Townsville - Bowen - Airlie Beach.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bits and pieces.

A big Thank you from Karen, to Fred and Sandra from "The Shire" , for their birthday card, it was well received and a terrific surprise. The card arrived at the Cairns Coconut Resort.

Have a terrific Term 4, to all those kids , teachers and parents returning back to school this Monday.

It has been asked on a number of the blog comments. Is Karen still on the trip??????

Can we see more evidence that she is still holidaying.

The editor of lloydsontour will endeavour to have more photographic evidence

 of Karen having a great holiday.

It saddens me to inform you all that we have had a major blowout 

and the trip has been thrown into chaos................................

What has happened I hear you say???????

My Rip Curl thongs have worn through and have absolutely no life left in them. 

After 30,000 kilometres they will be replaced by a smaller, spongy, free version that was scored at the Bowen Rodeo. The XXXX beer thongs are a true collectors item. Harry was able to convince the Rodeo clown to hand over the sparkling new pair of footwear.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Castle Hill is a great spot to get your bearings in Townsville.

Reef HQ was a terrific aquarium to visit,

The paint job done on these fish is first class.

This fluorescent coral looked really cool in the dark.

Helmet head!!!!!!!!

The turtle hospital had many patients, as the turtle's main food source, sea grass has been torn up by Cyclone Yasi. This will take some time to regrow.

This little fella turned up in an extremely poor state and the hospital 

is slowly helping him put on weight.

The waterfront Townsville.

Many of the trees along the foreshore, have long roots growing from many branches.

Still can't swim in the water, Crocodiles!!!!!

 Our trip to Magnetic Island. We took the car across and had a great day. 

The locals call the island Maggie.

The following collection are "Maggie " favourites. 

The Whitsundays - Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach has an excellent Lagoon right in the middle of town, 

we had a terrific day hanging out at the lagoon.

Shute Harbour.

We head to Bowen for the Far North Queensland Rodeo.

 Barrel Racing, a super quick event. 

The rider takes their horse around three barrels and back to the start.

Bare back riding.You need some real style to nail this. 

 Roping the calf .

 Junior bullriding, We thought these bulls were big enough!!!!!!

 The protection clowns were an absolute highlight. The skills needed for this job are numerous.

These guys kept the riders super safe.

  Chongy takes on the bull.

 His buddy is taken on and harassed by this bull.

 The bulls are getting bigger.

This guy scored the largest total for this ride. 

 The bull still couldn't get Chongy.

The rodeo was brilliant, we had an absolute ball.

All ready for the Ocean Rafting Experience. 

Of coarse we had to get the front seats. Thanks Harry and Jackson. 

These seats proved to be the bumpiest and a most thrilling ride.

  

Whitehaven Beach. One of the Top 10 beaches in the world. The sand was the whitest we have seen.

 Views from the Hill Inlet Lookout.

We head South tomorrow , Proserpine, Mackay, ??????? unsure where we will end up.

We are really enjoying our stay in Queensland.