Riding Down Under - Tropical Cairns Australia
- Thread starter MacDoc
- Start date
Got out early ...nice ride down to Etty Bay. Quiet with few people and think there is a quick swim inside the stinger net.I'll have my brekkie on the beach before a quick swim inside the stinger net. ( that white floating structure ) It's 29 at 9 am and very quiet. Pork and gravy sandwich and chai sun tea makes for a tasty brekkie.
We'll see if a cassowary wanders by.
This one always makes me laugh..
Water temps will be 28
Well one did wander by that day
burning my feet on pavement at 10 am and a wonderful kookaburra in the trees behind the change area made for a complete Australian day. At least the speed bumps were painted white to get back. Of course the Australians back home were amused by my pavement hopping...tropical sun is wicked.
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Until he plans over to the dangerous maneating crocs sign. Kind of puts a damper on many of Australia's beautiful beaches.OK @MacDoc you can go away now.That last post seems like heaven.
Fortunately not around here especially inside the stinger net ....that said ...yeah the stingers can kill you. I missed a very cute shot of the cassowary poking around the bike while I was coming up from the swim...... 3 cameras and they are in the bike .....sigh. I did get a photo of him. One of the youngsters from last year.
For that matter tho a cassowary can kill a person...one breeder died in Florida from an attack. They are unafraid and have big weapons.
The big crocs fade out a bit further south from here and then of course you do have sharks.
The goannas are not dangerous tho I'd not grab one with those claws. Haven't seen the big local guy around lately. Hope no one et him.
For the longest time there was no internet or phone service at Etty Bay but there is now freewifi so I can endure the hardship of working on the beach.
This should cover it
For that matter tho a cassowary can kill a person...one breeder died in Florida from an attack. They are unafraid and have big weapons.
The big crocs fade out a bit further south from here and then of course you do have sharks.
The goannas are not dangerous tho I'd not grab one with those claws. Haven't seen the big local guy around lately. Hope no one et him.
For the longest time there was no internet or phone service at Etty Bay but there is now freewifi so I can endure the hardship of working on the beach.
This should cover it
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sburns
Well-known member
I dunno still seems much better then anything we have in Ontario.
DownUnder
Well-known member
The one thing I miss (other then the amazing undulations and almost perfect ashphalt) is accurate "suggested" speed signs. If you see a 50 or 40 corner you pretty much know what your getting into and what speeds you can actually do, even on roads your not 100% familiar with.
At least we don't have ridiculous "safe to pass". "Do not pass" clutter" as in Pensylvania tho Aus has a lot of signage, much to do with keeping opposite side of the road tourists from creating havoc ( I've had my moments ).
Speed is sometimes shown for corners but also striped guardrail with no signage.
I had not realized how strick the painted and catseye guidance on the roads were enforced until partner said I could get ticketed crossing them outside of the guidance lanes for turns and entrances on to the highway from a servo for instance.
It can get blinding and confusing at night with all the catseye sections.
Since filtering is legal in Queensland it's less of an issue for a rider.
Speed is sometimes shown for corners but also striped guardrail with no signage.
I had not realized how strick the painted and catseye guidance on the roads were enforced until partner said I could get ticketed crossing them outside of the guidance lanes for turns and entrances on to the highway from a servo for instance.
It can get blinding and confusing at night with all the catseye sections.
Since filtering is legal in Queensland it's less of an issue for a rider.
Fried from work during the night and too little sleep but really want a Millaa Millaa ride before the covid threat spreads here. Snoozing in my long sleeved Grinch hoodie that keeps the mozzies off....and warm when it gets a little cooler under tha fan in the wee hours.
Got off late but still up at Millaa Millaa at 11.
Vax certificates required to eat anywhere now...fortunately I had mine on the phone. Absolutely stunning day. 30 at 11 am but low humidity and a breeze in the shade. Easy going low traffic ride up the Gillies.
Missed a date with my fav steak pie as the teahouse was closed but they are open tomorrow. Need an excuse to ride. Going the long way back as I enjoy it so much and wind is favourable. Home at 2.
Got off late but still up at Millaa Millaa at 11.
