31st July. Farewell Tully, Townsville here we come.

A farewell view of the Sugar Mills stacks emitting steam as we drove through Tully.

A very  good road, the Bruce Highway, winding through cane, bananas, and rainforest with the Coast on our left. We were very impressed with the look of a small town Cardwell, the Main Street was the highway with the left side was the oceans edge. Note to self - remember this place to camp next time up this way.

Image from https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7065/6799049748_d3bff75806.jpg.

We are staying 4 nights at Magnetic Gateway Holiday Village, it's big, very busy , on the outskirts of the city but very easy to negotiate to the CBD. We went in this afternoon to get the lay of the land and have booked a tour to Magnetic Is, Ferry trip, 20 min then a 3 hr bus tour of the island. The is one of my memory spots from 53 years ago when I first came to Australia and I went as an assistant cook to a Salvation Army Homeleague (Women's group) Camp for a weekend. I was invited because I had just come from New Zealand & was travelling around. I tasted tropical fruits for the first time and met women who invited me to stay at their sugar cane farm. I'm so excited to be able to go again .... Not that I remember just where the camp was on the Island!

On the way down the coast we came across this sign and thought of dropping in for a cup of tea with you, Sheila and Nick.

It's 8.30 pm and the football is on TV, Richmond are winning....." at the moment. Big Richmond news is that Brett Deledio has had a daughter (well his wife did) AND he has kicked 3 goals so far.

Goodnight to July, keep it up Richmond, and great expectations for tomorrow's excursion. We have to be at the Wharf by 9.15. No sleep in!

30th July. Mission Beach

A nice day, NO drizzle, was enjoyed the sun & wind ... And so did we.

A nice drive to the beach, such perfect white, soft sand. Brian walked to the south end of the beach But, then end kept getting further away so he had to give up & come back. I had a lovely chat to a couple who sailed in a yacht up this coast 32 years ago then traded it in for a caravan and haven't lived in a house since! They own one, and go back to attend to it a coy of times a year. They intend to live in it when travelled days are done 🎼🎼. I went for a paddle, the water was sooo warm, Liz you would have loved it. Wish I could go in but I'm not game to as I'm not steady enough on my feet.

Back at the van we had a coffee and both fell asleep in the 'barmy' weather. I must be getting used to this caravanning game!

Dunk Island from where I was dipping my dainty toes in the surf!

29th July . Wow, what a day.

This 

Tully dawned dull a heavy sky with mist swelling over the hills. Who cares, we are in a new place, things to see, experiences to enjoy.

We were booked for the Tully Sugar Mill tour, $18 each and worth every cent. Only 16 per tour as it is not a 'tour' in the normal use of the word, but  conducted trip through a working mill , 300 employees & an additional 200 during the harvesting season(at the Mill alone). We met in this small hut and were instructed on all aspects of O&HS, with strict instructions to stay together, and walk exactly where told.now that we were all signed in we had to get dressed! MUST HAVE SHOES (no saddles etc) MUST HAVE AT LEAST SHORT SLEEVES, then we were issued with hard hats and orange safety vests

Then we were given glasses if we weren't wearing glasses (no sunglasses permitted) next we were given ear pieces and a battery pack to be hung on our waist band (not pocket) and an ear plug for the other ear. This was so the Guide would talk to us all and we could hear above the machinery. It was very effective.

I wish I could transmit the smell, molasses type but not overpowering.

Before we left the hut the sugar growing and harvesting process was explained and what to expect form the tour.

Sugar train bins were arriving all the time, each one was numbered with the growers number and had to be weighed and later the sugar content would be weighed thus determining the price the grower would get for it. The Mill works 24 hrs per day, 3 shifts per day.

Cane arriving.

This huge Mill has the full process and it ends up like 'Raw Sugar' it's all exported, not any is available except for the little sample bag we were each given.

One truck that was moving sugar had its side collapse and and 20 ton of sugar had to be scooped up and then reprocessed! Not happy Jan!

A full 1 & 1/2 hour tour that was sooo good.

On then to Tully Gorge through Sugar and Banana plantations to spectacular rainforest along the Tully River . Drizzle did not defer these intrepid adventurers, a picnic in this beautiful park in the Gorge

We stopped at photo spots on the 46k way back. Please enjoy, we did.

Poor fellow, hardly any traffic, very alone and raining ... Dejected!

Only within 5k of our caravan park Brian jammed on his brakes, he had spotted a Cassowary about to cross the road. What a thrill, the 3rd largest bird in the world, quite unusual to see one and were able to see one in the wild.

Off now the the local Resort for the Wednesday night special .... Schnitzel. Good night Wednesday.

28th July. Forward to Mission Beach

As we travelled south, yes the car has turned for the 4 week trip back home, the weather turned to fulfil its reputation 'Tully is the wettest place in Australia' .....  it stayed warm but rain & drizzle has been around all day. The Caravan Park 'Tropical Hibiscus' isn't up to Coconut, but it's fine for 3 nights. 1K from the beach & Mission Beach is 26K from Tully. Brian was able to set up without rain & all settled before lunch.

We went driving this afternoon down to South Mission Beach & into Tully. The beach would be beautiful on a sunny day and Dunk Island was shrouded in mist.

