Runaway Bay to Stradbroke Island

September 28, 2009 Long Driving day to get to Runaway Bay in time to Catch the Water taxi to the Island.
A long day in the van to get to Runaway Bay before nightfall. The concern here was that the water taxi’s need to travel in the daylight to safely navigate the channel and the Broadwater to get to Stradbroke Island which is about a 20-25 minute boat ride. We were expecting to go across in a ferry. To our surprise is was a tiny little boat which we had to load up with 8 large suitcases, a guitar, 10 days worth of groceries, water, beer , booze and juice. When we got the boat laded there was no room for the passengers. Oh the adventures. To make matters more interesting we have made it to the wharf at 6:00 and it gets dark at 6:15. The Boat taxi Driver has showed up and can’t get the boat started. He is breaking in to the boats beside him hoping to steal a battery to jump start him little tug.
The stars were so brilliant tonight that it cast an amazing glow over the battery jumping operation. We reconfigured the load and somehow managed to get everyone in. Now if we can stay afloat for the next 20 minutes we are good.
We pulled up to the island and the taxi driver was navigating using his familiarity of the coastline and landmarks. We pulled into a secluded cove and slowly cruised past these huge 3000 square foot beach home each with their own private docks and boats. He pulled into a secluded channel and proceeded to the end dock and announced our arrival. We could see the outline of a massive two story home with a sprawling deck and a wall of windows. This place was known as THE RETREAT and for good reason. If you couldn’t unwind and relax here, you would not be able to relax anywhere. We located the key on top of the BBQ propane tank and proceeded to occupy this 4 bedroom 3 bath fully stocked and furnished refuge. The kids quickly figured out the sleeping arrangements and set up. Tracie and I occupied the top floor of the home to ourselves which was complete with a massive bedroom, ensuite and a sitting room and balcony which could have hosted a party of 50 people. Somehow we are going to have to find a way to manage here for the next 10 days.
We are certainly getting used to setting up a home. Including setting up the kitchen, unpacking 10 days worth of groceries and unpacking luggage into drawers and closets we had taken command of the premises within an hour and immediately began unwinding.