Woke to gorgeous sunrise for our last view of Mission Beach. Chris took umpteen photos but finally the light show stopped and we came down to earth. Managed to get away before 8am and our former neighbours Sheila and Barry moved into our spot before it got cold. We'd exchanged movies and kindle files with them, a nice couple from Bribie Island.
On the way to Cairns we drove along flat ground most of the way, but the mountains come close to the coast here so we had steep mountains on the left, and sometimes to the right as well. We arrived at the caravan park in Cairns about 10 am and were assisted into the site by the helpful staff. Very busy place, very large number of sites, all full. Good amenities and a lovely stream running beside it, with large numbers of big fish visible- no fishing allowed, and they seem to know it.
John and Marg arrived in the afternoon, having come down from the tableland via Mareeba. We were just leaving as they arrived, to check out Ben's rental unit for him- we are all going to help paint it when we return in a week's time. It's quite handy to the caravan park.
This morning we picked up my sister Colleen from the CBD, where she's been staying with her daughter and family. The three of us had a delightful drive to Port Douglas, with beautiful scenery most of the way.
We went on to Mossman, hoping to go to the gorge, but large numbers of people were waiting for the shuttle bus and we were hungry so we headed back to a beach we'd seen south of Mossman, and ate our sandwiches there. Chris was fascinated by an enormous tree.
Big fig tree at Coonya Beach near Mossman
Tonight we're having dinner at the new restaurant owned by Colleen's daughter Sarah and son in law Biagio. They don't officially open till next Monday so this is a practice night for the new staff, who haven't previously worked together. Nice for us, it's all free! Biagio's a great chef so it will be fantastic. They've previously had classy restaurants in Sydney, Townsville and Brisbane so they're not new to it. I love visiting them, it's all kissy, kissy, hello, and kissy, kissy, goodbye, with a fabulous meal sandwiched in- and no money changes hands! The new place is near the Casino and overlooks the marina, right on the waterfront. They live in an apartment upstairs with their 2 children- the kids have just arrived here from Brisbane with my sister, who is of course their Nana Sarah and Biagio have been here for some weeks organizing the new place.
We've now cleaned out the caravan frig and put everything away ready for the van to be moved to storage tomorrow. We are to be picked up at 6.30 for the plane to Horn Island, where we'll stay for 1 night before transferring to Thursday Is by ferry the next day. We're strictly limited in terms of luggage so the computer's not going- no updates for a week.
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