Cairns & surrounds

We spent 4 nights in Cairns & still didn't see everything. We had a full day at Kuranda which is in the highlands/tablelands & has the most amazing rainforest so far. We caught he train up there which was a journey in itself. The track was built in the 1800's when they discovered tin & gold in the area. Considering the lack of technology they had back then they did a fine job. There are 15 tunnels & lot's of bridges. It was easier & faster to go through the mountain than go round it. They had communities along the way which is amazing considering the lack of flat land but they managed.

Our return journey was by the Skyrail which takes you over the canopy of the rainforest. Now I must admit I was a little apprehensive about doing this but when I was up there it was fantastic. Looking down on the trees was pretty cool. We had 2 pit stops on the way back to go for a wander & learn about the area. We had another view of the Barron Falls - most spectacular in the wet season I hear. There were people swimming in one of the water holes which you'd definitely not do in the wet season if you wanted to live.

Next day we ventured up to the Atherton Tablelands. The road up was a very very very long version on Galston Gorge road but a hell of a lot steeper & windier.... When they first settled in Atherton they used to walk up the same road with their food,etc on their sholders or on mules... they certainly were tough back then.

We visited the Cathederal Fig & Curtain Fig - both looked like they should be in a Lord of the Rings movie. We then eventually found the cheese tasting place.. now that was an experience - silly map... cheese was only ok too so we shouldn't have wasted time tracking back.... Then we went to the Chinese Tample. We were very glad we went here. It was a fascinating story of how Atherton's "China Town" came about. The caretaker only left on 1965 cause of the ghost's he said & he lived in some mighty primitive quarters. By this time it was after 5 when we headed for Mareeba which is coffee town. We'll go there on our way back from Cooktown to Darwin hopefully we'll stop. We called in to the Peanut Man & were treated to a lovely big King Brown snake dead (thankfully) on the side of the road. The bus driver from a tour bus collected it to show the Japanese... noice one mate.

We then ventured back to the caravan park for toasted sandwiches for dinner.

I also caught up with my second mum in Cairns. I haven't seen her for many years & she hasn't changed much at all. It was a great evening & I hope to get back there again in the next couple of years.