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Hi everyone,
So we landed in Cairns at a tiny little airport just outside of town then sorted a lift to our hostel where we even managed to get an upgrade on our room as the hostel wasn't full, already looking good.. then we discovered it had a pool as well, even better. Cairns is much smaller than we thought it would be but it had a lovely vibe about it. We ventured down to the seafront and spent a bit of time lying in the man-made lagoon that dominates the shore line before grabbing some lunch and then heading back to the hostel for the afternoon.In the evening we headed down to the night market it was quite large and seemed to sell a knock off version of just about anything.
The next day was the start of the big camper van adventure we went down to the shop in the morning to pick up our new wheels and then set off south of Cairns. Our camper van is called Sharron and she is lovely but it was long before we realised that we had swapped our nice air conditioned room at the hostel for a sweat box on wheels, nothing to do with Sharron she is still lovely but the shear heat of the sun as we started driving was fierce. We headed to the national park to take a scenic drive around the Atherton Tablelands and visit some very impressive waterfalls on route.We appeared to climb for miles through thick jungle before coming out on to stunning views over rich farmland containing rivers creating the water falls we were visiting.
From here the trip took an interesting turn we were due to be heading to Mission Beach a small beach resort as this was the planned nightspot to stop over. Mission Beach was the eye of the cyclone that hit the north east coast of Australia 4 weeks ago and although people in Cairns said it was back to normal it clearly wasn't there where numerous houses without roofs, one even had a tree through the top of it, and large amounts of road side debris just proving the power of the weather. Therefore we carried on south to Cardwell where we found a campsite to stay at which again had cyclone damage, as I write this we are currently in a camp bay with a piece of roof in the tree next to me.
Although the above makes it sound a little disastrous it is clear a lot of work has been done to try to restore normality and in the town we are staying in they are even having a party and some fireworks this evening to thank all the workers who have help to repair the damage.This should be a nice way to round to up a good day on the road. Me and Katie plan on eating cheese and drinking wine out of the back of Sharron whilst watching the fireworks.
(koala count to date: Still 0, Cassowary (google it) also 0)
Hope all is well at home,
Love Martin and Katie
- comments
Mum & Dad S Hi - glad to hear that you're having a great time (albeiit no koalas) Have you seen any roos? They are lovely and soft to stroke. Felt really jealous when we saw your pics in Sydney - especially when we saw the cruise ship in port. Love the lime green campervan! The lagoon in Cairnes looked lovely - it was thrashing down with rain when we were there. Did you see the huge bats in the trees? Have fun! xxx PS have purchased extra large frame for all the pin badges!
Mum You won't be able to get lost given the vibrant colour of Sharron. Looks cool, though. Great pics. Makes me wish I was there. Thanks for phone call. X
Nathan Hey Hey! Sharron?! Named by yourself or pre-named! Loving some of the photos! They look awesome! I've sent you an e-mail! xxx
Katie (and Martin) its a toyota sharran so yes...she did come named! :)