what a game … in cairns!

What a game! What a game! What a game!

What a great time we had in Cairns. Nearly two weeks of catching up with Leanne and Steve who now live in Cairns. We met these two five years ago on their Fusion cat Easy Tiger. Easy Tiger has a new owner but our friendship has lived on and we do thank them for their unbelievable hospitality in Cairns!

So, no fish, coral or blue seas in this post!

It was our first trip to Cairns by water, our most northern destination in 2021. The winds are always stronger this far north, especially the relentless SE trades. Our advice was not to get there too early or there’d be lots of “waiting” for the northerlies to take us south. Good advice. The northerlies have indeed arrived, so we left the Marlin Marina in Cairns a few days ago.

Fitzroy Island is a tropical island a few hours short of Cairns so we stopped overnight where we enjoyed the sunset from Foxey’s Bar, while overlooking The Bossa anchored out the front.

We did however have a slight mishap on the way to the Marina. Our screecher shredded, in light winds too. After a repair to the bolt rope clamp a few months back, this time the sailcloth tore. This sail is seven years old and our sail maker tells us we got a long life out of it, so unfortunately its time to replace it. Ouch! We have ordered a new one and will hopefully collect it in Airlie Beach (if Aus Post doesn’t let us down).

Cairns did not disappoint! Staying in the Cairns Marlin Marina meant we had great access to town, the esplanade and the many restaurants that line the water’s edge including what has become our favourite ice cream shop Mooz, a short walk away. And the Salt House! Great spot for a drink or meal overlooking the Marina. Not sure about their Monday night staff parties though … two Monday’s of 2 am. ‘doof doof’ music! While we were in Cairns for the school holidays, it was not that busy and seeing so many empty shops here certainly reminds us of how much Australian tourism is struggling.

How lucky were we?! Leanne and Steve drove us everywhere – Palm Cove for the longest lunch ever, Ellis Beach for a post GF breakfast, the Tablelands playing tourist and of course they also understood the yachtie world with the need for fuel, gas bottle refills, supermarket shopping and boat chores. It was a busy two weeks eating and drinking our way around, also catching up with Anui and Skellum in the Marina and enjoying the buzz of the approaching big day.

The Grand Final finally arrived after such a long build up. We kept busy in the morning with boat washing (the nerves had well and truly kicked in) followed by the afternoon decorating of Leanne and Steve’s lounge in red and navy, with balloons and streamers. The party pies and sausage rolls were ready to go. The anticipation only intensified with a few bottles of champagne, along with the many phone calls, FaceTimes and texts from home (which I loved).

How wonderful it was to spend the biggest sporting event of the year (well, I think so) in Cairns and with friends. Something all our friends and family can’t do right now. We know how fortunate we are.

Whoopee!!!!! The Grand Final did not disappoint. What an amazing game it was and if you are a Melbourne FC supporter, it was a 57-year dream come true. I am a Melbourne FC tragic with many many years of visits to the MCG, only to see them lose. I have watched the replay now a few times (hmmm … might be more) and have marveled at what a great game it was. Commiserations to our Bulldogs friends but even they I think may have celebrated with me just a wee little bit. Go Dees!