Daintree, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Tour–Part 1

Another early morning start, and we were ready and waiting outside at 6.30am to be collected for an exciting day with Down Under Tours.  A very full day taking in the Daintree rainforest, on to Cape Tribulation and then the Mossman Gorge – all these places were new to us.

After we had stopped at one hotel after another collecting passengers until the bus was full, we left the city of Cairns and started on our big adventure.  Our driver stopped a little out of town to show us some  wallabies who had decided to live with the resident polo ponies.  They were dotted all over the paddocks and had made themselves very much at home, happily nibbling at the grass and not taking a blind bit of notice to a bunch of camera clicking tourists.

Wallabies had moved in with the polo ponies

Next stop was at the Daintree River Cruise Centre for a cruise.  Our informative guide promised that we would see all sorts of creatures, including crocodiles, and warned us all to keep our hands well inside the boat.

What a glorious ride it was.  We glided past mangroves, and our very knowledgeable guide explained just how important these trees are in the scheme of things.  Then out into the deeper channel.

Cruising on the Daintree River

Watch out for the crocs

We saw plenty of birdlife

And different types of nests.  The little hanging woven nest is made with an overhanging canopy to keep the rain out of the nest.  And some birds hollow out these termite mounds attached high in the branches to raise their young.

Hanging nest and recycled termite mound

Some creatures were just too difficult to photograph.  The tiny yellow and brown resident of the hanging nest darted in with food for her fledglings and disappeared so quickly that no one had time to focus their cameras and get a shot.  And a tiny bright green tree frog swam by our boat, hopped up the muddy river bank and that was that.  Then there was the python curled high up in a tree – so cleverly camouflaged that he was difficult to spot, let alone take a photo.  A crocodile swam by with just his nostrils above the water, and barramundi chased after bait fish for their lunch – the river just teemed with life all around us.

Enjoying the Daintree River Cruise

Our coach was waiting on the other side of the river – it had been carried across on a ferry and we were assured that we would get to experience this later in the day.  We stopped at a lookout point to get a great view of both rain forest and the coast.

Glorious view from the lookout

We stopped for lunch at the quaintly named restaurant “On the Turps”.  This name had to be explained to some of the visitors who had no idea of the slang term.  We were told later that the restaurant is actually situated on Turpentine Road, so it is a great play on words.

Welcome to On the Turps

A choice of steak, barramundi or vegetarian option was on offer, served with salads and followed by a fruit platter and coffee.  My fish was delightful, and Robin was very pleased with his steak, and we shared our table with a couple from England and swapped travel stories.  Very pretty surroundings indeed with the restaurant set in the rain forest.

Lovely place to enjoy our lunch

Back in the coach again to continue on to Cape Tribulation.  There’s sure to be a story behind a name like that!   Part two tomorrow.

Taking to the Waters

Our hotel complex offers a choice of 3 swimming pools and in this warm sultry weather we decided to take a dip and cool off.  Selecting the prettiest of them all, a couple of small pools surrounded by palms, we dipped our toes in.  I kid you not, it was absolutely freezing!  So we sat on the step with our feet in the water until they acclimatized to the 40 degrees below, or so it felt.  Then gingerly moved to sit on the next step down, which brought the water up to our waists.  Next, after our various stone cold bits and pieces had started to thaw, it was down another step so we were in water up to our chests.  Then very bravely, we submerged up to our shoulders, and that’s as far as we wanted to go.  How can such an enticing looking pool be so viciously cold, we wondered?  It didn’t really warm up at all – so much for enjoying warm tropical water.  But never mind, we enjoyed a chat with a couple from Tasmania as we all gingerly slowly inched our way further and further under water.

Looks are deceiving, the water was icy cold

We walked down to the Esplanade to go out to dinner.  Crossing one of the many zebra crossings on our journey downtown, we came across this unusual sight.  Have you ever seen  traffic lights slap bang in the middle of a crossing before?  Very strange, we thought.  No doubt anyone walking across with eyes fixed on their cell phone would walk right into it.

Traffic lights in the middle of a crossing

Dinner tonight was at the Cairns RSL Club.  We ate in the very popular outside area, looking  across the road to the memorial on the seaward side.  This is indeed a very striking memorial.

