CAIRNS

We decided to get up and make an early start up to Cairns. Lyn and Pete had to hand their Camper van back as they had a hotel in Cairns for two nights. We said goodbye to them and said we would meet up on the evening for dinner. We got on our way and managed to get into a camp called The Coconut Resort. Needed to catch up on blog and we could get online there. The pool looked so inviting so we spent all afternoon there. Bri was snoring his head off!! After a rest we met up with Lynn and Pete and all got a taxi to Cairns. Very lively here with all the back packers having a BBQ round a beautiful swimming Pool right in the centre of the city. Plenty of restaurants to choose from and after a look round settled for one on the promenade. Pete and Bri ordered a large jug of beer and Lynn and I had a couple of wines. This was followed by a walk through the market and a massage which was very interesting. We were all sorted for $50 and you can see Pete and Bri with their feet soaking in what we think was cold tea on yesterdays blog. Lynn came away with a herbal patch on her shoulder and Pete was doing a lot of Ohhing and ahhing. Funny what you agree with after a drink. Made our way back to the Taxi Rank with a couple of Bailey Coffees on the way. It was a great way to all say goodbye x x

TUES KURUNDA

Up to take some more photos as the weather is sunny. Said goodbye after breakfast and on our way. We took the scenic route around The Wooroonooran National Park stopping off at Crawfords Lookout and then on to more beautiful waterfalls at Mungalli. This a great place for youth groups or a party. We had a walk through the rain forest and then back to the camp for coffee. Even more great waterfalls at Zillie and Millaa Millaa. We lunched at Yungaburra which was very interesting,it was like going back in time but where is everybody? we passed through Atherton and Mareeba and on to our evening destination and campsite at Kurunda. This is where the skytrain arrives after leaving Cairns. Checked in at campsite, pork chops on the BBQ along with all the trimmings by which time it was getting dark. Now we were all chatting away merrily when we started to notice things moving, a wallaby was the first to start taking an interest in our food followed by something that we haven`t yet identified but he had a long nose and then a large bird appeared he was also fed. Enjoyed it all goodnight x x It looks like we will get home on time after all the problems.

TOWNSVILLE TO PARONELLA PARK

Got up to fine rain but still very warm. Left at 9am all fed and watered and made our way onto the Bruce Highway still heading north. Countryside was flat and we passed through miles and miles of sugarcane. Eventually arriving at Ingham where we stopped for refreshments,diesel and bit of shopping.On our way again and pulled up at Cardwell By The Sea for a salad and a "Lynns Special Desert" we love those! Landscape now changing, rain forest in the distance and lots of macaws around. Also signs warning of Emu`s and Kangaroos. We must be the only travellers that haven`t seen a kangaroo yet. We turned off the Bruce Highway at Silkwood and onto the Canecutter Highway through Mena Creek and eventually arrived at Paronella Park. We were greeted by a chap with umbrellas for us all,what a warm welcome we had. After booking in at about 3pm we were told that the next day tour was 4pm. We washed and were eager to look around we joined the tour which took us around the beautiful park. The story unfolded of a hardworking romantic young man from Catalonia who emigrated to Australia. He wanted to build a house with a castle for his wife.He eventually built it after many years using just his hands. He added a cinema,ballroom,tennis courts and two castles which were used mainly by the locals. Its a fascinating story and if you are ever around North Queensland its a must to see. After the day tour was over we had a coffee on the decking,then it was time for our evening tour, about twelve of us all equipped with umbrellas and torches got on our way. We were shown magic illuminous mushrooms and bark,fed the turtles saw the fire flies that give off a flashing light during the dark that is caused by a chemical reaction coming from their backside (Bri said that sounds familiar!) Then we were all amazed when the switch was thrown to light up the caste and waterfall. All back to camper van now to get our glasses and enjoy a drink on the decking with Neil our tour guide. Great Visit Goodnight x x

