn't see any; but there are plenty of warning signs.

This morning we went for a drive up Castle Rock to look out over the town and beyond.

 

We then visited the Maritime Museum, which was cute and a little bit bonkers. We wandered about the town - it was warm and not many people were about. We took refuge in a book shop, where there were very friendly staff.

I'm currently reading Bruce Chatwin's The Songlines - aware of his white colonial privilege - it includes some interesting conversations and a lot of quotes. There is a focus on travel and walking; the natural rocking rhythm which calms babies. I asked the bookseller what they would recommend with a local flavour. They referred me to a local author and, although neither the jacket nor the title look promising, I bought it to support local literature.

 

We went for cocktails at sunset and dinner at Ardo, for our final night in Townsville. I love watching the way the colours change as the sun sinks into the sea.

We interrupt this sunset, to bring you some tasty cocktails.

Him Outdoors with a Mystic Sip

And back to the sunset...

Food, and another round of cocktails.

Pearl Paradise (gin; grape liqueur; lemon; lychee; ginger ale; pop-up pearls)

We strolled back to our accommodation in the balmy tropical evening. 

The next morning was looking a little grim as there was much wind and cloudy weather, so we went for a walk along the front, complete with a stop for coffee and cake, and then hopped on a ferry to Magnetic Island (or Maggie, as the locals apparently call it).

This tree has been a marker on our walks - our accommodation is right next to it.

Love Your Local

Our latest puzzle is a two-sided Coronation Street affair. Many of the images are from scenes at the pub - the back-street boozer is both a staple of English life and television. 

These images are from a walk through town where I spotted some new graffiti - okay, so it would have been hard not to notice; just look at those glorious bright colours!

The weekend saw Love Your Bookshop Day - as part of which, Harry Hartog Bookseller hosted a Love Your Local Author Day. I got to be a 'real author' and sign books and meet the public at the local bookshop. And I was in illustrious company too!

 

My reward to myself for the evening (wonderful though such an occasion is; it causes great anxiety within me) was to buy myself another puzzle and have some friends round for a cheese fondue. I know people mock these as a 70's stalwart, but they are fun and convivial. And there's cheese. 

Cheese fondue with dipping vegetables, pre-assemblage state

The next day we walked through Aranda Bushland to have breakfast at Two Before Ten: it is lovely to go for a walk through the trees and reward oneself with bacon and eggs.

Roast beetroot and chickpea hummus on Three Mills kibbled rye with poached eggs, fetta and a pistachio dukkah (with a side of bacon)

Him Outdoors with shakshouka