We also booked our trip onto the reef. We then made our way back and set up the TV outside to watch the footy & we had a few drinks that nite. It was a good day. SAT 19 MAY....This morning the Bewells headed off Sth, whilst the 5 of us had a big breakie before we went for a drive up to the Crystal Cascades, then onto Barren Falls where there is a bridge over the river and a Hydro Electricity Building with a Info Centre. This was very interesting as some of the old photos showing the water that came down the river are AMAZING. 
We then made our way up to Kuranda where we had a walk around the town before Rans headed off back down the hill to the Skyrail Station whilst the 4 others went to the Pub and then made their way down the Sky Rail. It was a good arvo. On arriving at the Station we were picked up by Rans and made our way back to the site for lunch & a rest. Later that arvo Rans & the boys & Jacque made their way to the pub for a bet & drink. 
They then returned & we all went out to Hog's Breath for tea & then to the Courthouse Pub to watch the footy before heading to the Casino where we had a couple of bets with Brett, Jacque & Rans winning. Another great day & night. SUN 20 MAY..12MONTHS SINCE WE LEFT HOME. A early start today as we drove Nth to Mossman Gorge to show AJ & Jacque the Daintree area. We then made our way up the tableland travelling Sth through Atherton etc stopping at Tolga for lunch. The day is wet & overcast so its slow going along the roads.
We then continued onto Millaa Millaa falls which were nice. We then continued down the Mountain towards Innisfail,heading back towards Cairns stopping at a nice pub to watch the footy (Manly v Easts). We then made our way back to our site for a happy hr. A good day with heaps of laughs & jokes etc.
MON 21 MAY.... Today we head out on the reef on a Cat Tusa T6, there are another 30 people on board so its good. The crew warn all to take sickness tablets & we had all taken 2 before arriving and we took another 1 as the swell was over 2.5m and the crew said it was going to be rough...well they were right with a few people getting real sick including Adam who was bad poor kid.
It took about 1.5hrs to get to the reef but once there the rain had stopped and it had cleared & no swell. Our first stop was Hastings Reef and we had 2hrs snorkeling. Adam had improved and enjoyed himself. Brett & Jacque got the chance to feed a turtle, Adam to touch turtles and the oldies just had a ball being able to swim/snorkel with our sons. We then had a nice lunch before heading to another spot called the Fishbowl where we had 1.5hrs. It was fantastic with giant clams, fish, coral, with Carol being one of the last person back onto the boat...yes Carol!! We then made our way back to Cairns where it was raining probably the hardest since we started our trip a year ago. We then made our way back to our site where Mrs Rans stayed home & the other 4 went to the pub for tea & watch the footy. Another great day. Its been so so good. TUESDAY 22 MAY... Brett & Jacque head off just arfter 6am whist Adam headed to the airport for an early flight. Meanwhile we head Sth to Paranella Park where we set up our van on a tight site. It's raining, but stops later so we can join a tour of the park. Here is a place where one man has made a Spanish castle, a ballroom, a Hyrdo electricity system, Spanish buildings and lawns & parks.
What he achieved is beyond belief and although the place is looking worn out due to a fire and Cyclones it is a must see place for anyone who comes up this way. We then returned to our van for tea prior to returning for an evening tour which showed us things like glow mushrooms, glow worms, fire flies, eels & fish and the wonderful buildings under lights. Just magnificent...AMAZING. We then returned for a what we thought was going to be a good nites sleep but the Mr Juicy backpacker van beside us with four occupants were still going strong at 2am so it took a few words from Rans for them to stop!! WEDNESDAY 23 MAY.....We went for another early stroll around the park before heading Sth to Cardwell where we meet up with John & Sandy. It was good to see them again. The weather is overcast so its a catch up on paperwork day which we have plenty of. It was then drinks prior to State Of Origin... where we watched with the Bewells. NOT Happy !!! THURSDAY 24 MAY....Today we decided to go for a drive. Firstly we headed out to the Mariner which overlooks Hinchenbrook Is. Here are a number of lge homes & duplexes & its here where the boats ended up on top of each other after Cyclone Yasi.
We then through the back of Cardwell to see the lookout & waterfalls. So we head out taking a number of different tracks, ending up where they are logging, then at a dead end then 6-7km South of the town not finding any lookout or waterfalls, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as there was a flashing sign warning that the Hwy was shut 10km up the road due to an accident so we turned around and headed Sth towards Ingham,(the Hwy was shut till 2pm) we then headed out into the Mtns & drove slowly up to the Wallaman Falls, the biggest free falling waterfall. Now it was raining on the way up and after driving for 1.5hrs we make it to the falls or what we heard was falls as you couldn't see 20ft in front of you due to the low cloud....such a shame....but we could hear them !
so its back down to Ingham where we had a late Chinese Lunch which was yummy. We then made our way back for an easy tea as it was raining and this continued throughout the night making it our wettest day so far on our trip. FRIDAY 25 MAY...Rain is continuing so its a day just doing pictures, computer work which takes all day & night and still not finished....Never fall behind as its a pain. Had a nice fish dinner. Its a bit cooler also today. Tomorrow we head off towards Townsville so we will say bye to all as we make our way South.... Love Rans & Carol.x x x
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