February 27, 2025

SANTOS - BRAZIL

Some ports I just don't get great photographs and Santos is one of them. Above is stock photo. I did spend a day on this beach at area called Channel 5, which is up in the top 1/3 of this photo. There were way less people on the beach that day and the sand is more brown than beige - but rest looks the same. Water temperature was slightly warm with cool pockets. We were only suppose to be in this port 2 days, thus the mad dash to Sao Paulo the first day. However, due to a late delivery of our fuel, we were there 3 days and left so late, we have to skip the port of Ilhabeta, and head direct to Paraty. Life at Sea has to stay fluid! Since I already used a stock photo, below is another one to show the busy Port in reference to the beach above. 

I spent the third day in Santos shopping at a Hypermarket Carrefour for a fan, booze, snacks and refills of my daily toiletries. The AC in my cabin and several others in my section of the Ship is not working all that well temporarily so an oscillating fan greatly improved things! I came across some odd chips while seeking out snacks - honestly didn't buy them to try so can't vouch for taste but highly suspect I missed anything good! Would you give them a try?

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.