In the middle of the rainforest

We can hardly believe it, the road actually leads us right into the rainforest! How can one live here? When we arrive, we double-check the address! It is correct! Our hosts are not here yet, but they may have already announced it, so Mika gets to swim in the pool.

When they arrive, they show us the house! The photos cannot capture what it really is!

It's all made of wood / a huge veranda, several bedrooms and bathrooms, and a terrace that is surrounded by rainforest - unbelievable!!! It reminds us of a colonial house from a movie. Out of Africa or something - I don't even know the movie.... 😂

But the most fascinating thing are the many incredible bird calls.

We barbecue, drink delicious red wine, and talk about this incredible terrace in the middle of the rainforest and about God and the world! Next to the terrace is an outdoor shower, and the freestanding bathtub in the bathroom is right next to the window, which can be completely folded away!

Daniel and Mika sleep outdoors in a canopy bed with a mosquito net, I sleep in the guest bed with my own bathroom in a separate wing! I sleep wonderfully and am awakened by thousands of bird calls - especially the Kookaburra, my absolute favorite bird. It is small, gray, a bit fluffy, and laughs or sounds like a screaming monkey! Look it up on YouTube if you're interested! It's also called Laughing Jack. (https://youtu.be/RSlQor4gauA)

You can't describe the feeling that these bird calls give you! It's just...... beautiful!!!!

We have a cozy breakfast on the veranda and head south. It was soooo nice with you, Frank, Mirella, and Lia! Thank you for your hospitality!

Heading south again on the winding coastal road, passing Cairns, Mission Beach, and heading towards Townsville. We actually wanted to stay in Mission Beach, but it was somehow too small for us!

The drive takes forever - much longer than we expected. We stop at McDonald's for a coffee and I take a short nap in the camper! It's good to have your house with you all the time ☺️!

It takes us 7 hours to cover 400 km 😳😳😳!

But the route is beautiful! It's very hilly - rainforest and green everywhere! We see sugar cane plantations on the right and left, and lots of banana plantations! Australia is one of the largest exporters of sugar cane!

In Townsville, we find a camping site and we're lucky - today they have a free barbecue for everyone and we get to watch 'the state of origin' on a big screen with the whole campsite. Rugby or rather football NSW against Queensland. I support NSW, of course, probably the only one, but unfortunately they lose!

At the beginning of the game, the Australian anthem is played - I hear it again for the first time! Many people sing along! I even still know the lyrics - at least partially! ... advance Australia fair.....

Good night!!

PS photos will follow - I currently don't have a strong enough network!!