Out of range

Hey there guys
We have been a bit out of range for any internet so hence a bit slow on the posts. We left Mission Beach and headed towards Paronella park which was really interesting with its history of Jose' Paronella and his family. It's waterfall was beautifully light at night which was great for photos.

                                                               Mena Creek (Paronella) falls at Night

Micro bats at Paronella

Pip and Amber at Mena Creek Karaoke

Pip made a friend (Amber) and we all had a great time at the Mena Creek Karaoke. Mike doing his rendition off Johnny Cash with Dabsie as back up. Dabsie couldn't read the words without his glasses let alone the booooooze.

On the way from Mena Creek we had to climb onto the highest point in Queensland (our car didn't car too much for the 10% grade inclines) We stopped at windy hill and checked out the windmill turbines.

                                            Sonia & Dabsie ahead with Windy Hill in background

We also took a trip into Ravenshoe where we met a really interesting local named Graham. He had be one of the people who had orchestrated a steam train to be brought from Cappella and used as a tourist attraction 21 years ago. We took a ride on the train and had afternoon tea. The high light of Pips day.

                                                    Pip on the train                                                

                                                Mike Pip and Graham our new mate
                                             
Next stop was a night at Innot hot springs. It got its name because people put their toe in the water and say "It's hot, innot" (just kidding). Took some pics in one of the spas, it reminded me of a show I watched once called Coocoon. All the "oldies" get in the pool in hope of rejuvenation of their youth. Lots of oldies here too.

                                                    Pip down near the river springs
This water was so hot in places you could give yourself a bad burn. Didn't seem to deter the little aboriginal kids from having their bath there though. ( in the back ground)

                                         Coocoon.. Check the olds out including Sonia!!!!!!


We have been here at Undara for the past 2 days and are heading today to Mt Surprise for a spot of gemming. Undara was fantastic, this is real bushy country. We took a tour down to the Lava tubes and swam into the darkness of one. Pip was a bit scared as we went about 200m into the tube and the water level was just above my neck. Pip clung on like a monkey. Took a self guided walk up and around the rim of an very very old volcano crater. Spectacular views. We also climbed up the bluff with a bunch of other tourists and with a glass of champagne and some cheese and biscuits we watched the sun setting. again just beautiful.

                                                      Sunset Undara lava and volcano country

                                                  Pip and the locals
                   

                                                       sunset again

Road to kalkani Crater