Cairns- scenic route

Thursday morning was my last morning with the Ottosens. After breakfast, I said my goodbyes and began my trek to Malanda. Once again, I had printed out directions and was able to make it out of Cairns in the right direction, but once again, I went too far after somehow missing a very important turn. Fortunately, there was another route I had seen on my map but this meant I was going to be driving an hour longer and wouldn't make it on time to meet up with the family before they left for a lake. Fortunately again, I never got frustrated and was happy to drive the longest way possible to Malanda. I think it helps that driving on the left side and encountering roundabouts is still a novelty and I was able to see more of Australia. It became quite overcast and misty as I drove, but I learned that is normal in those parts. What I could see was gorgeous. Vast green fields, palm trees, and lush tropical forests lined the country road.

When I arrived in Malanda, I texted Jo (Joanna..who I'd be staying with) just to let her know I was close. She immediately called me and said she was running late and could meet me in town. There wasn't room to drive with her but it was so nice to follow someone and not have to question whether I was going the right way. 

The event at the lake was a birthday party for her son. Several boys ranging 9 to 17 had come armed with nerf guns. The only problem was the weather. It had been sunny for weeks but of course today was the rainy day providing wet picnic tables and bbq's. 

One boy came to the rescue when he suggested relocating to their house. They have a great yard and his mom has ten kids and is very flexible and hospitable! When she said it was ok, we hopped back into our cars and met up at the house. It was perfect. The adults had a nice warm kitchen to hangout in and the kids had a great time with their nerf gun wars. 

The drive to their house:

My coffee at the house!! Yummm:

Jo and I:

Not his birthday candles...haha:

After the party, we all drove to a crater. There are several dormant volcanoes in this area. 

Boys are the same no matter what country: they like to throw big rocks from high places. Since this was a fun activity, there were no more rocks at the crater so they found a few from the house and brought them along. When they threw them into the crater (filled with water) it sounded like a bomb had gone off!! Really fun. :)

I also realized I could do a panoramic shot vertically. It doesn't show up correctly here but if you tilt your head you'll see it:

From here we also stopped by Malanda Falls. We looked for Tree Kangaroos (a real animal! Look them up, they're kinda cute) but didn't see any. 

Driving around:

We also saw Milla Milla falls:

They were so beautiful! (I have more pics on my fancy camera but will add later)

I was also introduced to the Thermomix. It is seriously amazing! It can do and cook almost anything in impressive times and is made really well! You can't buy it in the states though because Vitamix is making it very difficult to do so. :)

Our snack which was prepared in minutes: organic, natural sugar, berries, and egg whites.

Rapadura:

Berries:

Egg whites:

So yum!!!!

That night, we dropped off a boy near Milla Milla and after dinner we sat down and got to know each other. Another great family! 

I actually slept in my own house that night because Jo's parents live a few doors down and had graciously said they could host me...even though they were out of town. I have been so spoiled this entire trip!