Surfs Up

After a good night's sleep, we woke up in Cairns to a much brighter day than expected. After the trials and tribulations of our first day in Oz it was a promising start. A quick phone call to our hotel in Port Douglas and we learned that we would be picked up at mid-day. The mini-bus and trailer duly arrived on time and we ended up being taken back to the airport, where we waited for an hour for the next mini-bus to convey us to Port Douglas.

I should say at this point that the aussies were doing everything in their power to get people like ourselves to our original destinations. Hundreds of people had been trapped in communities north of Cairns and frantic arrangements were being made to get them out to their flights from Cairns Airport and onwards elsewhere. A logistical nightmare if ever there was one! Anyway, we eventually met up with Wayne, who was to be our driver, and learned that the main road was still closed and we would be going via the mountains, which would take 3 hours! The mini-bus was full of people like ourselves just wanting to get on with their holidays.

Wayne and Andy, the driver who took us back to the airport, were great and kept us informed of everything that was going on. The journey to Port Douglas was actually quite enjoyable as the area is very scenic, although the winding road over the mountains was quite torturous. I have never seen a vehicle struggle so much in first gear for so long. I put it down, at least part, to all those pairs of shoes Mrs B has packed in her suitcase!!

We finally arrived at our hotel at 4 o'clock and I was able to pass on my thanks to Antonio for sorting out our hotel arrangements yesterday. I have certainly been impressed by how friendly and helpful the aussies are. After checking out the facilities and having a walk along the beach it was time for a quick blip. I had hoped to catch a quick swim in the sea, but even the netted off area of the beach was closed due to the storms a couple of days ago. The nets are in place to provide a safe area to swim away from the Stinger Jellyfish that can apparently kill you!! So the red flag is flying and the sign says quite clearly - No Swimming!

Currently the rain is pouring after some thunder and lightening. Fingers crossed it clears up for the morning when we head off on a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef!

Apologies for the lack of commenting in recent days, but normal service should hopefully resume shortly!