Cairns: Friday 14th Sept2012, Off to Kuranda

Dave and I wanted to do some serious sightseeing in the tropical north of Queensland without wasting any time due to the coming wet season, and so the "Caravilla Caravan Park" (3km out of the city) booked us tickets to go to the rainforest little village of Kuranda by train, and back by Skyrail.

The morning train trip up through the mountains and valleys was awesome, with Dave hanging out of the train window to take lots of photos of lovely views and waterfalls.

We had a pleasant time in the village of Kuranda, me looking to buy a new sarong. Poor Dave trailed behind me fossicking through every shop in the place, reckoning he was all "saronged out" by the time we had to leave, and guess what? I finally bought a beaut sarong at the first little shop I saw when we arrived! Ha ha, that'll teach Dave to try and follow a woman with a shopping mission!

The ride back down to Cairns via the Skyrail was just as awesome as the train trip, with stunning views over the tops of the rainforest. We got back to our tent feeling like we'd had a great day sightseeing; well worth it.

Saturday 15th Sept: Relaxing in Cairns city

Today we had a most welcome sleep in, being too tired and/or lazy to get out of our airbeds in our cosy Shangri-La tent. Gee the birds get going early in tropical Queensland, before dawn they are all calling and shrieking….have they no shame? We ignored them this morning. I did my usual yoga outside in the late warm morning weather before our muesli breakfast under palm trees outside our tent, then we geared up to ride into Cairns city to see what the locals were up to.

The beach front was full of happy locals relaxing in a large open poolside, as the tide was out. It was a bit of a festival happening, with market stalls along the beachfront and races in the large open pools happening. We watched a "Corporate Duck Race" with rubber ducks being cheered on by local businesses.

Then we booked ourselves a Barrier Reef cruise where we could snorkel….I have never snorkelled before (except in my sleep!) but now I have found out that I can hire prescription goggles, the world is my oyster in the ocean!

Then it was back to our caravan park, nice and close to the city of Cairns, where we went for a nice pool swim and read the Saturday newspaper till we got stiff. (Dave only got a stiff neck, more's the pity!)

Sunday 16th Sept: Crystal Cascades

We went for a nice 20km ride to a pretty place just out of Cairns, Crystal Cascades. Here we went for a swim in a beautiful natural waterfall area, along with local happy families. The rainforest surrounding looked so peaceful and we enjoyed seeing lots of butterflies fluttering around, especially the gorgeous bright blue Ulysses butterflies.

On the way back we bought prawns and salads, which Dave later cooked up in our camp kitchen, the most yummy garlic prawns. Yum!

On a happy note, we have been getting photos of dear little Orlena very slowly going through her recovery treatments at Princess Margaret Hospital. She is only 3 years old and having to be so brave, as her brain injury is not easy to treat. I am reassured knowing she is surrounded by the most amazing dedicated health professionals and the most loving family around her as well.

One thing we have noticed since we flew back from Perth last week: where have all the grey nomads gone? Five weeks ago it was hard even getting a tent camping spot because all the caravan parks further north have been full as googs with all sorts of travellers, but now the tourists have disappeared. Too hot and humid the locals say. We're finding the warmer weather is really nice and a good excuse to go for lots of swims. We've spent most of our round-Australia trip so far being cold and having to wear winter clothing, so this warmer humid weather is better. And it's so nice having caravan park shower amenities to ourselves again.