These are the post cards I bought over at Green Island in case my mobile phone photos didn’t work out.

I did visit the reef way back in 1986. I did go snorkeling. These post cards remind me of the beautiful under water sights I saw. Sadly the reef is nowhere near as colourful.

Wow ! what an amazing view to wake up to in Cairns far north Queensland.

Today I have booked to go over to Green Island with Great Adventure Tours. Green island is part of the Great Barrier Reef ,Cairns Australia. The island has an unique reef and rainforest environment. They say it is a nature lovers paradise for a tropical reef and island experience. The choice is up to you , numerous activities attract people from all walks of life.

Before I set off I need to have a hearty breakfast.

I did have several rest times on the way. I met up with Anthony and Peter who are pictured in the photos below. Hello to Anthony and Peter if you are reading this, thanks for the lovely chat and for giving me permission to photograph you and say a bit about you in my blog site. I didn’t write down details about our conversation so please forgive me if I get it wrong because I am relying on my somewhat failing memory.

Anthony is Peter’s carer. Anthony’s mother is Aboriginal and his father is from Spain. I think Anthony grew up in Cooktown.

Peter comes from Yarrabah which is in the far distant background in the photo. Peter’s parents are both Aboriginal. Yarrabah is a coastal town. Traditionally Yagaljida is the Yidin language spoken by the Indigenous Yidinji people. Yarrabah is an Aboriginal community about 53 kilometres by road from Cairns CBD on Cape Graton.

At one of my rest stops I met two lovely ladies from the Gold Coast Queensland. I didn’t get names but what I do remember is that they both work in a aged care facility and provide daily activities. The ladies were also going over to Green Island with another tour company.

Once I was boarded on the boat ready for my trip across the coral sea I had a complimentary coffee. There was no social distancing, the tour group were operating at full capacity. Sitting next to me with two young lads from regional Victoria. They were so excited about their impending activities for the day . I will say more about my travel buddies on the way back.

My package included; Return transfers on board Great Adventures. Up to 7 hours on Green Island. Self Guided Eco Island Walk. Snorkel equipment hire. Glass bottom boat tour. Great Adventures beach bag.

On my arrival at Green Island I spotted people snorkeling close to the wharf.

Already I am having regrets because I didn’t pack any swimming gear. I knew that I couldn’t go snorkeling but I could have just had a dip in the water. My other regret was I didn’t pack clothes for the tropical climate. Before boarding the boat I did buy a bright pink tee shirt with Cairns written on it, it was tight and made me feel awful so you won’t be seeing a full photo of that sight. What it did tell me was that I desperately needed to get back onto a healthy diet and do more exercise. Today is day 4 of my total wellbeing diet, already lost 0.5kg.

After my exciting adventure on the glass bottom boat I headed off to do my Self Guided Eco Island Walk.

Still regretting not have my swimmers with me.

Its now 4pm time to start heading back to the wharf for the trip back over the coral sea to Cairns City. I then spot my travel buddies from the trip over , well one in particular. Oliver spotted me and asked if he could sit by me. Oliver is in year 6 at school, going to high school next year, I think that would make him about 12 years of age. I enjoyed listening to Oliver about his wonderful day, he showed me his amazing photos. Oliver is a delightful, well manner beautiful soul. I got permission from Oliver to take his photo with me and put it on this blog, he plans to put me on Instagram.

Back over on land at Cairns City, its time now to wander along and fill in the remainder of the day.

Even though I was absolutely wrecked, sore back and feet plus a blister I decided to walk back to the motel. I am having a real binge of walking, I can assure you I am not power walking .

January 2021 I decided to plan a winter holiday. I am a Queensland Pensioner so that entitles me to four concession vouchers a year that can only be used with Queensland Rail.I booked a return trip Brisbane to Cairns and only had to pay a booking fee ( used two vouchers).

June 14th I set off from home on a local bus to Roma Street Station where the Long Distance Trains departs from. I travelled by local bus to Roma Street Station where the Long Distance Trains depart from.

After arriving at Roma Street I headed straight to the booking office. Sorry the photo below is a tad blurry.

I had to book in by 2.45pm. I later found out that was only if I intended to book luggage through. The train is scheduled to depart at 3.45pm. While I am waiting for the train to arrive at the station I should say a bit about Cairns. Mr Google explains it well.

Numerous people especially the Grey Nomads from other Australian States where the winter months are very cold head north to enjoy the warm weather.Now for a bit about the train.

I managed to find a map . Follow the blue line from for 24 hours from bottom to top 🙂.

Guess what it’s 3.30pm. There has just been an announcement letting passengers know the train will be one hour late due to a technical issue.The Spirit of Queensland finally arrived

A few minutes later I was allowed to board the train.This is my premium seat and accommodation for the next 24 hours.

Seated now and ready for my journey

The rail service is running at full capacity, no social distancing. (That could all change tomorrow). I have had my first covid vaccine, am 70% covered. A young lady sits next to me, she is travelling through to Townsville with her two teenage daughters. We started up a conversation, seems friendly enough. Works in food service in an Aged Care facility, not yet vaccinated because she has been having cluster headaches, has been having blood tests and scans.Time to read necessary information to make my trip safe and more comfortable.

