Colin ventures out into the world and visits Magnetic Island

[bPeteb]

Colin? Who's Colin? What's happened to balt?

When we returned from our recent cruise on Quantum of the Seas to 'celebrate' my 60th, I wasn't in a great way. My May 9 surgery was at least one month too far away so I got on the phone to see how soon I could get the (ch)op. I would have been fine if it had been the following Monday, my actual birthday, but that slot was taken. March 30 was the soonest he could get me in. Sadly that meant our trip to Winton and Longreach had to be cancelled, but it did give me exactly four weeks to recover so we could go to Maggie first weekend of May.

We booked this trip in October last year, with no idea of what was about to happen. Got decent priced Y fare up to Townsville and classic reward for balt and a very good rate for a superior room with breakfast at Peppers Blue on Blue. Pre-booked parking at the airport for $29 for the weekend!

The big (ch)op went well on March 30 and I took Colin home five days later. Like all new arrivals Colin can be cantankerouos. He can be noisy, and gassy, and a bit needy. He is all of those things and more but he has also given me my life back. It's a different life that's for sure, but it's good different. A bit Aldi you could say. Colin is my new stoma.

I surprised everyone (me included) with my acceptance of him, my ability to manage him and my general recovery. It's eight weeks right now since I was wheeled into the operating theatre. I've been back at work for a few weeks. Six more trips for Colin to enjoy this year.

Back to this one. Found a park nearly straight away at the airport carpark. Went the opposite way to where we usually go but we'll remember to do the same next time. Security wanted to know what was under my shirt so I showed him. Still got wanded! The lounge was quiet.



First sighting for us of a Qantas painted Embraer.



We're flying to Cairns and back on one in October.

Pre-booked the ferry over to Maggie. Group of three young German (?) backpackers were in line in front of us. Presented their electronic boarding passes and told they were at the wrong ferry. They'd booked the slow car ferry on the other side of the inlet. Options were make their way around there or buy tickets for this ferry. They boarded a while after us so we presume they coughed up for a second ticket each.

Peppers Blue on Blue is right across from the ferry terminal in Nelly Bay and a lot of the rooms look across the marina. Superior hotel rooms all have a marina view. With my Qantas earned Accor All Gold status (I was previously only silver but had been as high as plat) there was a possibility of an upgrade but that could have been to a studio, maybe without a view, so we were glad we got what we paid for.

Our room was ready when we arrived, but we were less than an hour early.

Super happy with the room once we worked out the remote control for the verandah shade.



Eventually worked the shade was raised using one of the many remotes



shade raised!


A welcome letter from the manager, some muesli bars and when we opened the fridge a cheese and fruit platter. I could eat the cheese but definitely not the fruit or nuts, nor the beer as aerated drunks were off the menu for me at that point.



a beautiful sunset before we headed off to dinner

 

[bPeteb]

Dinner was at the inhouse restuarant Boardwalk. We'd booked but it didn't look like we needed to. We were sat at a weird table out to one side with a view of the road outside. Bizarre. Service was good though, and the meals good as well. I risked some barely cooked asparagus with no ill-effects. Same with the brownie that had nuts in it.

Beef cheeks

delicious but not needed taties


barra with those asparagus spears and some green rice that was described as herbed but in fact included that deadly poison coriander


excellent coughtails


brownies and cheesecake

 

[RooFlyer]

not the beer as aerated drunks were off the menu for me at that point.

Not sure if this is a typo or not

 

[bPeteb]

Not sure if this is a typo or not

Hahaha. Appropriate typo that will def be left as is

 

[bPeteb]

Our one full day on Maggie was lots of walking. I was told walking was the key to a good recovery and I had been walking since the day after my op. It also helps that I had a few kilos chopped out!

Woke to low cloud over the hills of Maggie but we checked the BOM and it was clearing.



Our included breakfast was in Waterfront and it was a good buffet. Sorry, no pictures.

We walked up to Alma Bay and it was packed. The last (and first time) we were here it was early Covid times and only Qlds could travel inside the state. It was nice to see lots fo people everwhere.

We'd read about Baked on Maggie's 'smoker Sunday's' so stopped on the way back to Nelly Bay and booked.

We love the geography on Maggie. The huge granite boulders are everywhere. This house perched up on the hill as you go between Nelly and Arcadia is amazing.



There's another Accor property on Maggie that is out the opposite side of the ferry terminal to Blue on Blue. It's an apartment complex branded as a Grand Mercure. The apartments right around from the bay must have amazing views. There's a walk along the side of the bay out to the breakwall. A friendly island resident



the view back towards Nelly Bay's new estate and the beach


everyone, meet Colin


one of the things that apparently scares the willies out of people with a stoma and a bag is swimming. I was provided with a support belt, along with everything else a uro/colo/ileostomy recipient receives through medicare. This provided perfect support for me to go swimming a couple of times. Only downside is neoprene takes forever to dry!! The belt is hanging on the drying rack.

 

[bPeteb]

We walked around to Arcadia as the sun was waining. Looked like it was going to be another great sunset.


