We are at the airport in Cairns, grateful to be here and checked into our 5 pm flight back to Sydney. What an adventure this is turning out to be; we made it through the most powerful cyclone in Australia's history, and by our good fortune (or as Barry, our hotel owner, says "you sure are a coupla lucky blokes!) we spent the time reading and sipping tea in the last motel room available in Kuranda. Our rental car also survived without a scratch! Luckily, the hurricane veered slightly south of Cairns, so it hit a less densely populated area of beaches, and while there is extensive damage to banana and sugar cane crops and many homes and buildings here, not a single injury or death has been reported. We really feel that the preparation and governmental disaster response were outstanding.
Below you will see Barry and Gail, the owners of our motel, who actually pulled out the "barbie" and grilled steaks and barramundi (a very delicious Australian fish) for all of their guests to enjoy the afternoon after the cyclone. Barry is a real storyteller; he regaled us with his fishing trips and even brought out the lure which he claims will catch any fish anywhere - "they can't help themselves, you'll see!" He gave Pat a bag of them the morning we left, and while we would like to share a picture, we don't want all of you rushing out to buy them before we have a chance to try it out.
We are so appreciative of the help and generosity of the people we have met here ... what a wonderful country!
Hello Deb and Pat ,Glad you arrived back safe and sound and enjoyed your stay at the Kuranda Hotel Motel all the best Gail & Barry Kuranda Hotel
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