MORE WHITSUNDAYS

SUNDAY AIRLIE BEACH TO TOWNSVILLE

Danni and Doran stayed over at the site so that we could say goodbye to them in the morning. Dani helped us out by loading some photos. It was great and we can all share. Cameron and Jill gave us theirs last night. Should have some good snaps between us. We got on our way now to Townsville which is a good drive. We stopped for a coffee at a place which was sign posted scenic point but was a dead loss as it just turned out to be communication dishes! We arrived at Townsville which was much bigger than we imagined. We went to book in at a Big 4 site but it was about 10 miles out of the town. The receptionist was very kind and told us of a place on the beach which was called Rowes Bay. We eventually found our way to the site after a few maps being thrown around and a bit of "if you can read the map any better do it your bloody self!" We found the site and things calmed down after a cuppa. Enjoyed our dinner and then walked into town for a drink. Lovely promenade called The Strand but very few people around. Sorry forgot to bring the camera out. Goodnight x x x

SAT 17TH APR BLACK ISLAND SNORKELING

Everyone was up at 7am and no one admitted to a hangover! We enjoyed breakfast and then it was off to Black Island for more snorkeling. This time Paula dropped us at the beach and we found our way around but with her keeping a close eye on us. we were looking for turtles but only one was spotted.I was first back in the boat again and she then returned for the others. This time we had to disinfect the stinger suits,had a cuppa and all got changed ready for the two hour sail back to Airlee Beach. We were all feeling sad that this adventure was coming to an end. It was choppy with warnings of strong winds. That was really exciting and just when we thought all the food was finished Chris produced lunch which was two massive platters of olives, meats, cheeses,crusty bread and biscuits. Don`t know how she does it in the small kitchen area. Well it was all over, we returned to Airlee Beach and Chris and Paula will be meeting their new guests oi just one and a half hours. Thanks Paula and Chris for a great time. x xx We all said as we were staying in Airlee Beach tonight we should get together for a BBQ. So the four of us shopped and met up at Whitsunday Adventure Camp. We used camp kitchen as the weather looked overcast. We chatted and laughed and all agreed it was a fantastic trip and I hope we can all stay in touch.x x x

MAGICAL WHITSUNDAYS

Up for breakfast ,Chris made us some hot pancakes and and we all helped ourselves to fruit,cereal and yogurt.Everyone was ready for the day`s activities.We sailed to Tongue bay which is just off Whitsunday Island.Paula dropped anchor at little crappy beach(local name for beach)then all 10 of us piled into the dinghy and Paula ferried us across.We were going off on a bush walk overlooking Whitehaven Beach.After that we walked down to the beach which is amongst the top 10 in the world.Paula and Chris then went back to the boat and said they would pick us up at 12.30.We donned our stinger suits(so funny)and then went into the sea,two or three stingers did pass us by so we didn`t hang around to long.Had a walk along the shore and had a lie in the sun by which time it was time to meet up with Paula.Back on board and there was a tasty salad waiting for us.Well done Chris.Time then to set off for Hook Island sailing around the outside of the Whitsunday,very exciting .Those on the front deck were getting soaked.We then arrived at Mantaray Bay which Paula said was a beautiful part of the reef.We fed the fish at the back of the boat and there was no shortage of them.We had a brief about the snorkeling and i was getting nervous.Back into the dinghy with all the gear.Paula was great though she instilled confidence in me and didn`t` doubt that i would end up in the ocean(probably because she gave me a little shove)it was amazing a big fish that we named George along with many others were swimming around us(hopefully Brian has some photos off the underwater camera that we bought).The coral was truly worth seeing with it`s beautiful colours.She said that we could get back into the dinghy at any time and yes i was first back.Eventually when everyone was ready it was back to the boat for tea and cakes.Then another fantastic sail to Baird Point just off Hook Island where Paula would anchor up for the evening.Beers came out of the chiller and the girls had a glass of wine .Didn`t take long to get ready with no hairdryer and make up(oh what a site)never mind after a couple of glasses of wine who cares.Cheesy nachos to start followed by steak with mushroom sauce and veg 10/10 bloody lovely.Soon we were all doing our party pieces mine of course was It`s a kinda magic while Pete's of course was green green grass of home(seems to get worse each time)followed by Jill and Camerons magic,i don`t` know what happened there i think his mind was on other things(ME).He definitely fancied me but said we would have to throw Jill and Brian overboard OH and not forgetting Danni`s Delilah,he really gave it some welly.Think there could be some bad heads in the morning,goodnight xxx.