Cairns - Day 2

We are wrapping up our second terrific day in Cairns.  While it was disappointing that we did not get to Thursday Island, we are so glad to have had these 2 days in Cairns.  When I awoke this morning, the sky was mostly overcast which made a walk/jog off the ship along the waterfront bearable.

We decided to go to the Cairns Botanic Garden rather than visit another museum.  So, we hustled off of the ship and Uber'd there.  It was still mostly overcast when we arrived.  

We headed first to the conservatory where there were many orchids and unusual plants.  In fact, the gardens had many new plants for us to admire.  I, of course, took way too many photos so i'll just throw in a sampling here.

There were some ant plants that rely on ants for a symbiotic relationship.  You might be able to see an ant by the chain on the lower photo.

Leaving the conservatory, we wandered further around the garden and spotted more unusual plants and a  bush turkey.

We then crossed the road to take a wander on the Rainforest Boardwalk.  By the stairs down to the boardwalk we were lucky to spot this cased catepillar on the railing.  It drags its cocoon with it and will duck in for protection.

We spent about 1-1/2 hours walking around and by that time the sun had come out.  There was much of the gardens that we didn't get to but the heat was getting to us so, after a stop for a cold drink, we Uber'd back into Cairns.  It was time for lunch after all!  Our lunch spot, the Splash Seafood Restaurant, was excellent  - king threadfin fish tacos and barramundi fish and chips.

It was then a 15 minute walk back to the ship where a shower awaited.

We have 2 sea days ahead of us as we make our way to Darwin, Australia where we will have another overnight stay.  It's beginning to feel that this cruise is winding down.

Peace and blessings,

Linda and Larry

Cairns - Day 1

It's Sunday and we had an early morning sail-in to sunny Cairns.

As we planned, we got off of the ship at about 10:30 and walked 10 minutes to the Cairns Art Gallery.  It was already feeling hot but, fortunately, the walk was mostly shaded.  The art gallery has fantastic and eclectic dipslays of local art.  On the first floor, it was ceramics.

Some of the pieces were just plain fun like this one that somehow captured Linda's joy at riding a pig!

And others made a statement like this one about the Ukraine.

On the second floor was art of varying media.  Again, some made a statement while others told tales.

And others were so beautiful to look at.

The artist portrayed herself in this wonderful piece.

After about an hour in the art gallery, we walked to the waterfront for our targeted lunch spot, Tha Fish.  Fortunately again, we were able to find some welcome shade.

We both had dishes incorporating Coral Trout, a wonderful mild type of Grouper.  We're saving the Barramundi for tonight on the ship where they'll be grilling it fresh.

From there, it was another 10 minute walk back to the ship along the waterfront but mostly in the sun.

After such an outing, what could be better than a good nap?

With an overnight here tonight, we should be able to take a nice after dinner walk shoreside.  And then, tomorrow, we're targeting a different museum and different lunch spot.

Peace and blessings,

Linda and Larry