Before we left Atherton this morning we decided that we wouldn't go up to the Mossman Gorge or Port Douglas due to the cyclone hovering around out at sea. PT wasn't happy being on the coast if the winds and rain became strong. We weren't too concerned missing Port Douglas as we have spent a week up there with the kids some years back. BUT I will miss the prawns.... So change of plan we came across the Atherton Tablelands through Kuranda after stocking up on a few supplies in Atherton before we left. First we went down to the Barron waterfall knowing that the flow of water is very little so not as spectacular as it would be in the monsoon season. A few more kms along the road we reached the Village of Kuranda well known for its seven day a week open markets. We then continued over the hills and now staying just out the back of Cairns. We had planned to be in Cairns tomorrow to have our van cleaned, change of clean linen and a few small maintenance issues, just minor. She sure needs a clean so dirty after been out in the outback with insects etc all over the front and of course all the dust from the red soil.
On our way down to see the Barron Falls. This walkway above the tropical forest floor was up to 30ft in some places. It took about 15mins to walk to the viewing platform. A lot of work has gone on building all these walkways.
Looking down to the forest floor as we walk along.
As you can see not a lot of water around but just imagine all that water flowing over in the monsoon season, spectacular. I have seen the photos. Maybe if this rain so called cyclone comes through it will be different.
Close up of the bottom. They tell us you can hardly see the falls when in full flow as there would be so much mist. The waterfall flows from the Atherton Tablelands , which tumbles 250m down a series of ledges and spills into the Barron Gorge below, then to the coast at Cairns.
Looking down the street of Kuranda a quaint village up in the hills behind Cairns. I think that I might just go over and chat that guy up on the corner.
Above and below wondering through the markets.
This is our new driver. Her name is Jack!!!
Coming down to Cairns. The city is there somewhere. Won't go into Cairns just drive through to the Apollo place near the airport for her clean then straight out of here.
Continuing down from the Tablelands.
This little fellow landed on the side mirror of the van while we were pondering over our next move.
Jackie said that she feels like an airline hostee closing the overhead lockers before take off.That's a new uniform. PT
And PT does the circuit of the outside check. So much to think of before we leave anywhere. Things to shut, turn off, lock compartments put slider in, steps up etc.....
Not a lot of driving in distance today can't move as fast as we did in the outback. Have to battle with traffic now especially in a place like Cairns. It's seems complicated. But seemed to be going nearly all day arriving at our camp about 4.00pm. Another nice clean camp but very quiet this time of year like all the other camps which of course is good. Just saw the TV weather and it looks like the cyclone is centering further north but leaving rain down the coast until about Thursday particularly up in the Tablelands where we want to head off tomorrow. If it is really too wet, we might leave it a day.
Wow what a nice place seems like a nice place to be hope your trip is going well - Adam
ReplyDelete