When we (my Dearly Beloved, DB, and I) visit a new place, we try to find something unique. Magnetic Island didn't disappoint. This time it threw up an example of flora we hadn't previously encountered.

We were sitting in the bakehouse in Arcadia (highly recommend!) when we noticed a sign to a rare vine thicket. (Look for it off Bright Avenue, Arcadia.) We weren't quite sure what to expect, so we headed down the 'no exit' path only to be waylaid by a local who warned us we'd be less than impressed and suggested we should instead admire the majestic beauty of the melaleuca and tamarind in closer proximity.

We took her advice, see first photo.

But since we'd already done some research sitting over our coffee, we continued along the path. This particular vine thicket, as part of the Geoffrey Bay littoral scrub, is recognised as an endangered ecological community. It is dry rain forest, (almost an oxymoron), and supports local animal diversity, some of which are themselves considered endangered--reptiles, butterflies, scrub fowl etc. We weren't disappointed by the visit. In fact, not having realised that plants we so often take for granted or consider bothersome weeds, can be endangered, heightened our interest and focus.

The sign describing the scene is pock-marked by age and the environment, but its important information is still readable.

Melaleuca Vine thicket

All of my travels contribute in some way to my writing. I usually never know when. Maybe this will be Giovanni's story in the Rosettis series. He'll be all grown up by now and looking for a career -- maybe in endangered ecology. What do you think?

In the meantime, here's a reminder of the first two Rosetti stories: Flour, Sugar, Heat and Happy with the Millionaire.