Marshy coastal flat
At the sanctuary we were introduced to wombats, koalas, snakes and crocodiles. We scratched the wombat, petted the koala, held a six foot snake and a two year old croc. Then we moved on to the crocodile show. We watched a twelve foot croc with an enormous jaw jump straight up in an attempt to snatch a hunk of meat from a pole held above his head. We had seen such a demonstration at Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo in Brisbane last year. That was from stadium seating quite a way from the crocodile. This time we were just ten feet away with a fence to protect us. All went well.
After this demo we were directed to a pavilion for morning tea. Fruit, sweets, tea and soft drinks were provided. Everyone was friendly and accommodating and very happy to be hosting us. We learned that they had only learned we were coming yesterday afternoon. They were excellent service hosts. After tea Alice decided she would be willing to have a picture taken with a koala. She had seen Pam's picture, and really liked it. Pam is at our dinner table. By the time she and a few other ladies arrived at the photo spot, it had been shut down. Koalas must have a very strong union.
Next we toured around the city before driving through neighborhoods and up the highest peak in town. This was about 1,000 feet above the city. The views were spectacular. Back at sea level we drove along the Strand. This nicely improved walkway and park system followed the shoreline. As we returned to the Amsterdam, several historic buildings and museums were pointed out.
Back at the ship we had lunch before heading into town on the shuttle. During lunch a friend asked if we had seen the special newspaper. It was in the red bag. We would look at it back in our cabin. The local paper had printed a special edition heralding the unexpected arrival of Amsterdam. This included three pages of articles about the ship to lead off the edition. Then came the local news. Boy had they worked hard to make us welcome.
Everyone we met welcomed us like we were special. What an amazing bunch of volunteers.
The shuttle dropped us off around the corner from the main tourist office. The important maps and brochures had been included in the red bag. The area around this office was overrun with passengers and crew using free wifi. We would be back later.
We started walking to the Strand. On the way we spied a Salvation Army Store. We knew we needed another suitcase to check on the way home, and thought we would find a cheap one in Hong Kong. We could not pass up this chance to find one. As we walked through the store, we found many bargains but no luggage. As we neared the rear of the store I saw two bags against the wall. One was too big. The other was just right. For $10 Australian we had our bag. They put our name on it, and placed it behind the counter. We would pick it up after our walk.
We walked around downtown and over to the waterfront. The Strand was nicely shaded and the onshore breeze was cooling. The temperature was 96. This felt refreshing after our bus tour. We came to a very nice water park. The kids, young and older, were enjoying it. Especially when the large tub atop the center filled with water and tipped over raining a flood on all below.
After viewing the war memorial, we walked to the sailboat harbor. Here we met a young man with his son having ice cream cones. We stopped to chat and learned that he had just started his holiday/vacation from the newspaper where he was a printer. He had brought his son down to see the ship. All day Sunday emails had been flying regarding our visit and how to put together the special edition. He said it had been frantic, but rewarding. The finished product was truly special to us. Before we parted he told us he was getting a new car. It was a yellow Mustang. Ford had just started shipping right hand drive Mustangs to Australia. His would arrive on March 11. We also learned that his son had his learners permit, and was to take his test next week. He would drive with a red L plate for a year. Then with a good record after passing another test he would get a green L plate. One year later after another test he would get a normal plate. He would not drive the Mustang, but would drive the old SUV they had. We shook hands, smiling, and went our separate ways after we told him how proud he should be of the job he did and the reception the city had given us.
We took another route back to the Salvation Army Store. We saw the aquarium, some gentlemen's clubs, a brewery and lots of pubs and restaurants. At the store we retrieved our suitcase, and were sent off with a cheery farewell.
The wifi at the tourist office let me upload some text updates to my blog. Pictures should follow in Darwin on Saturday. At the ship I asked a volunteer how many cruise ships visit. Not many, even though a new terminal had been built two years ago. Access to the Great Barrier Reef is just too far from here. Cairns and Port Douglas offer much more convenience. Those who pass Townsville by are really missing something special. We thanked this man for his hospitality, and he beamed as he said goodby. Another great ambassador.
Back home we went out on deck three to watch the loading of the cattle ship. Trucks had been arriving all day to discharge animals into the loading chutes. These were on the other side of the vessel so we did not have a clear view of the process. We could see the heads and legs of men through the pens as they herded thee cattle along to the correct deck and pens. Zooming showed some bulls and other large animals waiting to depart. Little did they know their futures.
Sail away is celebrated on deck 8 aft. We celebrate in the Crows Nest on deck 9 for Happy Hour. This one was bittersweet. We truly enjoyed our diversion to Townsville
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