Salamanders

28 July – Monday

The Pajero was booked in for an oil change this morning, so it was a good opportunity to catch up on a bit of housework, laundry and grocery shopping. Hopefully the truck drivers’ strike wont have too much effect on supplies, because Les hasn’t found anywhere to wet the fishing line yet.

After an al fresco lunch, we drove into Cairns and parked at the northern end of Trinity Bay before walking along the pathway and boardwalk to the Esplanade pool, buying an ice cream and walking back. The tide was out (it is ALWAYS out wherever we are!!!) but that did allow us to watch the mud inhabitants. Lots of crabs, including the ones that have one large claw, herons, ibises, pelicans and salamanders. Lots of little salamanders but a few large ones over 30 cm long. Because of the mud flats, crocodiles would have been easy to spot. Didn’t see any.

We did see one of the Navy’s swish patrol boats coming in though. I’m sure Nav and Buffer were on board, but they were too far away to see.

The grassed area around the Esplanade pool was wall to wall backpackers – or head to toe, rather, as they stretch out flat in the sun. The Australians, Americans, Europeans and Scandinavians all seem to tan to various shades. The Poms are easy to pick out – they are bright pink or red!

Beautiful weather again, of course.

Will find a photo of the caravan for tomorrow.