FAREWELL TO VISITORS

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

On his feet

Black sapote - didn't look appetising

Cooking breakfast

Friday was the day for Kathryn to return home to the cold weather – and work – so the morning was spent with a quick walk to feed the fish before taking her to the airport.  The remainder of the day was spent recovering from the hectic week.

Saturday was Jack’s last full day in Cairns, so he had the choice of activities.  Shopping and a bike ride in the morning, followed by a swim in the heated pool at Tobruk Memorial Pool.  However, when we arrived at the pool, only eight other swimmers were in the complete complex; evidently the weather is too cold for the locals to go swimming!  The Flowrider was also empty of riders and it didn’t take Jack long to decide on 30 minutes of exclusive use.  It wasn’t long before he was kneeling with outstretched arms and then the assistant helped him get started on a stand-up board.  This was also the day when the black sapote was finally ripe enough for the much anticipated tasting.  Unfortunately, the chocolate pudding fruit didn’t live up to its reputation.

Sunday morning breakfast of hash browns and bacon before packing the suitcase and tent, together with tent poles and pegs!  Another quick bike ride for a final check of the caravan park and we were off to the airport.  We had no problems checking him in for the flight home, via Brisbane and were in the large departure area with an hour to wait until his flight.  However, Virgin neglected to tell us that their flights weren’t being announced and it was pure luck that the departure board was checked 15 minutes before the scheduled departure and we noticed that the flight was boarding.  Turned out Jack was the final passenger to board!  However, all turned out well, the plane took off and Jack eventually arrived home and could demonstrate his whipcracking skills.

The weather remained clear and sunny, with very cold nights (11 degrees!!!) right through until Monday.  We enjoyed a relaxing day, catching up on “housework,” checking out a local plant nursery and a walk along the creek after lunch.

Monday night was much warmer, owing to the very cloudy skies today.  It also didn’t take long for the heavy mizzle to start.  Les had been contacted by an old friend, Ian, who was in Cairns for a few days and we collected Ian and Kerrie before lunch, took them to Limberlost Nursery for lunch and then back to our caravan for coffee and some chat.  A very pleasant few hours