The memorial across the road from Cairns RSL Club

We had decided on a roast meal each, pork for him and lamb for her, as we really felt the need for some freshly cooked vegetables.  And what great meals they were, just the sort of roast dinner that Mother would cook.  Plenty of meat with tasty gravy, roast veggies and greens, it really hit the spot, and the price was very reasonable too.  Everything stopped at 6.00pm when the Ode of Remembrance was read – the 4th stanza of the poem, For the Fallen, written by Laurence Binyon.

Selfie taken at the restaurant

Sitting so close to the footpath there was plenty of time for people watching, as they streamed past the open air restaurant on their way for a night on the town.  Birds were flying by as dusk fell, and parrots were screeching in the trees over the road.  And we noticed that most of the 4WDs rumbling past had snorkels fitted, perhaps they were all off roaders in the wet season, we wondered.

Another great day in tropical Cairns, and then it was back to the hotel for a reasonably early night.  We have to be up bright and early in the morning for a day trip, so need to set the alarm for 5.30am.  Tell you all about our big day out later…………

It’s Great to be in Cairns

After a great night’s sleep (and we really needed it) we awoke refreshed and ready to go.  We breakfasted in the little café on site, purchased a bottle of water,which are very necessary as we are not used to these really hot  temperatures.  Then off we went to explore central Cairns.  What’s all that noise, we wondered, as we passed by some huge fig trees.  Not parrots, as we thought, but a spectacled bat nursery.  And there they were, just hanging about, and making quite a noise indeed. 

Spectacled bats in their nursery

It seems there was quite a controversy about the bats and their trees and some of the large trees had been felled.  But then the council reversed their decision, the remaining trees were saved and the bats protected.

A young French tourist asked us to take her photo by the bat tree and then returned the favour.  So here are are, both sporting our new bargain priced hats.

Standing by the protected bat nursery

The area along the Esplanade is a marvelous asset to this city.  A boardwalk runs along the waterfront, and there is an enclosed lagoon (paddling pool) looked over by life guards.  Children and adults alike can swim in the deeper part of the pool, or frolic around the edges.  BBQs are available, as well as toilets, showers, changing rooms and locker facilities.  All very nicely done and something to be proud of.

The lagoon pool

And what was really exciting for us to discover, is that we were looking out at the Coral Sea.  We didn’t know that before – and doesn’t it sound so exotic and alluring.

Looking out at the Coral Sea

We came across a rather strange tree in the adjacent park, with large hanging fruit, or maybe nuts, about the size and shape of rock melons.  Seems the tree is known as a Cannonball Tree, and originates from South America.  So that is another first for us.

The Cannonball Tree

Cairns is teeming with tourists, it is a very busy place indeed.  Young backpackers, family groups, and older couples like us, all out to enjoy their trip to Cairns, it seems.  Although the temperatures are very warm, there is a gentle breeze blowing which is very pleasant and cools things down a little.  After a bit of R&R in the afternoon, we later walked back to town for an early evening meal.  Our choice was “Frydays”, a casual café with plenty of outdoor seating.

Dinner tonight at Frydays

What a nice meal it was, we both chose fish.  Robin had battered hoki with salad and chips, washed down with a bottle of Aussie 4X beer, and I chose coconut prawns, a new dish for me.  One of the great things about holidays, is trying new food, we always think – although hoki of course is common in NZ.

Casual dinner for two

The Night Market beckoned, and we joined the crowds.  There were lines of stalls everywhere, everything from  clothing, jewelry, chocolate, and souvenirs, all aimed at the lower end of the market.  I’ll admit I purchased some macadamia nut shortbread – after all, we do need something to nibble after all our busy sightseeing.  We passed a whole line of massage stalls, with the staff calling out for us to come and try their wares as we hurried past.  There is also a very busy Food Court, which we checked out for future reference.

 

At the Night Market

From here we walked down The Esplanade, full of higher end restaurants.  We were amazed at the amount of customers in each establishment, some seated inside, but most seemed to be quite happy eating outside.  And why not, it’s certainly very enjoyable eating outside on such lovely warm evenings.  It was good to check out all the different restaurants to see what was on offer, and some, we noted, had lines of people waiting for tables – that’s always a good sign.  And what could be nicer on a very warm evening than to relax at an outside table with an ice-cream each.  So we did, sitting there watching the crowds walk by.

