I am very proud of myself as I got on a small twin hull boat no bigger than a fishing dingy (well that's what it looked like to me!) and crossed Torres Strait x twice without screaming or throwing up or begging to be taken back to shore! Himself has a couple of bruises where I was hanging on tight.
First stop was Horne Island.
As part of the tour we were on we had lunch which was freshly caught fish with chips and salad and lots of lovely cold cold water. Served once again by very friendly Islanders.
After lunch it was off to the Horne Island museum for a couple of hours. There was so much information one could easily have spent a whole day in there just reading all the stuff on display. Most of it related to the islands involvement in the war.
There was also a lot of information and displays of Islander heritage and culture.
Then it was back onto our boat for a ten minute ride across the bay to Thursday Island where we were taken for a tour of the Island by taxi. Part of that tour took us up to Green Hill Fort where again we had stunning views of most of TI and the surrounding islands, you can even see the mainland from up there.
The tour took us past the local cemetery. Part of it holds over 800 graves of Japanese pearl divers who all died of the 'bends'. Big money, bigger risks!
At the end of the taxi tour of the island we were dropped off in the main street to wander at will around the town and shops. We took a look at the new cultural centre which will be a first rate display when it is completed. Right now it is open but still a work in progress. Amazing how a group of Australians can think alike. Without planning we all eventually wandered into the pub closest to the wharf for a quiet drink while overlooking the ocean before the return trip to the mainland.
The trip back was spectacular as we were in front of the setting sun. Beautiful. We also took a small detour to see Possession Island which is where Captain James Cook placed his marker to take possession of Australia. We did not land, but there is a cairn clearly visible to all who pass by the spot. The ironic part of that story is that he put his marker on Possession Island instead of the actual mainland. We nearly got to be a very very tiny nation of a couple of acres!!
Fascinating trip. So glad we went.
This morning we packed up and bounced our way back down the road to Weipa, a little RioTinto bauxite mine on the western edge of the Cape York Peninsula.
We have pitched our tent in the Weipa camp ground. Another waterfront location. Shame about the green ants and mango trees dripping red sap on everything! Mine tours are $30 each. No thanks. We only go to mines that pay us to be there!
Tomorrow we head back to base.
Sounds like you had a great time.see you back at base Will have the wine on ice.
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