Yesterday's drive took the three of us south of Cairns, to the foot of Queensland's highest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere which stands at 1657meters above sea-level. Every time we've driven past, it is rare to see the top of the mountain, it's head is *always* in the clouds. Yesterday was no exception.
We visited Josephine Falls. I had been wanting to see the falls since I first spied the sign post off the Bruce Highway about 20 months ago.
The falls were pretty spectacular, thanks to all the rain we've had over the past week or so...
There were a few tourists who were keen for a dip in the pools there. I'm sure the waters were cooling but I'm too much of a wimp to go for a swim (let alone a paddle) in rivers/falls/creeks around these parts. (I think I research stuff too much and read about people dying in waters such as these because of water flow or crocodiles.)
By the time we walked back to the car we were wet through. Not from the rain, nor the falls themselves, but because of sweat. Urgh. *I know!* The humidity that comes with the rains sometimes is unbearable.
Our next stop was for a picnic lunch by the seaside! Sounds nice doesn't it? And to tell you the truth, it is because it was nice, bar a little too windy. The beach we visited was Branston Beach, about 17 kilometres off the Bruce Highway at Mirriwinni. (Love the name Mirriwinni, not to keen on the actual 'two-bit' town though!) We weren't expecting much at this beach but we were pleasantly surprised. Don't you love that when that happens?
The main street of Branston Beach (yes, there was a little town there) was lined with holiday homes which lined the beach, along with one little shop-cafe which seemed packed to the rafters. The beach was lovely, bar a little rough, but it was quiet and the outlook from our picnic table was lovely.
We left after our picnic lunch and headed to Babainda Boulders. For a fleeting moment I think we considered 'not going' but I am so glad we did. The Boulders were lovely and quiet a busy little spot, nestled in the mountains, surrounded by tropical rainforest. Gorgeous stuff. So green and the boulders in the running river were gigantic...
There was a track which ran alongside the river, through the lush green forest, lots of little spiders (and some big ones too!) were to be spotted, along with lizards, butterflies etc.,
Since 1959 over 15 people (mainly young men apparently) have drowned at the Boulders, held under by strong currents. Or maybe they were doing this...
Can you spot the boy jumping off the boulders into the gushing water below? Sure, looks like fun but you would never (ever) catch me doing something so foolish. We didn't watch them for long, couldn't stand watching them, in case something 'happened'. They were jumping at least 3-4 stories high, between the towering boulders into the green waters below...
By the time we walked back to the car we were all wet through (with lovely sweat again). I swear I have never felt so 'sticky' before. So here I am complaining and Lyndon says "This is how I feel everyday". Whoops, forgot the young man in this house works on construction sites.
We were home mid afternoon, driving home through some of the heaviest rain we have ever driven through. Amazing stuff.
All up it was a great Sunday drive, thoroughly enjoyable and visiting some (more) wonderful places that this corner of the world had to offer us...
When was the last time you went on a Sunday drive?
10 comments:
I love that you think nothing of taking a three hour drive for a day out. We used to do the same thing in Melbourne. Here in Switzerland though, if you drive more than an hour to get anywhere, you're expected to make it a week's holiday.
I looked at that dude jumping and said "Holy crap!!!"
My husband looked and said, "Cool, wouldn't that be great."
That is why you did not list female fatalities...
Tracey - you got that straight! I asked Lyndon would he have done that once-upon-a-time. For sure,was the answer. No way I'm telling you. NO WAY. Boys!
FWIW I wouldn't have jumped, always having had a strong sense of self-preservation.
Last Sunday drive? To a farm in Maryland from which we're planning to buy our milk etc., directly. The little girl was terrified by the cows and refused to go into the milking shed - which was good because I didn't fancy being knee deep in "mud" anyway.
Lovely Lovely sights, my dear.....It is great that you are going to so very many wonderful places while your parents are with you....! And we get these great tours, as a side benefit!
I think it is really wonderful that you have a spider that lives with you...and I have always heard that Spidewrs are good luck! So maybe he Blesses your home!
You have some great places within driving distance of your home. I love these posts about your days out and the photo of the falls and the boulders are lovely :) I can't say I would enjoy the humidity either though, yukky!
If that was me watching the young man jump I would have been marching down and giving him "what for". I am so outspoken in times of danger, I really have to try to remember to "pull my head in".
I love the piccie of Miss Monet running ahead of Lyndon :-)
I swear you guys go on more outings than anyone else I know! What a great place to live.
I'm like Bobkat...I love these traveling posts of yours. You get out there and LIVE life Melody.
I can't tell you the last time we had a Sunday drive. The kiddos are both up and have their own agendas now so me and my better half tend to go on Sunday RIDES on the wing rather than drives. We love a lazy Sunday afternoon ride when the weather is behaving.
I am going to make a plan of at least one Sunday a month doing such a thing - although I am sure nothing so spectacular as what you get up to!
Last Sunday we went to the markets - does that count? It is an outing here!
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