My time in Cairns.30/8/10

Spirits not dampened!

We're off!
Making ready

I didn't drown

I have been enjoying many adventures here in Cairns. On my first day, last Wed I arreved at my accommodation- The Girls Hostel. It is well run, clean and the beds are even made up for you! Beds haave to be made each day,and rooms kept tidy. There are three kitchens, showers and toilets. Washing machine too, and launderette next door if needed. Booked 3 trips for Thurs, Sat and Sun.

Thurs I went out to the Great Barrier Reef, and snorkelled on two occasions. We were taken to 2 different locations. As Katie said, she has never known me put my face in the water. I was very apprehensive, but we were well assisted and looked after. It was magic. It's another world under there. Unfortunately, I did not take any photos underwater-a step too far! The only photo is of me enjoying the cheese, fruit and wine served after the second time in the water. I saw such a variety of coral; clown, angel, parrot fish and many more, and we also saw a turtle. Fab day.

Friday was designated housework day - washing etc (though not much etc). Went to cinema to see SALT.

Sat,, I went hot air ballooning over the Atherton Tablelands. 4.15 departure from hostel. Up in the air fust on sunrise. A serene experience. After the flight we are all obliged to help bag up the balloon. We were then taken for breakfast, with champagne! I then bolted on another trip, which involved crossing over the rainforest in a gondola (cable car type). We reached a fair height in it. It runs for 4.5 klms, stopping at 2 stations on the way down with info centres. All brilliant. Saw the Barron Falls.

Sun I went on an all day trip entitled Waterfalls and Tablelands. What a brill day, but water falls was an apt description! We were in an area that holds the record for the past 7 years for most rainfall in Aus for the year. The area gets rain 300 days a year. We were not there on any of the other 65 days! However, it did not stop us doing all on programme. Great guide with good sense of humour. We saw fantastic waterfalls, and beautiful boulders (Babinda Boulders); turtles; komodo dragon; yellow orb spider and some lovely walks. Once wet, you don't really get any wetter! But then, the rain is warm!

Off to Townsville by train tomorrow. Window seat booked for the journey 9.15-4.35. Staying in guest house, and the landlady picking me up from station!