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TOWNSVILLE - AIRLIE BEACH
Us in the train Lounge BarWhen we last wrote we were preparing to travel from Townsville to Airlie Beach by train. And quite an interesting train journey it was. Not long into the journey we decided that an apritif would be in order. Ken went to the buffet bar to buy the same only to be informed that drinks couldn't be drunk in our seats and that we had to use the lounge bar. Not a problem! We had barely taken a sip from our drinks when we got chatting to this wonderful Aussie lady. Altghough well in to her 70s and recovering from serious surgery she was great company and was knocking back wine like a good 'un. The conversation was so entertaining that we were soon joined by an eldely Aussie bloke, who was equally as entertaining. The four hour journey fairly sped by.
There was a little hiccup at the station caused by the non arrival of our pick-up bus. We had to get a taxi for the 20 mile journey to our accommodation: don't fret we claimed the money back from the bus company!
Our accommodation here is very very nice. Spacious, clean with a kitchen and a telly. The
AIRLIE BEACH
View from our balcony views from our balcony are stunning and the pool is terrific. We like it so much we have extended our stay here by 3 or 4 days.
Airlie beach itself is a small, busy town full of backpackers and backpacker type pubs; ie loud and raucous. We have found a couple of quieter places, one of which had a really good duo playing on Friday and Saturday night. Everything from 'The Ace of Spades' to 'Like a Rolling Stone.' Almost as good as George of a Thousand Songs! But they didn't do any Christy Moore! The town also boasts a man made lagoon/beach in the centre of town to make up for the lack of a sandy beach. It is similar to the one that we reported from Brisbane.
Airlie beach owes its poularity to its proximity to the Whitsunday Islands. This is a group of islands with magnificent beaches and snorkelling areas. We went on a tour of three of the islands last Friday and had a thoroughly enjoyable day. The islands were terrific but are already suffering from over-commercialisation - as the cost of our lunch testifies. One of the islands has the largest man-made coral
AIRLIE BEACH
Linda by the pool reef environment which is hugely impressive with all sorts of fish and coral to see without the need to buy expensive snorkelling gear.
We hired a car yesterday and toured around the area. We went as far as Bowen, another seaside town on the East Coast. It was OK but we were both glad that we hadn't followed an earlier plan to stay there for a few days.
The weather girl on TV has reported that winter in Australia is now here. It is bloody freezing. The temperatures this week have been as low as 23 degrees; today it is a lowly 26! Admittedly we have had a few overcast days but nothing to cry over.
Anyway, hope this finds you all fit and well,
and a happy birthday to Rebecca
Ken and Linda
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Tracey and gang
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WOW!!
Hi Linda and Ken, You look so well. It looks fab there we hope to go one day!!! Miss you, take care Traceyxxxx