18^th June 2010

21:06.73S  149:13.55E

Mackay

Early morning arrival, we are confronted by 36 ships on huge mooring buoys waiting their turn to load up with ore or coal at this terminal just north of Mackay.  Mackay is in fact the world’s largest sugar-loading terminal.

Mackay marina, close to the sugar terminal is a welcome respite from bad weather forecast for the next seven days!  With a palm tree lined promenade and plenty of restaurants, it’s quite pleasant, but too far from the shops!  Luckily,  the pleasure of being here for us is that my cousin Madeleine lives here.  She and her GP husband Alan moved here with their four boys this time last year from England. 

Alan still has one more year to go before moving to somewhere less remote within Australia.  It’s fun having time here with them, and getting to know the boys, William 15, George 14, Hugo 12 and Henry 10.  They had a great time on a fishing charter trip just last month.  We ended up enjoying one of the huge Red Emperor fish that they caught.  Here’s William with the one we ate!

Their fishing boat is launched from the ramp in the harbour.  Notice

The huge tide line!  It has an 8 meter rise and fall!

Plenty of beach for walking, despite the chill from the mid-winter stiff breeze!

Madeleine and I watched her boys building their beach hut from driftwood

Madeleine, Hugo and Henry with the two dogs, Dolly and Moley who were

Flown over to Mackay from Devon as well!

Henry in camp bed with the dogs, why not?

Of course, plenty of Cockateels in Australia to keep as pets, plus two budgies, they are allowed to fly free in Hugo and George’s bedroom!

Just as well I’m not afraid of birds either!

George offers a life of charm for Moley, their daschund!