The trains finally departs from Brisbane one hour behind time.A couple of hours into the trip I make my way to the Gallery Cafe to buy some dinner and a cuppa. I needed to walk through two carriages to get there. I could sit in the Gallery but decided to take my meal back to my seat. Cashless payments only. Back in my seat I enjoyed a lovely feed of fish and chips with a skinny latte.

I love taking photos but it’s a bit hard to that in a fast moving train. I did manage to get a sunset.

Trying to sleep in a seat that barely reclines is not easy but you do your best. Rail beds look good but not budget friendly, plus you need to book months ahead. I have heard good and bad reports about them, my brother said they are not worth it. I found some photos thanks again to Mr Google.

I had a somewhat restless night. There were several brief stops for people leave the train and new passengers to board. The lady in the seat in front of had her above head night light on, she was doing craft and kept cutting out pictures. The man in the seat behind was intermittently munching on biscuits. Fortunately no screaming children and no snoring to be heard.

Daylight finally arrived. The environment had changed because we were heading into tropical territory.I tried to take photos of sugar cane plantations.

Afer we had made a stop at Townsville the train was able to make up time.The further north the train went I spotted plantations of bananas.

Finally arrived at Cairns only about 10 minutes late. I survived my 24 hour train trip. I hailed a cab and headed for my accommodation where I planned to stay for three nights.

Now booked into my room ,top floor left end of the building.

Feeling wrecked, time for dinner and a good sleep. There is a cafe attached to the Hotel / Motel.

I enjoyed a meal of Surf and Turf (steak and shrimps).

Time to sleep now. I will write more tomorrow about my adventures in Cairns.

Hello friends I hope you are all well and happy.

I haven’t posted anything for a while, even though I am retired life does seem to get busy.

I have been working on the Family Tree. I have recently been on a 5 night holiday here in Queensland, I will write about that soon and post some photos.

I have had my first Covid-19 Vaccination, minor side effects, second one is due August 5th.

My 5 year routine Colonoscopy is due, I have had the telephone assessment, am now waiting for the call which apparently will happen within the next 8 weeks . I am definitely not looking forward to that, it is a necessary preventative screening procedure.

I haven’t done any art work for several weeks, it’s probably more like months.

Yesterday I started another 12 week healthy eating plan. Total Wellbeing Diet created by the CSIRO. I got $50 discount, I am following the plan to the T and tracking everything I eat and drink.

It’s 8.30am I need some motivation and energy. I had better diffuse some essential oils.

Have a fantastic day everyone 💕 xo

I recently needed to visit a government department. I discovered there was an office at Redcliffe so I made a morning appointment. My plan was to treat myself to some fresh sea air and fish and chips.

I don’t drive anymore . I travelled by two buses to get there, left home at 8.45am, was in Redcliffe by 10am.

After I arrived at Redcliffe I had 30 minutes to fill in. I had a look at the water front and spotted a good place for lunch.

I managed to take a few photos with my mobile. I will admit the first photo was one I found on the internet. . The second photo I took while in the bus going over the Hornibrock Bridge just prior to arriving at Redcliffe.

After my appointment ( I was updating my WILL) I headed to the cafe for an early lunch.

Yabbey Road has got good reviews. You sit out on the walkway, breathe in the sea air, listen to Beatles Music , wait for the food and watch the world go by.

I have been craving a real good feed of fish and chips for long enough. The meal arrived in the good old fashioned way, what more could you want.

Yummy yummy yummy. Cripsy Battered Cod, crunchy chips, mini potato scallops and a free pot of Mashed Peas.

I wasn’t disappointed it truly was delicious and definitely satisfied my craving.

After lunch I had time to walk across the road to the pier.

Lovely blue sky on a pleasant Autumn Day, forgot to pack a Sun hat.

I enjoyed my day by the seaside. I really must treat myself again soon.

A few years while attending a craft show I learnt how to decorate hollow Plaster Paris Animals. I think I used mod podge and tissue paper.

Last weekend my 6 year old grandson Zakoby discovered the delicate ornaments.

Zakoby wanted to know what were their names. I hadn’t named them.

Zakoby proudly named them.

Harry the Dog

Trunky the Elephant

Jim the Cat.

31 years ago Zakoby’s dad gave me the Cats by the Pool for mother’s day, he was 11.

Beautiful memories and treasures.

I have decided its time to get rid of STUFF I really don’t need or rarely use in my kitchen.

All this stuff plus more came out of one cupboard …hard to believe but it really did 😂.

It came out of a corner cupboard that I struggle to access.

I plan to try and sell stuff and also donate.

I haven’t used these glass serving plates for about four years.

I also need to sort out food supplies such as spices and tinned items….thats only one cupboard…. there are several .

Please wish me luck 😂

PS: I no longer want to belong to the Hoarders Club 😂

UPDATED 30/04/2021

I hired a professional kitchen organiser for two hours today. Her task was to organise my kitchen and make it user friendly for me. She did an excellent job, even had a stock of useful gadgets in her car.

What different a bit of help does. My cupboards are a joy to open, I can see what is in there now 😂👍

Two gadgets from her car were spinning turntables which I now have oils, vinegar, herbs and spices in.

I was very strict on myself ,got rid of appliances and storage containers they I no longer use. My hired help took them all to a charity shop for me. Some items I kept here and have advertised them on the local marketplace.

I am feeling blessed and contented.