A ferry long wait

After a long afternoon of travelling, we finally arrived in Townsville just after 6:30 pm, relieved that the hardest part of the journey was behind us. Magnetic Island was almost within reach. We stood at the ferry terminal, knowing our accommodation and the start of our holiday lay just across the water. Then came the disappointment: we would have to wait an hour for the next ferry. Normally, an hour doesn’t seem like much. Tonight, it felt endless, and we just wanted to get there.

Neither of us had planned for the delay. We had no food or drink, and by this stage our energy reserves were dangerously low. The excitement of escaping Melbourne’s winter had given way to hunger, fatigue and the simple desire to be somewhere comfortable.

Around us, other travellers chatted excitedly about their holidays, all focused on one thing: getting to their accommodation. We imagined a meal, a drink and a chance to finally put our feet up after a long day. For now, though, all we could do was wait, watch the ferries come and go, and count down the minutes until we finally arrived on Magnetic Island and a comfortable bed for the night.