On the road again.

Left Cairns on the 13th and started to head south on the homeward run! As we had already been as far south as Townsville we decided that we wouldn’t stay in the same places again. I had intended to stay in Cardwell but as Graham drove straight through we decided to head a bit further south. A place called Taylor Beach looked good and according to the info that we had was near to the pub etc. What a mistake.’ Near to ‘was 7km away! Not sure how I got away with that and to make matters worse we got bit to death by the wee bitey things! It was then on to Townsville for the second time visiting the Wallaman and Jourama waterfalls on the way.

The first two weeks of January.

Took Stuart and James round the botanical gardens one day and up to the tablelands and to Granite Gorge for another day out. Meet up with Allen and Ann Thursday(4th) and the guys all went fishing the following day so Ann and I went shopping. Had to say goodbye to Allen and Ann on the 6th. Spent the next few days lazing round the pool and the lagoon on the esplanade. Stuart and James went white water rafting on Tuesday(9th). Had to say goodbye to the boys today. We plan to stay in Cairns till Saturday when we will start tackling the east coast proper.

Stuart & James with their new friends

Stuart & James enjoying the Great Barrier Reef and the entertainment on the way back.

Christmas and the New Year.

Pat & Pete arrived 20th December followed by Allen and Ann and Stuart and James on Christmas Eve. It was a bit worrying what with weather in the UK if Stuart & James would make it. We booked into a lovely apartment with the boys and offered to do the Christmas lunch for everyone. In true aussie style we threw a few shrimps on the Barbie along with the odd steak, chop and chicken thigh and lazed by the pool for the day drinking a tinnie or two!!! Boxing Day we all wandered into town for a beer in the RSL and a ribbing over the cricket. Finished the day with the left overs from Christmas Day as you do.
Spent the next few days taking the boys here and there and went diving on the reef for a day. New Years we spent the evening in Cairns watching the fireworks and having a few beers. Ended up in a club with the boys and finally staggered home about 4.00am. Needless to say we weren’t up very early the following day! Although we did manage to meet Pat & Pete and Allen and Ann for a beer and dinner to say goodbye to Pat and Pete as they were off to Townsville the following day.