Get lost with Russ and Margy: Port Douglas

Next day we drove to Port Douglas and arrived at Pandanus Van Park around midday, to see Sally, David, Maddie and Max our great friends who were here for a week to thaw out. We chatted and caught up for hours, first on the long lush beach and then over dinner at their apartment – yummy hamburgers that Sally whipped up.

Sally had booked us all on a snorkelling trip .with Calypso and we met as planned and motored for 1.5 hours to the outer reef. We had 3 magnificent snorkels followed by meals each time. The weather was fabulous – not windy for a change, sunny but not too hot. Visibility was good in the water and the water temperature varied with the dive but mostly it was coolish and the wet suits were good at keeping us a bit warm. My first impression was that seeing the coral was like seeing a graveyard. The fish were numerous and incredibly varied which was heartening. Again we had some more great chatting and catching up as well as some friendly competition about who would have which deck chair – that was mainly between Max and his parents. That night was dinner at our van – Moroccan chick pea and chicken casserole.

Next day Russ and I cycled around town but quickly came across the Sunday markets which were amazingly good. We bought lots of fruit and veg which was all so fresh and delicious looking. I also bought some pearls because they looked so nice and weren’t so expensive. We all drove to Mossman Gorge and walked to the gorge instead of taking the bus. We then chatted and walked up the gorge until we got to the swimming spot. There was a wonderful big swimming hole and it was a challenge to swim across the current and Sally and David and Max all managed it – I got swept down the current a bit each time I swam across but was pleased that I managed it in the end. I think Sally was pleased that she braved the cold water, after encouraging sign language from me on the other side of the river. Russ and I had a picnic near the marina and then met up with Sally and David for a beach walk and a prawn dinner at their apartment. We then saw the worst movie at the (outdoor) Moonlight cinema at the QT resort – Will Ferrell still hasn’t endeared himself to me (which I’m sure doesn’t bother him). We then said our goodbyes, until our next meeting.

As Russ and I were getting ready to leave, Sally and David surprised us with a lovely last goodbye visit. Sally brought over her photos and we exchanged photos. What a fabulous time we had together.