Port Douglas to Wilmslow -Going Home
And just like that I woke up on the last day of my holiday. At 6.40pm I’d be taking the flight from Cairns to Singapore, but that meant there was still a few hours to spend with Kerry and Conor, who’d both taken the day off work.
First I just had to finish packing, which was more difficult than it should have been as, with the suitcase full, there was still a pile of things on the floor. Weight-wise I was sure I was OK, but the volume had obviously increased over the outward journey. Nothing for it but to go and buy an inexpensive rucksack – which I could then use for work as my existing one has seen better days.
So Conor and I got the bikes out and headed in to town. At his suggestion we went to Rip Curl, where Emma is the manager. As soon as we explained what we wanted and why , she offered us a substantial discount (thanks Emma), so we did the deal and headed back.
Once the car was loaded we headed to Cairns, and an area called Holloways Beach where we had breakfast overlooking a. calm and bright Coral Sea.
We spent time first on the waterfront and then around Cairns centre, eventually finishing up at Murphy’s Irish Bar which had recently opened and was quiet, cool and offered an excellent pint of Guiness. Both Conor and I failed to ‘split the G’, but it was still a nice, air-conditioned space where we could all raise a glass to a great last month.
Then it was off to the airport where I checked-in, we said our goodbyes, and I headed through security and technically off Australian soil. As Cairns doesn’t have a large Duty-Free section or shopping area, I soon took a seat to wait for boarding.
The fllights home were uneventful, with both running on time. Singapore airport was clean and impressive, particularly with a koi carp pond and a butterfly garden, and there were some high-end shops to browse if that’s your thing. I bought a dirty chai and. Sat near the fish while I waited for the next part of the trip.
Arriving at Manchester the weather was dry and quite bright, if a little cooler than what I’d become used to. I picked my car up and a few minutes later was home with a load of dirty washing, presents and memories.
And that’s the end of another one. I’ll be back though, as long as my health permits and Kerry and Conor will put up with me, but for the moment it’s back to reality, including work on Thursday and Christmas on the horizon.
I still intend to post some riding videos at some point so keep a look out, but in the meantime here’s my final photos.
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