Sunny Cairns

The weather finally improved for our last 5 days at Lake Tinnaroo.   I enjoyed a couple of bike rides in to Yungaburra and Brian explored more of the lake in his kayak.

Finally, a nice sunset (and I discovered a "Sunset" setting on my new camera)

Off to explore Lake Tinnaroo

On Sunday 17^th August we drove to Mareeba to have lunch with friends John and Heather (Brian and John had worked together in Gladstone in the mid 70’s).  Their beautiful home overlooked Mareeba and the hinterland, and the infinity pool looked very inviting.     The kangaroos came in to graze later in the afternoon and drank from the bird bath which was on a pedestal.

Monday was Vietnam Veterans’ Day (Long Tan).   A gentleman visiting the Afghanistan Memorial opposite the caravan park produced a trumpet and played the last post – very moving.

Memorial to those killed in Afghanistan (opened during our stay last June)

Tuesday morning Brian left for an early morning paddle, then we drove through Malanda and Millaa Millaa to the Mungalli Creek Dairy for a delicious lunch.    Our view from the verandah was directly to the western side of Mt Bartle Frere.   On our return to Lake Tinnaroo we took a detour to the Nerada Tea Plantation where we were told there were tree kangaroos.   Luckily, one hungry fellow was still out late in the afternoon, so I was very pleased to have my first glimpse of one of these creatures.

Mt Bartle Frere

 

Tree kangaroo

Thursday was just a short drive (100 k’s) through Mareeba and down the Kuranda Range to the Crystal Cascades Caravan Park at Redlynch – our third stay at this beautifully kept park.   On Saturday Les and Pauline were kind enough to drive us to lunch at Cazaly’s (Cairns AFL) Club for lunch where I had a chance meeting with Sue, with whom I had worked at ANZ in the late 80’s.    Our children had gone to Woree School together.    After lunch we had a quick stop at Rusty’s Markets for some fresh veg and avocados, then down to the Esplanade where we were introduced to Movenpick icecream – very nice.

Our favourite site at Crystal Cascades

On Monday Pauline and I had a lovely day out at Cairns DFO then in to Cairns Central Shopping Centre.    A few purchases were made, but it was nice to browse the shops, especially those not found in Brisbane.

 

The weather continued to be perfect, so on Tuesday we had a nostalgic drive in to Cairns city, past the old Customs House (which is still a Chinese restaurant), then out to Palm Cove for lunch.  The almond trees at Palm Cover brought back memories of Weipa and the green ants that lived in the trees.   I have ridden the bike a couple of times here as there is a great bike path near the park which follows Freshwater Creek. 

Freshwater Creek

Beach at Palm Cove

Private pools at Peppers Resort, Palm Cove

Almond Trees

Today has been another typical Cairns winter’s day – warm and clear blue sky – but all good things must come to an end.  Tomorrow we head south on the Bruce Highway for our return to Brisbane, due home on 6^th September in time for Father’s Day on the 7^th.