Vax certificates required to eat anywhere now...fortunately I had mine on the phone. Absolutely stunning day. 30 at 11 am but low humidity and a breeze in the shade. Easy going low traffic ride up the Gillies.
Missed a date with my fav steak pie as the teahouse was closed but they are open tomorrow. Need an excuse to ride.
Going the long way back as I enjoy it so much and wind is favourable. Home at 2.
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nice view for dining out.
Finally after trying yesterday to find the teahouse closed I reserved rump steak pie ( lucky I did they ran out ) and because the family are anti-vaxxers they can only do take out. but they live on the tour bus traffics so can serve take out in the backyard.
Got here late and am starving but worth the effort ...another nice run up the Gillies ,.much cooler up here and will have an enjoyable run down the Palmerston ..then a hot time getting home.
140 km with the last 60 in the 33 heat and mostly sun
Some cute girls on the bus in showing lots of skin ....don't dare get the camera out tho.
Finally after trying yesterday to find the teahouse closed I reserved rump steak pie ( lucky I did they ran out ) and because the family are anti-vaxxers they can only do take out. but they live on the tour bus traffics so can serve take out in the backyard.
Got here late and am starving but worth the effort ...another nice run up the Gillies ,.much cooler up here and will have an enjoyable run down the Palmerston ..then a hot time getting home.
140 km with the last 60 in the 33 heat and mostly sun
Some cute girls on the bus in showing lots of skin ....don't dare get the camera out tho.
Hips are sore after repeat longish days ....how the hell did I do that cross Canada on the CB500x in 2019 
Should not have done back to back on the loop ... the Gillies is tiring, I was short of sleep too. My laptop had a near death experience....as I was leaving the city a ute driver motioned that my top case was open,
Pulled over and there was the laptop perched on top of other stuff.
Could have easily fallen off in any of three directions....Now the case is armored and the lappie would survive the fall but not getting run over.
I think I just did not pay enough attention to the latching...the Shad case is strong and well made and usually I just have to push the top and let it fall. I think the laptop will now migrate a bit more to the lower part of the topcase in case I do stoopid again....and I'll double check it's latched.
I have a much nearer place for good pies ( pies are everywhere....really good ones scarce tho )
www.tripadvisor.com.au
It's downtown but looks like decent parking and I need to be spending more time at the Lagoon now it's so hot.
Likely no riding for a couple days ..fingers crossed on this ..
www.space.com
Should not have done back to back on the loop ... the Gillies is tiring, I was short of sleep too. My laptop had a near death experience....as I was leaving the city a ute driver motioned that my top case was open,
Pulled over and there was the laptop perched on top of other stuff.
Could have easily fallen off in any of three directions....Now the case is armored and the lappie would survive the fall but not getting run over.I think I just did not pay enough attention to the latching...the Shad case is strong and well made and usually I just have to push the top and let it fall. I think the laptop will now migrate a bit more to the lower part of the topcase in case I do stoopid again....and I'll double check it's latched.
I have a much nearer place for good pies ( pies are everywhere....really good ones scarce tho )
MELDRUM'S BAKERY CAFE, Cairns - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor
Meldrum's Bakery Cafe, Cairns: See 289 unbiased reviews of Meldrum's Bakery Cafe, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor.
www.tripadvisor.com.au
It's downtown but looks like decent parking and I need to be spending more time at the Lagoon now it's so hot.
Likely no riding for a couple days ..fingers crossed on this ..
How to watch NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launch online in several languages on Christmas Day
Liftoff of NASA's new giant space telescope is set for Dec. 25 at 7:20 a.m. EST (1220 GMT).
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Hey, you got a spare bunkie or anything by chance? lol
Actually we do as both our housemates have moved on tho close by. One bought her own place the other is house sitting at a number of places and bunking with the villa buyer.
We are not looking to replace them however.
Getting here might be a problem...
There is a labour shortage in part as there is no place for workers to rent affordably.
Because the whole state only has had 7 deaths since day one, southern Australians are tempted to the area to get out of the big cities where lock downs are frequent.
If you are serious about moving here I can set you up with our immigration lawyer. Costs about $11k and there are no refunds....usually takes a couple of years and they have to want you.
