We don't expect any sympathy from our southern friends but the first 5 weeks with only one days rain had to bite us on the bum at some stage and funnily enough it has. The old bloke in the kiosk at the park this morning said they have not had a proper wet season for 2 years but it seems like a late one this year. Since being here in Cairns its been largely grey with brisk south easterlies and frequent showers. The park is at the foot of the ranges about 15 minutes drive from Cairns centre and as such it seems to rain there all of the time. However you only have to go a few km's closer to the coast and it is often sunny. It seems to make no difference to the temp however its 20c at night and 26c in the day whatever

Hence we trotted off the Palm Cove, Clifton Beach, Trinity Beach and Yorkies k*** all about 1/2 an hours away on the coast and the weather was much better. We visited Palm Cove last in 1989 (I think) and it has changed a lot but retained its charm and is a nice place to spend a few days if up this way. Clifton Beach was much quieter and mostly private homes and Trinity Beach was a bit of a mixture of the previous 2. Yorkies k*** has a large marina where the cruise liners tenders come in when the are moored off Cairns and also has a large yacht club with a restaurant bar with great views

When we got back to the van and everthing was very wet. Going to spend the day in the city tomorrow as the car has to get a routine service by the local Ford dealer so will be without transport for some of the day so Susie is going to do the pedicure and massage thing. I am sure I can find a bar with a view to pass the time !!