Cairns

Robin and I flew from Melbourne to Cairns on Monday, 7 March and Leigh Ann joined us the next day.  We used the 8th to run around town and get some things done.  First off we arrived in an incredible downpour.  Our introduction to the tropics.  Cairns is located on the east coast and northern tip of Australia.  It is in the tropics and receives a lot of rain.  Maybe you have heard about all the rain that Australia has gotten over the past few months.  If our arrival was any indication the rain hasn't tapered off much.

It was late at night, the rain was pouring down and we took a taxi to our lodging - Sunland Leisure Park.

As I took this picture Robin said it wouldn't do justice to the flickering neon segment.

Sort of like something from Stephen King or Twilight episode.

Once we made it to the room it was too late to go looking for food.  It was also discouraging to think about slogging around in the rain and the dark so we didn't go back out.  We were hungry, however so it was time for emergency rations.  From previous travel I knew it is no fun to be stuck on a plane and be hungry.  Before I left Ohio I stuck in some snack crackers and a couple of candy bars.  I had tried to find protein bars which would have been better but time ran out on preparations.  We had a microwave and could make some tea but I didn't want to drink tea that late.  So we had some hot water and snack crackers for dinner.  Candy bars for dessert.  Wish I had gotten a picture of this dinner.

 Here is a picture our our accomodations the next day.

The park is full of these units.  They are really a good deal for a family on vacation with kids.  (Or as they say here - "on holiday".)

This is the swimming pool - great fun for kids!!

There is a kookaburra bird captain, a pirate Koala in the crowsnest, a pelican sailor and a mermaid.  The mermaids hands are missing, continuing the Stephen King theme. 

 We survived and even made it out for breakfast the next day.

Our driver for the diving company 

Although he doesn't look like it this guy was having a great day.  He had just scored some centerfield tickets for the "Source of Origin" Rugby playoff to be held in June in Sydney.  Regardless of whatever team players are currently playing on, for the Source of Origin games, they play on the team of the state that they were born in.  This, he stated several times, was like our Superbowl.  He was so happy that he even ran us out to the airport to pick up Leigh Ann although technically he wasn't supposed to do so.  Shhh - don't tell anyone. 

I had to get an Australian standards medical before I could go diving.  Since the girls already had their open water certification this wasn't necessary for them.

Robin completed a refresher course since it has been a little while since she did any diving.  Since it was free I joined her although my instruction was very recent.  Later Leigh Ann headed to Sunland and Robin and I went to lunch.

Although somewhat pricey, the food has been excellent everywhere we go. 

Our waitress was from Scotland.  We asked how she came to be in Cairns and she said that she had dropped out of nursing school and it was a bit uncomfortable at home since her Dad wasn't very happy with her.  Very cheerful.

Here is a view of the bay from the Esplanade where we had lunch.

View of the bay

BIG bats leaving their roost 

Back at Sunland we have a nocturnal visitor. 

Tomorrow we go diving!!