traveltales: KURANDA, AUSTRAILA

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

KURANDA, AUSTRAILA

A Different Visit

Kuranda is 1000’ above sea level, and can be reached by road, cable car, or train. We arrived by road and returned by train.

The road was well paved, narrow, and contained 116 curves. It cuts through a beautiful rain forest. that receives 3-4 feet of rain a year! The soil is poor and the terrain steep. However it is so dense that it produces an umbrella which makes the area ecologically self-sufficient. It is one of the world’s oldest rain forests, and is on Australia’s heritage list. Pythons in the forest can grow to be 20-30 feet long!

The sky cable ride from Cairns to Kurunda is 7 ½ kilometers long, making it the longest in the world. The cables are above the rain forest providing a spectacular view.

Kuranda is a small town full of shops and eateries. An aboriginal influence was evident. We had plenty of time to wander around, get something to eat and to rest on one of the many benches. It is a pretty quaint little town.

Our meeting spot for return to Cairns was the train station. The track goes through 15 tunnels, the longest being 1/3 mile long. We also passed over 30 bridges. Construction of this railroad was an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude and many lives were lost during construction.

The first soil was turned in 1886. Built in three sections, the first and third sections were relatively easy. The second section involved steep grades, dense jungle, and the Aborigines defending their territory. Section two contains the tunnels and 93 curves going from 5 ½ meters at Redlynch to 327 meters at Myola. Remember in 1887 bulldozers, and modern equipment were not available. This railroad was built with strategy, fortitude, dynamite, hand tools, buckets, and bare hands and opened to the public in 1891.

This train ride was every bit as awesome as the one through the Copper Canyon, it’s just shorter. The waterfalls we saw were marvelous. The scenery was certainly gorgeous!

The ride was an hour and a half, the last half-hour being in Cairns getting to the railroad station.

It was a fun day in a strange place with different customs and lifestyle.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.