Our whole trip down from Cairns was between Sugar Cane & Bananas, I just love this country.

I took some photos of the drive and Tully but I couldn't record the smell! The Sugar Mill has a smell of its own, not unpleasant but different.

The Golden Gumboot with its Cane Toad is a symbol 

The main street

Christy lived in this area 18 years ago, I wonder if it's recognisable now.

This is the Tully Caravan Park. I spoke to a lady at the Information Centre, they are in a new building now, but she couldn't remember Christy as a Volunteer there .... too many years ago.

More tomorrow when we tour the the Sugar Mill.

27th July Last day at Cairns

Our last beautiful day at this super caravan park, we highly recommend Coconut Big4 Caravan Park. If you are camping, caravanning, or staying in cabins - it has everything. It is about 6k from the Coral Sea, but very close the any shops, Stocklands ShoppingCentre is very close and even more important is is near the AFL Club where Brian was able to watch The Tigers loose by 1 kick on Saturday night.

Our only outing was to Stocklands to pick up a few bits and allow time to rest up for our big trip tomorrow! 143k to Mission Beach.

A nice touch handed to us as we handed in the electronic gate pass .tonight.

We hope the gate open automatically in the morning!

26th July Cairns

This morning we had a delightful visit from Bill & Robin Ramsay (Church friends from Melbourne) who were on their way home after 2 months in Darwin. It was so good to sit and chat with people you know. I was able to do some crafting, card making has taken a back seat to sightseeing over the last 5 weeks.

Again neighbours make interesting company. One couple from Perth and another from Surfers Paradise, they have been there for quite a while. The Surfers couple have been there 2 months & they do it every year!

We have their address to call on them when we go to Surfers in November ....... yes we have booked a 10 day there in November at Freshwater Resort.

25th July Saturday

We needed a day off. Both were tired after a big day yesterday, Brian on his magical trip and me doing LAUNDRY & Housework! (No tears Jan) Normally Brian carries the heavy load and hangs things out but he was away! I was so pleased to get everything beautifully dry, ironed and away. This laundry was very well set up and I even scored a ride back to the van with my full basket on one of the little staff runabouts! Neighbours were jealous!

Saturday was so good, just enjoying the beautiful Coconut Park and chatting with neighbours.

24th July. Brian's birthday celebration day

Brian was up and waiting at the gate at 7.30am for his big day in the Great Barrier Reef. I didn't even hear him go (shame on me)

Bus to the Cruise to join all Nationalities of Tourists ready for an exciting day. It was a little rough & cloudy on the 90 min trip to the reef but then a beautiful day..

There were opportunities to on glass bottom boat, a sub boat, go snorkelling, diving and helicopter flights. Brian did all except snorkelling and diving.

All food for the day , morning and afternoon tea and a wonderful lunch.

Snorkelling 

The Reef

Diving

And the highlight, the Helicopter flight over the reef. Pilot and 3 passengers 

23rd July. A day at Hartleys Crocodile Adventure

I'm The morning was raining but we we have been lucky so far, so set off up the coast to this amazing place. Rain jackets were NOT needed, it was perfection. As Seniors we only had to pay $29 each for the full day and no extras. It is a man made lake by a river and it is a Crocodile Farm naturally they had Crocodile handbags for sale, Brian was very mean , I wanted a beautiful red one and it was ONLY $4,875.00 sooooo I wouldn't buy him a belt which was ONLY $285.00.

We were given a boat ride first to view numerous crocs sun baking on the edges. The Pilot was an older man and looked and spoke as if he was doing this job under sufferance. However the trip was most interesting.

We then had a lovely walk through rainforest were the trees had markers with info. A walk through the bird enclosure, an area with sleepy koala & two kookaburra 

After our obligatory packed picnic lunch it on to watch the Snake show. Imagine my disappointment when the boat Pilot stepped forward!!! Well, you wouldn't believe the changed man .... This was his field, his passion, his whole life, it was just wonderful 

Wh had a great time watching the feeding of the crocs, they put on such a show.

Then mor wandering around the crocs, there lot were fresh water and they don't feed them.

The last show was the Crocodile Attack, wow, it was great

What a wonderful day out, we are soooo lucky and appreciate it ALL

22nd July A drive up north and visiting.

We set off early (well early for us) and Bay hoped North, such lovely beaches and rain forest and palm trees. Made our way to Palm Cove to have coffee with Willy my next door neighbour from Templestowe Road (my hairdresser) who was up visiting her daughter. Marrianne has Benin there for 6 years, lives one street back from the beach and just loves the lifestyle. Who wouldn't? Well perhaps me in the summer & humidity.

On further North to Port Douglas and thought of Sue K and daughter Jo who have just benn up there. Photos for you Sue

21st July. Brian's Birthday in Cairns.

🎼 Happy Birthday to Brian 🎤

We spent the morning at the 'Apple' dealer sorting out my dying phone battery, well I should say trying .... The result was wait until back home where it will be easier to do.

We had a picnic lunch followed by an ice cream instead of Birthday cake. No candles .... That many would have melted the ice cream!

The afternoon by the beach was beautiful.

Celebrity dinner was as the AFL Club which was enjoyed by us both.

The foreshore at Cairns is most amazing with areas for whatever you are interested in. The children's area was a wonderland and these are some of the photos.