I had a partner stake and it still took 3-4 years till I got my permanent visa in January.
I have a few clients whose kids have moved here.
It's way easier if you are under 35 or have a sponsor.
The downside for a distance rider like you are actually the distances. It's 1600km to ride to Brisbane from here along the main highway and you are still in the same state. Lots of lowish cost AirBnBs tho. Fuel cost is high, most all costs are high because of superannuation and high minimum wage but all prices are tax in and there is no tipping.
Doing an around Australia ride
www.max.grenkowitz.net
you need to time it around the wet season in the north...in some months you simply cannot do it.
If you can swing 4-6 months you can get an excellent trip in and do the barrier reef before it is gone.
My daughter and I did this and would do again in a heartbeat. Aussie ssky 40km offshore is stunning and we happened to have a decent meteor shower ( not planned around it ...just happened to be the same date)
No sounds on the reef as the pontoon is shut down and there is just 6 of you in lux swags, sounds of wind and waves.
www.sunlover.com.au
Not my photos...a freebie with the trip
this I had to pay for
If you come bring my snorkel and mask
It's akin to trying to get to see most of the US tho as the sizes are similar but less than 10% of the population. Paved roads where they are are usually top notch ....interior paved still decent and then 10's thousands of outback roads where you can die if you don't take enough water. It is VERY remote.
We are not looking to replace them however.
Getting here might be a problem...
There is a labour shortage in part as there is no place for workers to rent affordably.
Because the whole state only has had 7 deaths since day one, southern Australians are tempted to the area to get out of the big cities where lock downs are frequent.
If you are serious about moving here I can set you up with our immigration lawyer. Costs about $11k and there are no refunds....usually takes a couple of years and they have to want you.
I had a partner stake and it still took 3-4 years till I got my permanent visa in January.
I have a few clients whose kids have moved here.
It's way easier if you are under 35 or have a sponsor.
The downside for a distance rider like you are actually the distances. It's 1600km to ride to Brisbane from here along the main highway and you are still in the same state. Lots of lowish cost AirBnBs tho. Fuel cost is high, most all costs are high because of superannuation and high minimum wage but all prices are tax in and there is no tipping.
Doing an around Australia ride
MaxG | Motorcycle-Ride Around Australia on my Burgman 650
Going around Australia has been my dream since I migrated to Australia in 1995. I realised this dream between April and June 2010 riding some 26,500 km in 42 days, on my motorcycle, a Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive.
www.max.grenkowitz.net
If you can swing 4-6 months you can get an excellent trip in and do the barrier reef before it is gone.
My daughter and I did this and would do again in a heartbeat. Aussie ssky 40km offshore is stunning and we happened to have a decent meteor shower ( not planned around it ...just happened to be the same date)
No sounds on the reef as the pontoon is shut down and there is just 6 of you in lux swags, sounds of wind and waves.
Great Barrier Reef & Fitzroy Island Tours - OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Experience Great Barrier Reef tours with Sunlover. Explore our award-winning tours, including Moore Reef pontoon & Fitzroy Island.
www.sunlover.com.au
Not my photos...a freebie with the trip
this I had to pay for
If you come bring my snorkel and mask
It's akin to trying to get to see most of the US tho as the sizes are similar but less than 10% of the population. Paved roads where they are are usually top notch ....interior paved still decent and then 10's thousands of outback roads where you can die if you don't take enough water. It is VERY remote.
Finally settled on a new helmet
The Shark Evoline 3 as I like how the chin bar goes right back - both ways safety approved. Lighter
Bought the Shark 10% off holiday sale and free shipping.
Gave the business to the EasyR who let me return the RJays.
The Shark Evoline 3 as I like how the chin bar goes right back - both ways safety approved. Lighter
Bought the Shark 10% off holiday sale and free shipping.
Gave the business to the EasyR who let me return the RJays.
Very busy in grocery shops and markets on Santa Eve...the down under version is kicking back.
Masks now mandatory and contact tracing enforced as is vaccination proof if eating out.
Police enforcing eating out restriction for venues. Why I had to eat my pie on the lawn.