This is Pilgrim out on it's sunset cruise. More about her later


Smokers Sunday was a bit of a let down. The recommended meal was a shared smoked platter. I was definitely not up for so much meat and the coleslaw and corn were definitely out for me so I had fish. The fish was terrific, coral trout I think?, but way too big. balt's smoked meats were on the whole overdone and dry. The burgers that Baked on Maggies is known for looked a much better bet.



there are two pools at Blue on Blue. The small pool was just down from our room and was always quiet and open until 10pm

 

[bPeteb]

Second and last morning. We had a late (12) checkout so had the morning free. Breakfast again down in Waterfront. This is Pilgrim. We watched her go out each day. Sadly was fully booked. Even had a star watching sail the first night with an astronomer. We will definitely go out on her when we go back up to Maggie, possibly both a lunch and sunset cruise. I need to be able to get back onboard using a boarding ladder so I can swim off the yacht. Give it a few more months



the small pool in the daylight


the location of our room and resort map


Had another swim, checked out, left our bags with reception, and caught the bus around to Horseshoe Bay for a walk and lunch. Had a very nice meal at Barefoot Wine and Art



the big pool. They had a drinks cart sitting beside the pool the first two afternoons


after we took this picture we decided to walk around to the beach at Nelly Bay. We were within about 100 metres of it when I looked at my watch and realised we'd completely miscalculated the time. If we didn't hustle back we'd miss the ferry!

I was in no state to run but let's just say I walked VERY fast. balt went ahead and got our bags from the hotel and was waiting in line when I got to the ferry. I definitely could have walked a bit slower, but if we'd gone on to the beach I think we might have missed the ferry!

The Townsville Q pub is pretty dire but it had a couple of comfy chairs and access to wine. We really like Maggie. It has a really nice 'feel'. The people are lovely, it's incredibly scenic. Has great walks and beautiful beaches. You can even get your gear off at one if you're game.

We'll return, for three or four nights next time.

Had a shadow again, as I did on the way up. Load was light so I wasn't really surprised.



Wandered around aimlessly trying to find the car when we got back. That great park proved hard to find but we did eventually get there!

A few months until our next jaunt. We're off to Bali in July for nine nights.

 

[craven morehead]

Great photos and a reminder that I need to revisit this lovely place Welcome aboard Colin

 

[VPS]

Another interesting TR for you and welcome to Colin - I hope he behaves.

I agree about the poisonous coriander

 

[OZDUCK]

Yet another nice effort. I am impressed by your attitude and determination to enjoy life.

 

[Lynda2475]

but in fact included that deadly poison coriander

arggh i really hate menus that say herbs without specifying they actually mean corrainder which renders any meal inedible.

Have been considering a visit to Magnetic island and Townsville to some stage, good to be forewarned.

 

[love_the_life]

Welcome to Colin.

You may be interested to know my mother received her ileostomy in 1973 after suffering from ulcerative colitis for many years. She passed away in 2020 so that was getting on for 50 years. There were some things she couldn't eat - coconut was one thing that caused problems and fruit could be an issue but overall she lived a full life. She always said that part of it was in the acceptance of the stoma. She often was called on to visit new stoma people and could usually tell those for whom it would be fine and those who would struggle with the whole thought of it. You sound like the former.

 

[drron]

What a great attitude re Colin big pete. You are sure to do well.
And a very good TR. Maggie is a great place but Townsville in the cooler months is great for walking. The Town Common is a good place to start. Even public transport if you don't want to hire a car.
I worked a total of 7 months on and off and loved getting out on the weekends. I used these 2 websites to get maps of the walks.

Walking & Cycling Trails - Townsville City Council

Townsville has many great walkways and bikeways throughout the city. Annually we have our Ride the River bike ride.

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Townsville Walking Tracks

Townsville, North Queensland’s must-do walks - Wanders of wonder By Carly Lubicz Next time you’re here for an event, why not lace-up and head off the beaten track to explore a different side of Tow...

thegotownsville.com.au

So combine Townsville with Maggie. Some very good restaurants in Townsville that I am sure Colin would do OK at. As it seems fish is fine for Colin I would recommend Tobin's Fish Tales. Beautiful fish especially the coral trout. They also did a crumbed bug tail which was divine though I don't see it on the current menu. I rate it amongst the best fish and chips shops in Australia.

Fish and Chips | Tobin Fish Tales | North Ward

Home page for Tobin Fish Tales website. Links to fish and chips takeaway menu, fresh seafood info, stories, and contacts

www.tobinfishtales.com

 

[Quickstatus]

Wow @bpeteb
That's so amazing that you and Colin can get along so well!.

thanks for TR have never been to MagI

One thing about Colin is he does not count as a guest for an airline lounge entry

 

[kookaburra75]

Thanks for the trip report, and we're glad to see you're on the mend.

MrsK has done a couple of trips to Maggie Island, me just one with her when we attended a wedding in February several years ago - the groom was in the Amy so that was the only time he could manage it. A bit warm to say the least. We stayed around in Horseshoe Bay, at Sails on Horsehoe which was good. It was very quiet, with only one other couple there. We propped up the local economy by having a few G&Ts at the Marlin Bar. It's on our list to go back.