La La Days- Going Noodie at Magnetic Island

La La Days- Going Noodie at Magnetic Island

Picnic Bay

 Despite what people might think I do get occasionally seasick. I know the triggers which is generally when I have my head down. Reading a book, sketching and drawing and  writing  are out unless in very calm waters.  
Preparing meals when rolling about or on a list is very challenging and sometimes results in me going up and down the companion way to top deck, to sight the horizon for 10mins to dissipate that queasy feeling. A quick breakfast of toast and tea can take up to an hour to produce, chiefly because I am an expert in burning toast on the gas ring.

So a lot of days whilst under sail I just sit on top deck enjoy the sea view, the islands we pass, sea life and being on the helm, or on the sheet ropes and changing sails to match wind conditions.  All the while being  in my own thoughts and singing to my playlists. Contemplating my navel, life the universe and everything that is why the boat is called “Sens de la Vie” which is translated to “Meaning of Life”  in French.

Capt Teza's Helm Skills

Winging it

Sails Gull Winged set beautifully

I call these times my “La La” days.

I have a poor command of the English language, shocking speller, poor grammar and find it difficult to pronounce words correctly.  For years now I have come up with my own language and words such as “Cat in a Meringue” for Catamaran, “knockulars” for binoculars and the list goes on.  On the yacht whilst I do use some nautical terms its much easier to point and identify operating equipment by calling it a “thingy me gig” .

Much to the annoyance and amusement, in particular with Capt Teza and my daughter Tanya who are Logophiles (word-lovers) and are Bibliophile (book worms).  See, I looked these words up but don’t ask me to pronounce them. Jacqui, Tanya and Capt Teza can remember verbatim written words and phrases, how they fit all that information in their brains is beyond me.  Hence, they continue to correct me on my pronunciation or crack up laughing.

Sometimes, I just pronounce words incorrectly deliberately. I am the novelty value in the family.

“Free Will” is a powerful thing and remains a  philosophical debate on libertarian-ism.

I can’t pronounce that word “Philosophical” either , so let’s just say “I like to mess with their Exacting Mental aptitudes"  and my expressions and actions of  liberty and freedom are tolerated by those who love and know me well.

So, on this passage from Airlie to Magnetic Island via Cape upstart Bay was a long laborious day getting around Cape Bowling Green, which is a long, flat coastal wetland spit and very boring when viewed by sea.  Lumpy seas and strong winds behind us made for an uncomfortable Journey. To amuse myself, I dance to my own tune.  

Pole Dancing on the Bow

“La La-ing”  in my own thoughts and “La La-ing” to my playlist music.

I tried pole dancing for Capt Teza’s amusement on the furling Head Sail stay which is a difficult manoeuvre in a rolling sea.  Why?  Free Will. But also, to focus my nerves on something else other than we were coming into an unknown anchorage at dusk with both tide and wind against us.

I was ever so glad to finally get to safe anchorage at Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island and chill out for a couple of days.

Coming into anchorage Horseshoe Bay at dusk

We caught up with Robin and Annie Cooke on the tall ship “Joshua Sea” . We met them a few years ago at Percy islands.  Unfortunately, we did not get too much time to socialise as they had both secured work on the island to top up their sailing funds.

Joshua Sea Tall Ship

We arrived at magnetic Island accidentally on the busiest Festival weekend the island has every year which is the Magnetic Island Sailing Regatta, but none the less we enjoyed the buzz of tourism making the most of the all day bus ride “hop on hop off”  to explore its many beautiful bays and having long lunches onshore.

My favourite Bay is Radical Bay and the adjoining Balding Bay the latter being a nudist beach.

So, did we? …………………….yes, we did. 

Not sure why the nudist Beach is called Balding Bay and it did occur to me in this instance with only a few other nudists enjoying the crystal clear waters, that they were predominantly balding men with white bottoms. The name Balding Bay seemed appropriate.

What better way to finish the day then Mexican Tapas and margaritas overlooking Horseshoe Bay at a restaurant called “Noodies”. If you buy a jug of Margaritas you get a sombrero.

The terrain of giant granite rocks precariously balancing on each other and the pristine clear waters of the many bays of Magnetic Island with its easy proximity to the coast makes this island a popular family holiday destination. 

Horseshoe Bay looking out to Sens de la Vie

Offering all manner of boating activities, fishing, car and bike hire, nature walks and good community facilities.  There are 2000 residents on the island and about 400 of these go to work on the ferries across to Townsville making” Maggie”, as the locals call it, a satellite suburb of Townsville.  Real-estate is cheap and good accommodation in beach homes can be found right on the beaches for families.

We both enjoyed Magnetic Island and will return on our passage homeward for a stopover.