MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER     CAIRNS

Drove into central Cairns, to the PO. Checked for mail – none. I was still hoping for birthday cards for John.

John went to Trinity Motors to check when the Truck’s warranty expires – it is November 29. He wants to do another 3000kms, from here, between now and then, and bring it back here for its final warranty service. We have discussed going west from here, maybe as far as Karumba or Lawn Hill, then bringing the van back to Atherton – up on the Tablelands – and bringing Truck by itself down to Cairns for the service. Atherton itself will be somewhat cooler than Cairns, by then, we think.

We are also thinking that we will be looking to stay away from the coast for the Xmas holiday period, so it makes sense not to bring the van down the range again.

We went to the RACQ and bought new accommodation books that are a bit more up to date than our Victorian ones. They cost $6.

Found the place where we can lodge our absentee votes in advance of the coming election, and did so. This election looks like it could be a close one, with the big issue being the introduction of a goods and services tax, if the government gets back in.

Went for a walk in the Botanic Gardens and did the Rainforest Walk – both were excellent. It is good to get some walking exercise again.

Tea was curried tuna and rice.

I phoned K to find out how they are coping with the gas crisis in Melbourne, that we have heard about on the TV news. Apparently an explosion and fire at the Longford gas plant has caused the gas to be shut off for much of Victoria and they don’t know when it will be on again. K said they are ok – using the outside BBQ to cook, in place of the gas cooktop; the oven is electric, at least; going over to P’s parents place to shower – they have electric hot water. It was 29 degrees in Melbourne today, so heating was not an issue!

John thinks he has put on weight with all the sitting around, so we are to go back onto a low fat diet and mostly alcohol free days. He can’t stick to such a regimen unless I am being deprived too! Because I have been swimming and cycling, since we have been here, I have not had the weight gain, though, but it will not hurt me to have a rather more healthy intake for a while.