 

The sun had set, and we walked past the bats in the fig trees.  They were still chattering noisily, and we saw the large bats swooping around in the darkness.  No wonder they looked huge, their wing span can be up to 1.6m.  

Time to head back to our hotel and rest our weary legs, it had been another great day.  And do you know, we have been so busy and returning tired that we have yet to turn the TV on in our room.  

Another Aussie Adventure–Wellington to Cairns

You know what it’s like when a holiday is booked.  It all happened months ago, plans were made, hotels and air flights booked, money paid over, and then we just got on with our lives and waited.  And waited some more until our holiday time rolled around.  We were up and away well before the sparrows lifted their little heads from under their wings on Thursday morning.  Packed the cases in the car and started our drive to Wellington Airport at 1.30am.  Not much traffic at that time of the morning, but we did meet a large truck carrying an even larger house, and taking up more than their fair share of the road.

With our car safely stored in the long term carpark, we arrived at the airport terminal and dropped our bags off.  There was still plenty of time to spare so sat down and had a very early 4.00am breakfast (toasted sandwiches and coffees) while we waited for the gates to open to get into the overseas departures. 

A very early morning breakfast

Our first flight of the morning, from Wellington to Brisbane, had a spot of bother.  Try as they might, the ground crew couldn’t detach the air bridge from the plane.  So we waited as they tried, and tried some more, and finally, after a delay of half an hour, we were good to go.  Luckily the time was made up, as we had a connection to make.

Over the Tasman Sea

The connection was easily made at Brisbane, and we boarded our second Virgin Air flight of the day.  It was interesting to note that this air plane loaded passengers from both the front and rear of the plane.

That’s our plane

Landing safely in sunny Cairns, we were really starting to get into holiday mode.  And what’s this, a great big cassowary waiting to get into some holiday photos.  He was very popular and when he had been snapped by this group of tourists and those kids, I finally went over to say hello.  These huge birds live in the rain forests here, but have been known to attack people with their lethal clawed feet, so you wouldn’t want to meet one unexpectedly.

Two old birds together

Our shuttle bus finally arrived to take us to our hotel, and we had a bit of a city tiki tour as other passengers were dropped at their hotels.  And this is our room, cooled down by a large ceiling fan spinning quietly around.  We could hardly wait to take our shoes off and remove our compression socks which we had worn while flying.  No carpet here, just nice cool tiles underfoot.  Robin had donned his shorts as quick as a flash, much too hot to wear long trousers here.

Our hotel room for the next wee while

We also have a very pleasant little balcony, looking down over the pool – in fact their are three pools here in this complex.  Just as well we packed our swimming togs.

View from our balcony window

Once cooled down, we checked out the hotel grounds, found the laundry, (I’m sure I’ll need to use it in a few days) and the café which serves breakfast, then walked a block or two to find the large shopping centre.  Robin needed to check out about an Aussie sim card for his phone. We then bought hats - a sun hat for me, and a new cap suitably emblazoned with “Cairns” for him.  He has a wonderful selection of caps, and was sad to misplace one of his favourites earlier in the day, probably left it behind in one of the airports.  Time was moving on, and our energy was starting to flag, so we had an early evening meal in the Food Court, before walking back to the hotel.  As well as our extra early start to the day, we had to advance our watch two hours on arrival, so that made it a really long day indeed.  So it was early to bed with the ceiling fan keeping us cool, all ready for another full day in the morning.

A very busy Morning

It’s been a very busy morning, we have both been rushing around like headless chickens!  Why – you may ask?  Because we are doing last minute packing for another Aussie Adventure tomorrow.

The cases are now packed, we’ve located our passports, been to the bank, so we’re just about good to go.  We are flying over to Australia for a holiday in Cairns. This holiday involves trains.  Vintage trains, in fact, the Gulflander and the Savannahlander, so that should be fun.  It will be an early night tonight to get a few hours sleep as we will need a VERY early wake up call and a drive to Wellington Airport to arrive for the check in time at 4.0AM.  Mustn’t forget to pack the lap top so we can keep blogging, and tell you all about it!

