GREETINGS FROM CAIRNS

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Well folks, we are now exactly six months in to our round the world tour - I suspect that the next six moths will just fly past.

When we last left you we were in the happy hippy land that is Byron Bay where our last few days were spent sunning and boozing, surprise surprise! On the last Saturday we met up with a chap that Ken had befriended the last time he was at the festival. He, his girlfriend and us had a terrific evening in the various bars in town until way past silly o'clock. The evening ended with hugs and kisses promises to keep in touch.

From Byron we got the coach up to Brisbane where we spent a great week with old friends of Linda's - Cathy and Bruce. In similar circumstances to Linda's friends in Melbourne, Cathy and Bruce came out to Australia some 12 years ago. They have a beatiful place about 40 minutes South of Brisbane. They and their daughter Danielle, were wonderful hosts. We had two terrific afternoons at the wonderfully named Bearded Dragon pub. On the first visit Ken bought a toad which came first in the weekly toad race winning $130Au in the process. Money that he wasn't able to collect until he had kissed the frog! He is well used to that I can hear some of you cry.

We also visited Brisbane itself going up to a mount which had breathtaking views overlooking the city as well as cruising up and down the river. We visited the South Bank where there is an artificial beach. We also met some great friends of our hosts. A really great time and thank you very much Cathy, Bruce and Danielle. For anyone that remembers them they are all very well and Danielle has just celebrated her 15th birthday. Another new experience was a visit to a drive in movie which was brilliant, sitting under the stars but no kissing in the back row!!

From Brisbane we made our way to Beachmere, a small seaside town north of Brisbane to visit a cousin of Linda's who she hadn't seen for over 40 years. Once more we were made tremendously welcome and enjoyed trips to the famous (in Australia at least) Ettamogah Pub, the Glasshouse Mountains and some beautiful country towns.

After three days with cousin Marjory we flew from Brisbane to Cairns where we have been for the last couple of days. Yesterday we had a good wander around town sussing out the important places to have a good time and in true Ken and Linda tradition we found some!Finishing off the evening in an Irish Pub meeting up with a group of English and Irish people having a good old sing song.
Those of you who are of a jealous disposition will be glad to hear that we had some rain yesterday - we had forgotten what rain looked and felt like! The 28 degrees heat made it bearable however.

We are here until Monday whereupon we pick up a camper van for a week when we will be touring to the North of Cairns. Sounds like it could be fun!

Trust you are all well. Look forward to hearing from you.

Linda and Ken

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Photos

BRISBANE
The Brisbane skyline

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Us on the South Bank

BRISBANE
Man-made beach on the South Bank

BRISBANE
Linda and Cathy

BRISBANE
Linda and Cousin Marjorie overlooking the Glass Mountains

CAIRNS
Us having an aperitif with two newly qualified doctors

Comments

[Tracey Webster]

Hi Guys Glad to hear that all is well, you look like you are still having fun. The weather looks good. It is cold here in Vic it is 15c so we feel freezing!! We do miss you, I will phone soon. Love Tracey and gangxxxxx

[gillian]

oh!please
Hello, you`re all looking fab as usual ,beautifully tanned and content while we`re dodging raindrops over ere ,i`ll save them all up in a big rainbutt and soak you when you get back! well all the best to you both love and hugs Gillian and Cilia xxxx

[Jackie]

As usual you are both looking very well. We too had rain today!!!! Just you be careful with the camper van Linda, remember the speed!!!!