Hello everyone

Just a "quickie" blog today as I still haven't had supper and I must also pack, again. I moved down to Cairns yesterday to a "charming" hostel (yes, I'm a REAL backpacker now) and spent some time sorting out train tickets and generally mooching about the seafront and shops, in a VERY relaxing manner, I might add.

I had a lovely fish supper on the beach front, washed down by some spectacularly acidic Sauvignon Blanc - oh well, you can't win them all. It still went down the right way !

Today I took the old train from Cairns to Kuranda, a spectacular journey into the rainforest, taking in the amazing Barron Gorge and the waterfalls. I spent quite a few hours in Kuranda, a small but delightful town up in the rainforest. After that, I came down via the Skyrail, ie, cable car, which was another WOW moment. I got off at both the stops on the way down so that I could walk around the rainforest. LOVELY. Now I am back at my hostel and must go and find food and also PACK.

Tomorrow I get on the train to Hervey Bay at 9.15am and get in to Hervey Bay at 5.25am the following day. Aaaaarrrrrggghhhhh !! I've already booked a hostel down there and they're coming to pick me up - hoorah.

So, must go now, but thanks again for all the messages and "hello" to people new to the blog.

Lots of love

Issy

xxxxx

PS: Alex/Ian - yes - cockatoo. no - not cassowary (although I did have two standing behind me with a funny look in their eye in Port Douglas !!)

PPS: To those who may have missed it, I AM NOW ON MY OWN HERE. Pat went home when we got to Singapore.