Arriving in Cairns under a blanket of cloud and showers, not
really what they are selling but these things happen.
We checked in to Cool Waters Caravan Park (very nice) and managed to get set up prior to the next shower of rain hitting. Great little camp right on the creek, heaps of fish, turtles and the odd eel for the kids to feed.
Plan was to head out to Green Island on Saturday morning, up
early to make lunches and pack all the gear. We got down to the terminal nice
and early, looking at the weather things were not great and on the back of 3
days of strong wind warnings and heavy seas the visibility was not expected to
be any good. After talking to a couple of the crew we decided the trip was not
for us, back to the check in counter where after a little discussion we managed
to get a full refund. Looks like the reef may have to wait.
We did a little exploring around downtown Cairns before
heading to the shops to get some snorkel gear for the kids. Quick visit to the
markets for some lunch and then it was back to the campsite. Gave the little
ones a chance to try out their new gear in the pool, success.
Quiet afternoon and then managed to get a game of online
poker with Deano and the boys that night. Had to do it in the camp kitchen to
stay dry, interesting that at 10 the lights went out and about an hour later
whilst sitting in the dark a local bandicoot decided to have a nip at my toe,
scared the crap out of me.
As the Prado was scheduled for a service on Monday we
decided that a motel in the city was on the cards, just an easier option than
packing up early and finding somewhere to store the camper whilst the service
was being done, also the price was nearly the same at the campsite.
After a quick pack up we headed in to town, we were a little
early for check in but luckily the hotel had a good lock up area where we
managed to leave the camper for the day. With nothing to do and still raining
we thought it was a good chance to do some more exploring, off to Babinda we
headed.
Babinda Boulder was the destination, have heard good things
about it (and the bakery there but it was closed) and seemed to be an option to
fill in time.
This was well worth the drive and even though you could swim there that kids passed. Even though it was raining the river was flowing strongly and made for some good pics through the rain.
Sunday night we treated ourselves to a bit of Chinese
takeout and then headed back to the hotel.
With a little more playing along the esplanade that morning
and by lunchtime we were all packed up and Prado serviced it was off to our
next place of call, Cape Tribulation.
Looks amazing! Miss you guys!
ReplyDeleteThis is from me, Sherrie. I can't 'follow' you as my email blocks it... Loving catching up on your travels. The pics from the cape are beautiful!
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