It's been a while since we have been able to update our Blog, as we are now travelling down the east coast and internet access has been sparse... but more about our latest travels in a bit...
We spent the last couple of days in Cairns travelling up to Cape Tribulation and Port Douglas. Can't say it was our favourite of trips we have done, as the place we stayed was extremely isolated, and the activity we planned to do there (horse-riding on the beach) was fully booked. We took a 'Croc Cruise' on the river but were disappointed not to see any crocs at all, then visited the 'Bat House' only to be left totally bemused as it only housed one bat?!? Not worth the entrance fee... Anyway looking on the positive, the hotel was lovely (nice to stay somewhere a little more luxurious, if only for 1 night!) and we had a delicious meal at the nearby restaurant.
Unfortunately, we have both been in the wars a little. James has had a problem with his ears - one is totally blocked - and a trip to the doctor revealed he has 'tropical ear!?! Apparently it's caused by warm, moist climates - the rafting and snorkelling also couldn't have helped. He has been prescribed antibiotics and ear drops. It's not painful for him, he is just more than a little deaf (still, least he doesn't have to listen to my complaining about my ailment....) - I have been bitten by a spider. Not sure when it happened or what type it was - but it hasn't been pleasant. The bite swelled into a blister the size of a ping pong ball (ew...gross!) and is pretty sore. I am applying cream and covering it with a dressing, hoping for it to heal up soon. What a pair eh?
Still, our discomfort didn't dampen our our excitement when we packed our bags and left our Cairns hostel to pick up our Winniebago that was to become our home-on-wheels for the next 2.5 weeks. To describe the camper - well, best to say it's compact and bijoux! We did struggle the first couple of nights, particularly with the heat. We seem to be prone to mozzie bites, so in the evenings it is a choice between keeping the van doors open (and being eaten alive), or closing the doors (and being cooked alive!). However, we went to a garden centre and found a fan for $14 (about 6 squid). We quibbled over it for a while, as we are on a tight budget and had already spent rather a lot on hiring the van, but bought it in the end. Turns out however, we are in complete agreement that it was the best 6 pounds we have spent in our lives!!!
Our first drive was from Cairns to Mission Beach where we stayed for a couple of nights before moving on to Townsville. Several people said Townsville (or 'Brownsville' as locals call it) is not worth stopping at, but we thought the area was lovely! Long beachfront walkways, and a viewing point up a steep and winding road giving us stunning views over the surrounding area. From Townsville we drove to Airlie Beach (the gateway to the Whitsundays), which is where we are now. We are staying at a fantastic campsite and plan to remain there for 4-5 days, as there is so much to do and explore. We aim to do a day trip out to Whitehaven Beach (supposedly the 4th most photographed place in Oz) - perhaps tomorrow or the day after. We have found a tour company that sounds great so will probably book it later.
Hope all is well at home and missing everyone as always! F&J.x.
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