589 new Omicron cases detected in last 24 hours....some have filtered into Cairns area as expected.
Only a couple of casual contact in the immediate area.
www.qld.gov.au
We get an alert on our phones if we've been anywhere near an exposure site. Partner picked up some rapid tests for tomorrow get together with 95 yr old mum and rest of family who are all triple vaxxed cept me ....mine on Tuesday as the finally dropped 3rd dose to 3 months from 6.
Masks now mandatory and contact tracing enforced as is vaccination proof if eating out.
Police enforcing eating out restriction for venues. Why I had to eat my pie on the lawn.
589 new Omicron cases detected in last 24 hours....some have filtered into Cairns area as expected.
Only a couple of casual contact in the immediate area.
Contact tracing - coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information about the current COVID-19 public contact tracing alerts in Queensland.
We get an alert on our phones if we've been anywhere near an exposure site. Partner picked up some rapid tests for tomorrow get together with 95 yr old mum and rest of family who are all triple vaxxed cept me ....mine on Tuesday as the finally dropped 3rd dose to 3 months from 6.
New destination lined up but have to figure weather as it's 329 km out and back so will be a full day.
myrigadventures.com
New weather symbol for me showed up beyond heavy rain ....flash floods....69.4 mm ... 2.7"
Looks like the 29th works if roads are open. Overcast is fine as cooler. Hit Ravenshoe Bakery for brunch and loop back across to Kuranda.
Cyclone season lurking too in the top end around Darwin.
www.abc.net.au
Always memories of 1974 on Xmas day.
Forecasting not so sophisticated and residents used to ignoring warnings...big mistake.
en.wikipedia.org
www.abc.net.au
snip
www.abc.net.au
270 kph was monitored and then blew out ...who knows how high it went.
🔥 FULL GUIDE to Innot Hot Springs (+ Camping), QLD |
Natural mineral springs flowing, Cost is FREE. Innot Hot Springs, Tablelands Far North QLD. Temperatures around 75℃. Soak in the rejuvenating waters.
myrigadventures.com
New weather symbol for me showed up beyond heavy rain ....flash floods....69.4 mm ... 2.7"
Looks like the 29th works if roads are open. Overcast is fine as cooler. Hit Ravenshoe Bakery for brunch and loop back across to Kuranda.Cyclone season lurking too in the top end around Darwin.
Cyclone watch issued for Top End, category one storm may cross coast near Darwin on Monday
The weather bureau says a tropical low may intensify into a cyclone offshore on Boxing Day, with damaging winds expected from Point Stuart in the Northern Territory to Kalumburu in WA from tomorrow night.
www.abc.net.au
Forecasting not so sophisticated and residents used to ignoring warnings...big mistake.
Cyclone Tracy - Wikipedia
'We thought we were going to die': Alan Kohler on surviving, then reporting on, Cyclone Tracy
The veteran journalist recalls the "unbelievable roar" of Cyclone Tracy while sheltering in a bathroom and how a group of journalists got the news out to survivors.
www.abc.net.au
Cyclone Tracy then and now: Interactive images show Darwin's recovery
Sixty-six people died, 70 per cent of homes were destroyed, the city was denuded, but Territorians vowed to rebuild their homes and lives. These interactive photos show how those Darwin residents did it.
www.abc.net.au
270 kph was monitored and then blew out ...who knows how high it went.
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Finally got a traditional Xmas family meal on a hot day in the tropics.
Prawns two days off the boat, roast ham, pomegranite salad, mint peas and feta salad, mango, dragon fruit, raspberries with whipped cream and all the trifle I could eat ...plus some to take home.
Prawns two days off the boat, roast ham, pomegranite salad, mint peas and feta salad, mango, dragon fruit, raspberries with whipped cream and all the trifle I could eat ...plus some to take home.
Watching the Webb launch
within the hour Launch Countdown Webb/NASA
Ah that went perfectly - was bittersweet watching the last live glimpse as the solar array unfolded .
within the hour Launch Countdown Webb/NASA
Ah that went perfectly - was bittersweet watching the last live glimpse as the solar array unfolded .
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