Townsville: Market to Market

We packed up early with anticipation for the local Charters Towers Market. It was quite a disappointment except for the freshly baked date loaf that we could not resist. From here it was a short drive to Townsville on the coast. We headed straight to another market in the city mall, this one was of much better quality. We then had lunch on the Strand, a lovely coastal strip with a great view of Magnetic Island just off the coast. We are staying with Clare's cousin Tim and his wife Charmaine. They have two children, Barry and Emily, who are excited to have a child in the house. Olive is also excited about sharing a house with their three cats. We joined “Major Tim Reynolds” on a strenuous hike up the goat track to the peak of Castle Hill - a bit like Army boot camp. The rest of the Townsville population seemed to have the same idea - it was peak hour! We have been feeling unfit and this is the start of another fitness campaign. Visiting friends and relatives and staying up late drinking and reminiscing is not very good for it though. Tim revealed some interesting stories from his postings overseas in Iraq.