Eternal Memories | Magnetic Island Part Four

Our last full day on Magnetic Island began with a beautiful walk for mum and I, whilst dad read by the beach. A friend recommended walking from Picnic Bay and to Cockle Bay on the southwest of the island. Half-following a map, we embarked on our journey. It didn’t take us long to go the wrong way – and what a delight that was.

As we broke out from some trees, there was a gate on our left, warning that trespassers would be prosecuted. On the map, it looked as if the path that lay beyond the gate was our most direct route through to the other beach. Mum argued that as you could very easily get around the gate, it must just be to keep out unauthorised vehicles. As pedestrians, we could do as we very well liked. That was good enough reasoning for me, and we went around.

The path quickly became a steep, uphill climb. Trees and greenery lined the path, and when we looked back there was a dazzling glimpse of the ocean. At the top of the hill, we discovered a water reservoir, more trees, and no other route down. So, I decided to head up further. There was space through the trees to continue upwards, although it couldn’t be called a path. Perhaps a faint track would be accurate. At the top was a beautiful view of the water on the west side of the island and, once we’d hauled ourselves up onto the large boulders that made the highest point of the climb, we could look back towards the south too. From our vantage, we could see some of the details of the streets below: a white ute turning down a road, rooftops between trees, miniature figurines of life. 

After our descent back the way we came, we took another look at our map and found a long road that would eventually lead us to Cockle Bay. I messaged dad to tell him we’d be a little longer than anticipated.

At the bay, we were the only two on the beach for a while, paddling in the low tide, looking out to the shipwreck further along the coast. We admired the view of Townsville and the washed up sea glass that was colourful and smooth. 

After some time, we began the walk back, listening to the laughing kookaburras that hid in the trees.

We caught the bus back towards Nelly Bay, and at the stop outside the backpackers, a huge crowd of rucksack weighted people climbed aboard. The bus was more like a coach, than regular mainland buses, so there was not a lot of standing room and people were holding on wherever they could. We squeezed off a few stops early, preferring to walk more in the fresh air. 

We explored some of the shops nearby, including Island Living again, and an op shop, before heading to Scallywags for the second day in a row. We had delicious burgers and sandwiches in the fabulous atmosphere, and then Mum and I headed to an appointment we’d booked just the day before.

Our appointment was at a tattoo studio. Since I left, my mum and I, and my sister and I, have sent each other pictures of the moon. When it’s been full, or extra bright, clear in the daytime, or in any other phase. It is a reminder to ourselves and one another that no matter how far apart we are, when we see that moon, we know it’s the same one the other does. We decided to celebrate this and commemorate our exciting trip, Mum’s 50th, and so much more, in the form of eternal ink. 

The whole experience was great. Our artist was so friendly, talented, and reassuring. This was my first tattoo and I was definitely nervous, but she was so quick to put me at ease. It didn’t hurt as much as I’d worried – and it looked even better than I’d expected. It was so special to do this with my mum, on such an incredible and meaningful trip. 

Back at the apartment, the three of us ate a tasty dinner with wine, and played a few games of Rummikub that we’d found in a cupboard. Mum won every game.