Welcome to Cairns!

We took a nice drive up to Springbrook...skipped golfing (MIKE'S DECISION! NOT MINE!) and stayed in a chalet in the mountains for the evening. It was a really nice place. I kinda wish we had another night to spend so we could take the hikes to some of the waterfalls. Regardless, we managed to squeeze in several lookouts. I've posted the pictures so check them out!

We continued on, as planned, to Byron Bay and were surprised to find it was a very hippie town! I'm not sure what we expected, but the first night was filled with scenes of hippies singing and playing guitar by the beach. It was kinda humorous and obviously not what we anticipated. The next day was a bit different with more tourists than locals on the streets until nightfall. I think the darkness brings them out..haha ;) It was still a nice town and I think Mike and I both enjoyed it. The Bed and Breakfast we stayed at was a bit unusual though. (My turn to complain!) We usually have great success with the B&Bs we book. We are greeted - receive a nice room - wonderful breakfast, etc. etc. In this case, we were greeted be a guest, who requested proof we were staying (understandably)..he provided us access..and we didn't see the host until I demanded it the night before we departed. She didn't provide breakfast the second morning and her idea of breakfast was providing cereal (yes I know - that is breakfast). Our ensuite bathroom was a closet (I'm serious!) converted to a bathroom (yes I know - that is ensuite) where everytime you took a shower, the room became wet. Overall, it WAS what was promised..but not up to the expected/accustomed standard.


Our time spent in Byron Bay was filled with strolling around the lighthouse and sea kayaking. Byron Bay lighthouse lookout is supposedly one of the few places you can see the humpback whales migrating from land and hear them breathe. :( We didn't see any whales - but we did see a kangaroo!

Sea kayaking was also quite fun but resulted in sore muscles. Several of the participating paddle buddies had trouble getting through the breaking waves so it was a long time before we made it to the reef. We saw a sea turtle and a pod of dolphins during our tour. I would say it was most fun when we returned the the beach and got to ride the wave back. :) (This was when Mike had to do all the work)...and we ended up capsizing. ;) haha. Still loads of fun!

We arrived today in Cairns are dismayed to find the weather rainy and windy. That means no Great Barrier Reef until after Wednesday. I guess that means we'll take the train up to Karunda Rainforest in the meantime! ;) Till next time!