Cairns

Up early and off driving. I went through Townsville which I always imagined would be a town of little miners huts with curtains for doors and real rough mining type Aussies. As it turns out it is quite a big city and has a lovely river flowing thru it. Nevertheless I kept pressing North deciding this was a day for driving as my skin could probably do without another day in the sun. Next stop was Mission Beach, yet another pristine beach with a cosy small town feel about it. Had a swim and nap on the beach and then continued to Cairns, arriving about 6pm just as it was getting dark. The further North I go the later it gets dark. People told me there is nothing to do in Cairns and that you may as well just carry on to port Douglas but to my surprise it is a wonderful vibrant city. Once again tourism dominates the shops and activities but the city has a nice feel and is clean and tidy. In the heart of the city is another man made swimming area with bbqs and park surrounding. It was in full use with backpakers cooking up their Kanga (kangaroo) bangers and steaks, and the odd keen person doing laps in the pool. (Some people are obsessed with exercise) Not that the water temperature would deter anyone. I walked around the shops and looked for presents, but decided a digeridoo and boomerang had limited use back home so saved my money instead. Sorry!