January 3 - Kuranba

Petting the unbelievably calm and friendly kangaroos! So awesome.

Beautiful Koala cubs in Rainforestation.

Today we were true tourists.

The tour bus picked us up at 8:25 am. We jumped on the Heritage Railway for a 90 minute ride up the hills to Kuranda (a town that at one time was once a 'hippies' town and is still very bohemian in lifestyle).  Along the main street are many shops featuring the crafts, art, hats and jewelry of local craftsmen.  The main tourist attraction though is the Butterfly sanctuary & the Rainforestation.  We didn't have time for the Butterfly sanctuary, but we got to pat kangaroos, wallabies, a lizard and koalas at the Rainforestation.  The kangaroos & wallabies roam the grounds like friendly pet dogs.  In the pictures you will see on our Facebook pages, you will meet 'Jack', the alligator (he was huge!).  We had wonderful guides and really enjoyed riding in the 'Army Duck' amphibious motor vehicle as we explored the rainforest with 'Robbo'.  To come back to meet the tour bus back to Palm Cove, we rode the Skyrail!  Absolutely stunning and at first I was surprised how frightening it was to be up that high over the rainforest!  Once you got used to it, it was overwhelming trying to take in all the beautiful views.

We got back to the resort at about 4:30, we changed into our bathing suits, and headed for the beach for a swim in the ocean, and then in the pool.  Dinner was at 'Vivo' tonight...casual but elegant dining.

Tomorrow we pack up, pick up our rental car and drive south 4 hours to Townsville where we will be staying at a hostel type accommodation...much different than what we have now.

Keep praying for the towns in Queensland where the flood waters continue to rise! The Bruce highway near Rockhampton is now 'cut' (as they say = closed, as it is now underwater).  We will be passing through there on the 11th (we hope!).

It is so great to hear your comments, and thank you for keeping us in your thoughts.  We think of you all as we take time to blog & upload our pictures each evening.  We wish you were all here!

Love,

Kim (and Brittany)