This Autumn Has Been

...winter.

As I'm now halfway across the world, my usual August Autumn is Winter. And what a Winter the North of Australia has! A 'chilly' 27-30 degrees has kept us in the sunshine and sweating in our shorts and camis.

After Port Douglas myself and my newly acquainted pal ventured back to Cairns to enjoy the annual festival. A parade down the esplanade featured floats from the makeshift to the wierd and whacky and included contributions from local businesses, schools and groups in the city. We enjoyed the sights whilst savouring Golden Gaytimes (surely the world's best ice-cream) and lapped up the atmosphere. The evening finished with a spectacular firework display over the lagoon and the beach.

We were starting to feel pretty lazy spending our days lying in the sun (It's a hard life) and decided we ought to get out and see some of the wonders Australia has to offer. My friend and I jumped on the opportunity for free bike hire provided by the travel agent and cycled through the lagoon to the Cairns Botanical Gardens. Despite having a few issues with a bike chain which provided some laughs along the way, we cycled through the wilder gardens and lakes before pausing at a cafe to enjoy milkshakes and some stolen potato wedges (don't ask...).

We also opted to join Uncle Brian's rainforest tour - a definite highlight. We journeyed through the rainforest to tropical pools, waterfalls and natural rock water slides. The group was small and intimate and our leader 'Cousin Matty' forced us to revert back to our childhood and throw away any inhibitions through silly games and jokes.

A great bunch of people and a truly memorable day.