Day 166 - Monday 12 June - Around Cairns

Day 166

Monday

12 June 2017 –

Cairns

It rained throughout the night, nothing too heavy but a constant drip, however when we woke the blue skies greeted us and we knew the day ahead would be lovely.

 After reading, we were up and about just after 8.30am and straight into it. We had a fair bit to sort through today. Paul started with a call to Maxia, the feet agency to sort out his leasing arrangement that for some reason had dropped in to the red. Thankfully he was able to talk to someone on the phone who seemed to know what they were doing and everything was sorted, we hope. He was then on to a tyre company to book the van in for two new front tyres on Thursday and Obrien’s to book in a windscreen replacement as well. Hi final job was to locate a welder willing to take on our rack. With that sorted I went through my list, ringing the Darwin caravan park to have a parcel redirected home and then sending off an email to my boss who was chasing up my long service leave, which needs to be taken by this July and I don’t want to use until July 2018.

With the general bits done, we made our way to the sky rail terminal to book in our tour for Wednesday when we will catch the train to Karunda and the skyrail home. We then stopped next door at the military museum to take some photos of the tanks they have on show out the front, particularly for Chell, Paul’s cousin.

After taking the pics we drove into town. Paul was crammed into the car, as we had squeezed the box bracket into the Getz, scratching the inside up to get it in.  We then had a hell of a time trying to get the damn thing out when we arrived at the welders. The receptionist was very good and she was keen to tell us about places to visit while in Cairns, so that was helpful.

We crossed the road and did a quick visit to Bunnings before Paul decided it would be a good idea to check on the breweries in town; Red Dragon was close by so we navigated there. We were welcomed in and shown around before Paul was given 12 bottles to take away and sample.

We returned to the van for our lunch, Paul chatted to Damon and I chatted to my brother, both calling to wish us happy birthday. When we had finished we were back in the car and heading out to a couple of beachside spots. The first was Yorkeys Knob, a terrible name I know, they will be having the Festival of the Knob next weekend. 

We found a parking spot by the beach and then proceeded to walk along the sand watching the dog play and the kite surfers do their thing. I don’t think I would get out there, the water was very murky and there are plenty of signs saying crocs inhabit the water.

After taking in the view, we moved on to Trinity Beach. We did another walk along the beach and then ventured along a walkway, up the stairs and to a lookout that was too overgrown to see anything worthwhile. We returned to the beachfront and stopped in at the tavern for a celebratory drink. I had heard back from my boss and my Long Service Leave was granted by the department for term 3 next year, yippee.  

We enjoyed the views and the drinks before walking further along the beach, admiring the many holiday apartments that line the front. After making it as far as we could, we returned to the car and on to the van. I spoke to Mum and Dad before getting changed and making our way back in to Cairns.

We walked the esplanade choosing Barnacle Bills Seafood Restaurant for dinner. Our meals were delicious and massive and by the end I felt like I needed to be rolled out of the restaurant. It was a good excuse for another walk around the wharf area. It is very pretty under lights and I was able to take some photos of the trees, boats and city all lit up in coloured lights.

We made sure we had our step count covered for the day before returning to the car and making our way back to the van for the evening. I caught up on some of the computer stuff before we both retired, reading our books and enjoying the peace.