We left Lucinda refreshed and ready for a busy time with the family. The next 3 weeks we have family members flying up to spend some time with Alec and myself. Actually mostly Alec. I am fully aware who is the favourite. We will be playing tourist’s as we visit a lot of the attractions around Cairns and as far north as Cooktown.
Hinchinbrook island in the distant. Photo taken from a road side look out.
Our lunch spot in Innisfail. Alec getting looked after again. No need to stop playing to have lunch.
Alec’s grandparents and Peta’s sister joined us for the first week in Cairns. While in Cairns we basically did the big four draw cards to the area. A trip out to the reef, the Kuranda Scenic Railway ,the sky rail and a day exploring the Atherton tablelands.
I am not going to bore you with details except that Peta and I have done a few of the attractions together and was a trip down memory lane for me. Which is really nothing unusual, as that is what the trip is all about. But this was the first time I had some company other than Alec with me. Which I found a little different, especial so as the company was Peta’s parents and sister. I am glad they were able to experience some of the places the me and Peta enjoyed together.
The first activity was the trip out to the reef. Although a expensive day out. It’s well worth it. Even with the poor weather that we had. I guess we will just have do a again sometime when the weather is better.
Ready for our big day.
Just a little cute.
Aunty Megan cuddling a cute baby seal. Oh wait, thats Alec.
Everyone enjoyed watching the fish with out getting wet.
The main snorkelling area.
The platoon seating area.
This is a professional photo of me with a local.
Megan and I paid extra and went on a snorkel safari. You get taken out to the edge of the reef and slowly make your back to the platoon. You are guided by a marine expert and are taught all about the reef as you go. You are in the water for around a hour.
Auntie Megan and Alec playing in the children area.
A pic taken with the action camera.
The second and third activity was done together. We rode the Kuranda Scenic railway up to Kuranda and rode the sky rail down. We spent some time in Kuranda looking though the markets having some lunch and visiting the buttery fly house.
Alec being patient waiting for the train.
A pic of the train as we cross a curved bridge.
Grandad and Alec enjoying the train ride.
Peta at the look out over Barron falls in 2011.
Alec and myself in 2016.
Peta and myself on the train 2011.
Alec and myself 2016.
Kuranda railway station.
Alec keeping Autie Megan company in the butter fly house.
The sky rail over the rainforest.
Peta on the sky rail 2011.
Alec and myself 2016
The sky rail crossing the Kennedy highway.
When ever we went over the rollers at each pole, the gondola would make a noise as we rattled across them. Alec thought this was hilarious.
Selfie shot.
The forth activity was a drive up to the Atherton Tablelands. Again we had poor weather and spent most the day driving or sitting around eating and drinking coffee. We did see the wind turbines near Ravenshoe and visited the Ravenshoe steam railway. When running it travels from Ravenshoe to the town of Tumoulin the highest railway station in Queensland.
Having a break at the Coffee works in Mareeba.
A little chilly and windy at the wind farm.
Alec and I checking out the train.
Peta and myself with good friend Mick and Ange waiting for the train in 2011.
Alec and myself waiting for train in 2016.
Peta at Malanda falls 2009.
Alec and myself 2016.
Alec having his usual at the Gallo dairy. This time with sprinkles.
Yes dad is tired and no I don’t want you jam on my face.
Peta at the Gallo dairy 2011.
Peta’s sister Megan in 2016.
Alec and myself in 2016.
Inappropriate moment of the week
We were warned by the boat crew that is was going to be a rough trip out to the reef. As the boat was getting ready to leave the safety of the harbour, most of the passengers were busy taken pills and preparing for the rough trip.
I knew I would be fine, I have never been sea sick. But I wasn’t sure how Alec would cope.
As the boat got out into the unprotected waters it got very rough. A lot of the passengers suffered during the trip. All around us our fellow passengers were depositing there breakfast is brown plastic bags and looking quite ill .
It turned out Alec was not bothered at all. Almost as if he didn’t even notice the rocking and banging of the boat. He was happy playing with his diggers or being super cute for his grandparents.
Alec decided he wanted to sit on my lap at one stage. He seemed a little bored. We started to play wee whoops as the boat went up and down with the waves. When the hull crashed into a wave will loud bag. I would point out to Alec that was a big one. We had a ball.
I not sure our fellow passengers appreciated our enthusiasm for the rough weather. Oh well, maybe they need to harden up a touch.
Kethel Boys Adventures 