Its cold and raining steadily here today, so we are looking forward to our time in tropical Cairns.

Workmen in the House

It’s been a busy week, with workmen coming and going.  First we had our friend and neighbour Bruce come to help Robin install a small fold down clothesline in the garage  He arrived with his trusty tool box and they soon got to work.  The first thing was to unpack the clothesline, get the tools ready, and read the instructions.

Bruce and Robin checking things out

With the necessary holes drilled, the arms in place, and the plastic clothes line threaded through, it was soon all done.  Great work, guys.  It’s only a little line, but will be handy for those wet, drizzly winter days - and the bonus is that it folds down against the wall when not in use.  And luckily the car can fit in the garage with the clothesline in use.  The laundress of the household is pleased that she can do away with those unwieldy clothes airers which take up so much room.

All done and soon put to use

The next workman who came calling was Robbie from Tilt Away Beds.  These superbly engineered beds with European designed mechanisms and Canadian made with the cabinetry manufactured in Tauranga. We visited the factory and showroom last time we were there and were so impressed we placed an order.  This is going in the spare (sewing) room and replaces a bulky pull out sofa bed.  Robbie soon had the frame in place, and the bed assembled.

Robbie fitting the frame in place

This is such a clever design, and when not  in use looks like a wardrobe.

The bed gently drops down

And lowers down to a comfy double bed

It is so easy to move up and down, and when all closed up and out of sight, leaves plenty of room around the sewing machine.  So that keeps the resident quilter happy too.

Somewhere Different for SLG Day Out

Earlier this week we met up with our SLG friends for our monthly get-together.  Calvin was in charge of the day and arranged for us to meet for morning tea at 10.00am at Upper Hutt.  Which meant a bright and early start for us, as we travelled the 95 kms to our destination.  Our journey started in light drizzle, but soon disappeared as we reached our destination.  Which, as it turned out, was my all time favourite café, the Fig Tree, often visited when we previously resided in this area.

After we had sipped our coffees and caught up with everyone’s news, Calvin directed us to Wingate to visit EarthLink.  The friendly manager welcomed us inside and explained exactly how EarthLink started and the philosophy behind it.  The organization was now housed in large premises, formerly the Post Office Stores, and later, Precision Engineering.  We all knew about the recycling shop, and have donated items here ourselves, but most of us were unaware what else they did.

EarthLink is involved in a number of commercial enterprises to assist in achieving self funding so that they can provide on going training for people with mental health or other disabilities to return to full or part time employment.

 

One of their enterprises is to make a range of garments from donated  unused corporate clothing, and we were shown through the workroom.  Things were certainly humming here, one lady was cutting out a range of children’s clothing, while others were stitching the small garments together, all from merino fabric from donated corporate clothing.

Out in the workshop, the men are put through their paces with training in woodwork, machinery, and dismantling items to rescue copper and other metals which can be sold on.  Several men were busy servicing.motor mowers and the tutor showed us several of the timber projects the men were working on.  Once refurbished, these items will all be offered for sale in the shop.

Another initiative was recycling the many plastic bags from supermarkets and the like.  EarthLink has a contract to collect plastic bags in large blue bins from supermarkets – these are then put through a compactor, baled and on sold. 

Thousands of plastic bags waiting to go through the compactor

Bales of plastic bags ready to be loaded onto a container

It was a very interesting and informative morning, and really opened our eyes to what this organization is all about.  They also offer gardening, lawn and odd job services, and will provide manpower for contract services.  Our group decided to make a donation to this worthy enterprise.  And we couldn't leave without getting a group photo clad in our high viz jackets.

Our SLG friends at EarthLink

Lunch was next on the agenda and we drove to Silverstream to Charltons Hotel .  There was a big selection to choose from, and Robin was delighted to see ribs on the menu.

Robin contemplating his rather large serving of ribs

The rest of us chose fish, roast pork or beef, omelets and toasted sandwiches - there was plenty of choices available and everyone was happy with their lunches.

Ready to eat lunch

After our leisurely lunch we said our goodbyes and headed for home, driving through the Pauatahanui Inlet  via Paremata.  Many thanks to Calvin for arranging an interesting day out.

Houses on the hill in Paremata