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We awoke on Sunday morning after an amazing catch-up the night before. We find it so easy to stay with our friends as they allow us to have our own space but are always there to provide hospitality if we need it. The conversation continued and we had a relaxed morning. Graham and Liz suggested we go to a local park, Lake Placid, for a walk and lunch. This was a beautiful area, not far from their house where there is a river and a large lake and walking trails. We went to Alessandro's Pizza restaurant for lunch. This is in a great location with fabulous views of the lake, but the service was very slow. We did have some good pizzas to share and some nice wine. Back at their house we continued the conversation and wine and enjoyed some leftovers and friendship.
On Monday morning, while Liz went to the shops, Fletcher, Graham and I went to the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum. We had seen this as we had driven past and as Graham had not been there we decided to check it out. This place has an amazing collection of armoured vehicles and artillery from all
over the world. We spent a couple of hours here, looking at German, Russian, British and Australian tanks, as well as guns and missiles from many different areas of the world. These are all presented with excellent information under a huge roof. This is a private museum and the cost of entry was quite modest. An excellent place for anybody with an interest in the last two world wars and other conflicts. In the afternoon we went for a drive to Trinity Beach where we strolled along the esplanade and admired the beautiful views and beachside environment. Some of this is a credit to Liz and Graham's son, Christopher who works for the local council and is responsible for local beautification and works. Liz cooked a great dinner of salmon and veggies for dinner and we relaxed at their house and the conversation continued.
On Tuesday we had a quiet morning and then Liz proposed we go to the Cairns Botanic Gardens and have lunch at their cafe. This sounded very pleasant to us so we set out into Cairns proper and parked near the wonderful adventure playground provided for the local children. We walked past a large lake
where there were some water lilies but a lot of algae in the water. Through a large bamboo area we arrived at the Tanks area. These are WW2 storage tanks for fuel which have been converted into entertainment venues. There were many families with young children there as this is the start of the school holidays. We walked to the Botanic Cafe and had a lovely lunch in a natural environment. I had a great quiche and salad and we all enjoyed the setting and the atmosphere. We walked to the Flecker Gardens and saw many of the local flora. In the Hot House. There were many beautiful butterflies as well as a great orchid collection and carnivorous plants which are a bit creepy! Tropical plants have wonderful variegated leaves but not many flowers, though there were some exceptional exhibits.
We walked back to the car and returned to the northern beaches. We went to Palm Cove, which is spectacular and had a walk along the Esplanade and stopped for a coffee and cake at a local cafe. Then we returned home to rest and recover. That night we went to the Bangkok Rose, a local Thai restaurant that
Liz and Graham visit often. There we had a pleasant meal of good food and wine in a convivial setting. Back home we watched the tennis on TV and enjoyed more conviviality accompanied by some good wine. A great few days with good friends, and excellent food and wine!!!
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