August 1: Cared For In Cairns
Leaving Cairns (pronounced much like Karen’s) to continue south was bittersweet as the city had been such a haven for me and Adventure Baby while I completed my five-day scuba diving PADI certification class, providing small town charm with big town amenities. Fortunately. the ride from there to Townsville was full of one beautiful view after another, reminding me of adventures still to come.
Located between the Coral Sea and the Great Dividing Mountain Range, the tropical municipality of Cairns on the northeast coast of Queensland had downright balmy temperatures in the mid-seventies during my stay, making my exploration of city streets and eateries there that much more pleasant.
My visit to Rusty’s Market in the heart of the city left me wanting to come back for more. Featuring wares from local artisans as well as fresh regional produce and ethnic dishes from food merchants, the bustling collection of over 180 vendors was bursting with delicious smells and vibrant colors. The fresh lychee fruit that I purchased was a delightfully flavorful treat later that night.
I was a little nervous at first about leaving Adventure Baby unattended while at sea but found a hotel that proved to be a perfect base of operations. With a gated and monitored parking area, I was able to focus on my studies knowing that my bike was in good hands. The fact the establishment had its own restaurant and was within walking distance of several grocery stores also freed up more time for me to do my classwork in the evenings.
I can see why this town is the fourth most popular Australian destination for international travelers. As a gateway to The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s seven natural wonders, the place is teeming with tourists interested in adventure.
As I headed south from there along the Bruce Highway towards Cairns I was able to enjoy more of the spectacular scenery that had been obscured by thick fog and downpouring rain on my way north. Lush banana farms, thick groves of sugar cane fields, and verdant pastures with grazing livestock provided a rich green backdrop against the blue rolling hills of the Dividing Range.
Passing through the small town of Cardwell, I admired the broad sweeping views of the shimmering blue water of Coral Bay, beautifully framed by the city’s jetty jutting out into the water and a perfectly maintained promenade along the shoreline. With only infrequent rain showers and relatively mild weather, this route turned out to be unusually relaxing and refreshing. What a great day on the bike!
