Adventures as a Grown Up

Cairn Cairn Cairn You do the Cairn Cairn in Cairns?

So I have been in Cairns (pronounced Cans) in Northern Australia since Tuesday; and I love it here.

For those of you who have been to Hawaii, think Honolulu but attached to a major continent!

This northern area is known for the Daintree Rain Forest and some of the best reef views of the Great Barrier Reef. It was first explored by Eurpoeans around 1770 lead by James Cook. He first was up in Port Douglas (which he named Trinity Bay). About 100 years later with the instillation of a railroad the city of Cairns (slightly south of Port Douglas) began to thrive. Also, during the Battle of the Coral Seas of WWII, Cairns was used as a port for the Allies!

Like my time in Daylesford, my time here in Cairns have been wonderful. 

When I arrived on Tuesday I had plenty of time to explore and enjoy dinner. I found this fast and wonderful little Italian place called Fasta Pasta and has my first meal with meat in it since the seafood cowder at Hepburn Springs. As I enjoyed my chicken gnocci and house red wine I decided that I would spend the money and sign up for some tours. I had toyed with the idea of renting a vehicle and driving around for the following few days but I was lonely and figured tours are a great way to meet people. Real deep thoughts over dinner eh?

So when I returned the YHA I met with the reception desk and asked a few questions. And so it was settled. The 15th of September would be spent exploring the Daintree and Cape Tribulation and the 16th would be spent on the Great Barrier Reef. And that’s exactly what I did.

I will post the details of both trips when I post the photos but here are the highlights.

- Crikey! I saw an Australian Croc…a big one.

- Hiked through the rain forest

- Swam in the river in Mossman Gorge

- Met up with the people from that tour and did Karaoke here in the city

- Explored 3 sites on the outer reef/continental shelf

- Saw a Reef Shark, Sea Turtle, Moree Eel and countless fish

- Didn’t get sunburned

- Hung out at The Green Ant local bar…off the main area of Cairns.. way chill

Today I spent exploring Cairns and it’s beautiful Esplanade and waterfront. There actually isn’t too much here other than bars and food and lots of shopping. This area is a pretty big base for travelers as it’s fun and tropical and since the drinking age is low here there are a ton of younger travelers here to party (not my cup of tea). But I’ve enjoyed it.

Since I have been so busy I haven’t really had the time to sit and think or ponder life as we know it. I think that’s ok. I am about to face some quality time on the Greyhound in the coming weeks for that. But tomorrow I head to Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands

Right-O mates! I’m out.