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Published: July 23rd 2006
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Atherton Tablelands
This picture does not do it justice. Hellooo. We are back in civilisation after an educational week of contrasts and the sun has returned yipppeeeeeee.
We are now in a place called Townsville after a circuitious (?) week to get here. Forgot to mention that before we left Cairns we visited an "Aboriginal Cultural Experience" called Tjupaki (pronounced Jab OO Kai) which was really good. They have won loads of awards and we got to learn about the history of the Tjupaki tribe (the rainforest people), how to throw a boomerang (useless) how to throw a spear (even more useless) and some of the fruits and seeds that they used and for what purposes. It was very interesting and Kiera was fascinated, especially by the dancing, and you will be glad to know that we are all fully clued up on the Cassowary dance now! No doubt we will get to demonstrate this "en familie" to some of you at one of our barbeques in the future!! Mind you, I do have to say that although they went to great lengths to say that they are all genuine descendants of the Tjapuki, they all looked completely and utterly different and I, in fact, am sure I looked more
aboriginal than some of them!
Anyway, we didn't get to the Rodeo as on the sunday morning when we set off, it was still pouring with rain so decided to head straight for Atherton and give it a miss. A very rainy journey across the Atherton Tablelands and no point stopping at the lookouts as the rain and mist was very bad. You could still see how beautiful it is though and very european looking with the hills and valleys etc. We stopped at the Cathedral Fig Tree on the way which was fantastic (piccies will follow) and over 500 years old. Also Lake Barrine where we saw the 1000 year old Twin Kauri Pine Trees which are each over 6 metres diameter; quite amazing. Kiera was lucky enough to sit next to a Pelican too which flew in for a photoshoot. We had planned to stop at Lake Eacham for a swim and lunch but once again the weather was shocking, so lunch was in the van. The devastation from Cyclone Larry in March is still very evident and the damage at the time must have been shocking. You can see the weirdest things like all the tops of
the pine trees have been broken off and we also saw a whole banana tree plantation had been completely ripped apart. Over the next two days we visited loads of spectacular waterfalls and did everything the book suggested I think. Rik is infinately patient and I am extremely lucky that he will stop, turn round and go back or whatever to see anything that I want to - unlike my own dad God Bless him!!
On Tuesday we woke up to clear skies and the sun so had a lovely drive through the bottom of the Atherton Tableland and down to a place called Innot Hot Springs. Although in the middle of nowhere we spent a lovely two days just relaxing, catching up on washing etc and enjoying using the 6 hot thermal swimming pools and the natural hot springs in the creek! The nights were extremely cold though, but it made for beautiful stars and at dawn the sight of the hot mist rising from the creek was amazing.
They had a very old big barbecue there which you heat with firewood and then cook on. One morning I gathered firewood, lit it and cooked my husband a bacon
Dinner Falls
The spooky crater, caused by volcanic action, near Dinner Falls. sandwich - all in three hours!! My dad would have been very proud of me and my roaring fire; I was very chuffed with myself.
We then set off on Thursday to see the Undara Lava Tubes which have to rate as one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. They are the longest lava tubes in the world and are formed when the lava is cooling; truly amazing and not something I will forget in a hurry. They have a website if you want to look.
Friday saw us setting off for the long drive to Townsville (some 430 km) which still traumatises me now just thinking about it. Imagine prime highway, normal road which then turns into single track strip of tarmac with soft red sand either side and huge great Roadtrains hurtling towards you. You have no choice but to come off the road as they are so heavy and would sink into the sand. To say my nerves were a bit shot away is an understatement, but Rik got us here safe and sound. (If my friends and aunty in Australia are reading this, they must be laughing hysterically now!!) Anyway, as I said
Curtain Fig Tree
These trees really are amazing. we are now in Townsville and hoping to go to Magnetic Island for a few days, so will update again later in the week. Take care all of you, enjoy the sunshine (NZ excepted!) and see you soon.
Lots of Love Nicchi, Rik & Kiera.
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maria
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Gud day
Hi u 3, sounds like u r havin great time, we r enjoying sunshine here bit hot !!! Look fwd to r next bit of news lots o luv the warburtons