September 18, 2025

The Magnet Train, my friends & super packer!

My last comment on China is I traveled with a great group of quirky friends! We had a ton of laughs!


Above is our last leg on the Maglev or Magnet train heading to the airport at 187 mph, they actually had to slow down because people were getting nose bleeds, same with super fast elevators in high rises.


While traveling on such train, I found out that MaryAnn has bought so many Anime toys for her grandkids back in Canada, that her luggage was too full and she was wearing home her 10 tops and had her pajamas stuffed in her waist! I had her cosmetic bag in my luggage and another friend took her adaptors and electronics! Gotta love the dedication to family!


Also note, I also took a pair of shoes for Bosco.in my luggage.  I have become a super packer these days,  with room to spare for others!

MAGNETIC ISLAND - KOALA'S

By Patricia Patrick • February 15, 2026
We got up at 6:45am to get to National Park Forts Walk trail in the hope of seeing koalas . Prior walkers mark trails with tree branches pointing in the direction of their sighting and we were luck enough to see 3 markers in our first hour of hiking. It is so stinking hot and humid the success we had made it bearable. The koala population on the island started with 20 brought over in 1930, to escape fur hunters. Today, the island boast 800 to 1000, and they are so cute and drowsy. They need 20 hours of sleep a day! The early morning is when they are the most active.

MAGNETIC ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

By Patricia Patrick • February 14, 2026
Just off the coast of Townsville, Australia is a special little island (that used to be part of mainland, hundreds of thousands years ago). The island was formed by molten granite that was pushed to the earth's surface with volcanic force.Over time the volcanic overlay weathered away leaving an extraordinary landscape of rounded domes and boulders, many as big as a house and spectcularly perched. Over Seventy Percent of the center of the Island is a National Park. There is lots of wildlife here too - koalas, rock wallabies, snakes & birds.

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA

By Patricia Patrick • February 14, 2026
This is my third time in CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA and I really enjoy how walkable, clean and charming it is. The waterfront esplanade and lagoon area is a nice walk day or night. We had 2 nights here in the waterfront Shangri La Marina Hotel while waiting for the Ship to arrive and then 2 additional days in Port.