Friday 9th November 2012
Started packing yesterday
evening after returning from a night taking some footage at Parramasala.
The evening was full of color and sound and watched Kamahl knock out a
rendition of "love is in the air". Packing is something I love to
hate and always leave it to the last minute to complete. But this time there
was going to be a bit more than just clothes. I had to pack in tripods, ball
heads/ fluid heads, gimbal mounts.
Fortunately when I resumed packing this morning that
everything fit, albeit a little tight and a wee heavy. A quick weighty check
showed me around the 24-25 kilos. Qantas sets a limit of around 23 kg but the
option to leave items behind was not a option.
Finalised packing mid morning and then persuaded myself
to catch a cab rather than bus, train & train. Cab arrived at 11.15am and
headed off towards the airport. Traffic was heavy but not a problem. My only
concern was the cab driver.
There were a number of times where we had stopped at
intersections and then the green light went and he just sat there. We were only
a short distance from the airport when I actually saw him having a nap. I kept
it cool but a few blasphemous words were spoken.
Arrived at the airport in around one hour. I warned the
guy that "my life is in his hands" and was receptive to my statement.
Qantas domestic was quiet and had no issues checking in via a kiosk and then
putting the checked bag in. They were going to make me pay $20 extra but the
guy at the sales desk told me to put my money in my wallet which was quite
nice.
Security checks were quick considering the amount of tech
that I am carrying. Chilling out prior to the flight at gate 1. Looks like the plane is named
"Newcastle", a Boeing 737-800. It was only last night that I had
watched Air Crash Investigations on the same model.
Boarded the flight bang on 1.25pm. Everyone was on time
which was great. The thing about flying Qantas is that the clientele would not
be described as the "all stations
to Penrith" but instead this train was on it's way to
"Woolstonecraft". Flight was
delayed for around 30 mins whilst heavy rain hit the airport. Once that had
passed we joined the queue for departure.
After takeoff we headed north west over the burbs and
then a direct line towards Cairns. The flight was a little bumpy as we dealt
with more storms but once we hit cruising
altitude I sat back and watched a
couple of films. A light meal was served and overall it was an enjoyable
flight.
On landing at Cairns I made my way through to the baggage
claim area. No bags we out yet at this stage so went straight over to the car
hire desk and sorted out the car hire. No huge dramas there and had the keys on
hand in about 10 minutes. Headed back over to the baggage claim area and waited
for my bag to arrive. I was glad I opted to sort out the car hire first.
Picked up the bag the headed out to the car. Before
leaving I whipped out the parents satnav and took a few photos of the car for
proverbial covering. Then was on my way towards Port Douglas. Traffic was light
and the journey enjoyable. The road hugged the coast with some nice vistas
along the way. I suspect that the road will be very busy come eclipse time.
Arrived at the QT Resort just after 6pm and checked in
with no dramas. The hotel is very nice indeed with a open plan reception, bar
and restaurant. The pool is next with villas all around. I have a garden view
room at the rear of the complex but still a very short distance from where it
is all happening.
After settling in and freshening up I headed down to the
restaurant to check out what was on offer. For $65 you get a new age buffet
style gorge fest. Essentially "Sizzler" style eating where you can
speak with the chefs. Plus I don't believe Sizzler ever offer cous cous.
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