G’day all,
11th August to 22 August 2010
It was no time for that unpleasant cleanup of the camper trailer and car after the abuse it had suffered over the last two weeks. Nothing had escaped the fine red dust of the good old outback, so it was a full cleanup required.
I think the trailer alone took almost a day with the car inside and out another half a day at least. All I know is by the end of the second day when I took the trailer back I was ready for a drink and stuffed.
It was now time for some R&R and plan Orangatan Amy’s birthday in a couple of days time. Amy had spoken about horse riding for some time but we had never been able to find anyone catering for 5 and 7 year olds. I did some research around Cairns and found a horse riding place just outside Kuranda that catered for both Jess & Amy with smaller horses – awesome Amy was going to love it.
So we booked horse riding for the day before Amy’s birthday at 1:00pm. We then spent the morning shopping with Amy for her birthday presents…that turned out to be lots of fun because she was so excited. We went to several different toy shops and the family had a great time.
Straight after shopping it was off to horse riding. Amy loves animals and it was a real thrill to watch her interact with the horses. The best part was that Amy & Jess got to ride and control their own horses Domino and Ninja. It was a guided tour and the guide led the family through rainforest to the top of a hill for a great view and some photos. We then headed back to the stables for some afternoon tea of cordial and fruit cake. It was so funny watching Amy and Jess wrestle with their horses at times as the horses took turns in making up their own minds who would be boss. It made for an entertaining ride and was a real eye opener for the kids. It was also great to watch Amy bond with the horses and watch her love for animals flourish.
Happy Birthday Amy on the 14 August 2010, six today. Amy of course was up early and opening all her presents and enjoying every minute of it. Next it was time to play with all the toys until lunchtime. On special occasions such as birthdays we always go out for lunch. Today it was sizzlers because the kids just love the salad bar. Not for the salads I might add but more so for the deserts. All you can eat deserts is a kids delight and a birthday wish come true. Amy & Jess got stuck into the deserts and had a great time, so much so that when we got home we decided to save Amy’s cake for the next day!!!
The rest of the time we spent at Coconuts was spent at the holiday parks water park or pool or spa. This is not to mention playing a couple of games of bingo at which we won $50, 3 hats, two stubbie holders, textures and a money box in total. We cleaned up. Then there was Thursday morning pancakes (all you can eat) which were tasty and had you going back for 3 or 4.
We also spent a day down at the Cairns foreshore where there is a large pool and play ground area for the kids. The kids had a ball and mum and dad enjoyed a coffee at the nearby Cafe.
So that was our time here in Cairns. We now had got in touch with our friends we had met in Jindabyne and decided to head off and meet them at Cowley Beach about 80 to 90 klms south of Cairns.
Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia