I consider buying a vehicle - a minivan with a mattress - but, reading the want ads and notice boards, I find prices are far too high and even motorcycles are too expensive. Many backpackers travel by bus but I choose a rail pass instead as it gives me a little more leg room and I can get up, walk around, go to the dining car when I wish. I begin moving south by heading for Mission Beach, travelling through a broad river valley, past palm trees and sugar cane and banana fields with blue and gryy/silver bags hanging on each tree where the fruit grows. Low hills slope up on either side of the valley, bearded green with rainforest. They run in long ridges beside us, reminding me of the Jura in Switzerland. Although the
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