Cairns

Well, today was kind of a "pivot" day. We left Sydney on an early morning flight to Cairns, which is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. We landed in the pouring rain, and it had been raining for a few days, flooding parts of the area. Even the baggage pick-up screams Reef! So, instead of heading to Kuranda- the koala sanctuary - we took a couple of umbrellas and wandered the little town. We found a cute little park, some turtles kissing, and some aboriginal art. Then, off the boardwalk strip, there was an animal entertainment and education center and low and behold! Koala pictures were part of the entrance fee. So, after seeing the exhibits with some exotic birds, Bill held our stuff, and I waited to get my picture with Vera, the two year old Koala. She was like a fuzzy bowling ball. That definitely made my dreary day so much better!
After a quick swim at the hotel in the drizzle (the temperature was still 80 degrees outside), we found Hemingway craft brewery and restaurant for a delicious reef fish dinner.
The day was not what was planned but turned out to be a fun adventure anyway.
Crossed fingers for tomorrow - snorkeling the reef was already canceled, so another pivotal day is ahead.Read more