Cairns!

 At long last we made it to our destination. Boy is it a long ways...can't imagine what it was like when you had to travel by boat...maybe you get into a routine and sleep en-route. Our second flight was only 9 hours. We tried to sleep, as we were arriving in the morning once again.

 Melanie went with Philip and the luggage to our cabin at Treetops Lodge. This way we could save money and get the smallest car. New concept fitting in a little car! Also new was driving on the wrong(left) side of the road. 

 We managed to find a grocery store and buy some food. Going to the Lagoon was the way to see a bit of Cairns on the cheap, so we did that. We parked on the far end (did have to pay to park, though) and walked along a path which eventually became a boardwalk and came up to the Lagoon. (more on the Lagoon some other day)

 I thought the pelicans were really cool. So did lots of other tourists. Watching them preen themselves with really long bills was really funny.

 After an absolutely wonderful sleep we were ready for Sunday. Church was small and friendly. We got to visit a cousin of Philip's too, which was pretty special. We enjoyed some time together and a cold Milo.

 Back at our digs, we got to chill. Nice having a couch and beds (you can sleep on them, unlike airplane seats in economy class) and the kitchen makes traveling far more affordable as you don't need to eat out!

 Pizza from the grocery store is good enough for me!

 We had an extra bunk...so the suitcases got to hang out there.

 In the entrance way was the "master bedroom" with the bathroom also off to the side. Very compact. We really enjoyed staying here. There is a shared pool outdoors which we used, plus a community BBQ and kitchen if you want to host a big dinner. And extra seats and things. And a fridge full of people's leftovers...so if you need salad dressing or mustard just check as it's free for the taking!

 We went for a walk in the evening. It got dark pretty fast. There is a conservation area with a trail up the side of the hillside, nice and steep and good practice for the Kokoda Trail. I didn't permit taking the long way back...as the only torches we had with us were our cell phones. Nothing like taking the route you came back so you can find the parking lot. Phew! There it is! We did see a bush kangaroo while it was still light enough to see. Kinda neat!

 Philip reminisced over at the map and wished we'd got in a loop...maybe next time dear. When it's lighter out.