Cairns, Day 3 (for Feb. 28)
Today was, as they say in the travel guides, “at leisure.” We began by comparing and choosing which Great Barrier Reef Cruise we were going to do. When I went to the front desk to book it, they warned me that the water was forecast to be a little rough tomorrow. We discussed it and Celeste decided to tough it out. I put Gravol on the shopping list and went back to book the tour.
Next ‘leisure’ activity was repacking for our flight. We probably won’t have much time or energy left tomorrow, so we wanted to be ready to go. We had to pack up all the stuff that we no longer kept in suitcases (jackets, hats, etc.) and fit all the souvenirs in somewhere.
In making other preparations, I noticed another discrepancy. The original plan was to stay near the airport, turn in the car the day before our flight, and ride an airport bus or cab to the terminal. That plan was made so long ago that it was totally forgotten and we are quite a way from the airport. We would either have to rent the car for another day when we are leaving in the morning or relocate to another hotel. And it was due to be returned while we would be on the cruise. After weighing all the alternatives, we decided to return our car a day early, walk the few blocks to and from our cruise tomorrow, and catch a cab to the airport the next day. So we returned the car and set off to explore downtown.
They don’t seem too worried about stingers (jelly fish) here after all – not when there can be saltwater crocs in the water! Also, what used to be sandy beaches has become a mud flat after decades of dredging out the channel to the harbour and changes to the river’s drainage pattern. So, they have made the best of it with a park on the shore something like Townsville. There is a mile or more of lawns and sidewalks with a large water park for the kids. The highlight is a huge saltwater pool with a sand beach.
We got Celeste’s pictures developed and put on CD without asking enough questions. $62 later, we had a beer on the Esplanade and reviewed the pictures. I will post some soon. From there we went for a Mexican supper and back here to tell you our story.
And a special Happy Birthday to Mom Kuntz!
Today was, as they say in the travel guides, “at leisure.” We began by comparing and choosing which Great Barrier Reef Cruise we were going to do. When I went to the front desk to book it, they warned me that the water was forecast to be a little rough tomorrow. We discussed it and Celeste decided to tough it out. I put Gravol on the shopping list and went back to book the tour.
Next ‘leisure’ activity was repacking for our flight. We probably won’t have much time or energy left tomorrow, so we wanted to be ready to go. We had to pack up all the stuff that we no longer kept in suitcases (jackets, hats, etc.) and fit all the souvenirs in somewhere.
In making other preparations, I noticed another discrepancy. The original plan was to stay near the airport, turn in the car the day before our flight, and ride an airport bus or cab to the terminal. That plan was made so long ago that it was totally forgotten and we are quite a way from the airport. We would either have to rent the car for another day when we are leaving in the morning or relocate to another hotel. And it was due to be returned while we would be on the cruise. After weighing all the alternatives, we decided to return our car a day early, walk the few blocks to and from our cruise tomorrow, and catch a cab to the airport the next day. So we returned the car and set off to explore downtown.
They don’t seem too worried about stingers (jelly fish) here after all – not when there can be saltwater crocs in the water! Also, what used to be sandy beaches has become a mud flat after decades of dredging out the channel to the harbour and changes to the river’s drainage pattern. So, they have made the best of it with a park on the shore something like Townsville. There is a mile or more of lawns and sidewalks with a large water park for the kids. The highlight is a huge saltwater pool with a sand beach.
We got Celeste’s pictures developed and put on CD without asking enough questions. $62 later, we had a beer on the Esplanade and reviewed the pictures. I will post some soon. From there we went for a Mexican supper and back here to tell you our story.
And a special Happy Birthday to Mom Kuntz!
posted by Celeste at
4:32 a.m.
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