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Published: September 18th 2010
Warning: This blog is being written by Brennen....hallucinations and nonsense may follow.
After crashing in a heap of exhaustion last night, we made a comparatively late start today, dragging our mostly revitalised and excited butts out of bed to go to Freshwater Train Station for the Karunda Scenic Railway. We wandered around the museums and learned about the incredible feat of building the railway, and about the apparently colourful and aggressive Irish redheaded foreman who had a nearby suburb named after him. After purchasing the most expensive (but not overpriced) train ticket of my life, we had only a short wait until our journey began.
The train ride started slowly, but before long we were zig-zagging up the mountain and through the many tunnels which were built mostly by hand (with tools obviously) with the occasional explosion of dyn-o-mite! It seems it was very tough work and dozens of men died during construction. The view was absolutely spectacular at various points, including passing by some wonderful waterfalls, but none moreso than when the train stopped at Barron Gorge and the passengers were allowed off to take photos of the breathtaking views.
Before too long we had arrived at
Waterfalls...
TLC says, don't go chasing them...our destination, Kuranda. Bill, having dropped us off at the train station and driven up the mountain, was waiting to meet us there. We meandered about town, stopping for one of the most delicious vanilla milkshakes I've ever tasted (which had disappeared after about 10 seconds), into and out of various shops and markets. After purchasing some gifts for people back home, and Michele buying herself a lovely scarf (from a store called Just Gorgeous which I believe she could have happily spent much more time and money in), we sat down for some lunch, for which Bill was kind enough to bring along the various bits and pieces to make our own sandwiches. Money Saver!
Next on our to-do list was the Butterfly Sactuary, which somewhat surprisingly for me, was really quite interesting. Part of it was a guided tour of the laboratory and some interesting tid-bits, after which we were free to roam around. Turns out the Hercules moth (the biggest moth in the world) only lives for 2-3 days, is unable to eat, but does spend half it's life having sex. Also, the males fly around frantically looking to score, while the lady moths chill out
Stunning View #3
On the way home. Worth the stop. (seductively, mind you) and wait for the men to throw themselves at her. Sounds like another species I know....
Embarassingly, no matter how many times a butterfly flew at my face, I would flinch and duck and weave and look like I was doing a bit of a top-half crazy dance. One of them was more than happy to land on Michele's dress, although my quick draw camera skills failed me, and no evidence of this moment was captured. My camera skills were also found wanting when it came to my attempts at photographing the oh-so-shiny Ulysses Butterfly, which hardly ever sits still, and when it does, hides it's glorious colourfulness. Bastards!
Eventually we made our way out of the Butterfly Sanctuary, and started off homeward bound. With Michele feeling quite sick, and with a massive day ahead of us on Sunday, we decided to skip the Skyrail Gondola journey (maybe next time) back toward Cairns, and Bill (what a champ) kindly chauffeured us back down the mountain and home to the Lakes. I was proud of myself for resisting the urge to sing "He'll be driving down the mountain when he comes, he'll be driving a white
Large and in charge
They let me drive the train *ahem* Holden when he comes" for no apparent reason. Yay me!
After a delectable roast dinner, poor Michy collapsed into bed and I have taken over blog writing duties for today. I hope it has been satisfactory. Now it's up before dawn to go white water rafting on the Tully River. Bring it on!
Peace Out & Much Love,
Brennyburger and Michy-moo
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Brennen
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Stunnnning
The first view was SO stunning, it got an extra "n"....completely deliberately. No typos herrre...