Why Are You Here?" -- "Same Reason You Are!

by Katrin posting Mike's email
(US)

Hi, Katrin

My traveling buddy and I made it to the Tip a couple of weeks ago, with a great deal of help from your guidebook and newsletters, so I wanted to thank you for all the work you've put in.

We rented a Landcruiser rig in Cairns, which came with some route limitations (no OTT except to duck in to Fruit Bat Falls) but managed to beat the hell out of it anyway, what a tough vehicle! I believe it survives by transmitting all physical abuse straight through the chassis and body and into the driver and passenger.

Stayed a couple of nights at Lockhart River while exploring the Iron Range NP, stalking the elusive Cassowary. Maybe next time.

Spent a very entertaining night at Bramwell Station, with live music from a guy named Geoff Bagman, out of Brisbane I believe. We were very surprised to find live entertainment way out there.

Ended our trip with a couple of nights in a platform tent at Punsand Bay Resort, where we re-encountered people we'd met at various points along the way north, lots of fun. I knew what "my shout" meant from a prior trip to Australia but this was the first time I'd been able to put it to use.

We rented the Toyota one way, which meant a drop-off fee of about $1,000 but that ended up being about the same price as another four days' worth of rental, or shipping the thing back to Cairns on the MV Trinity Bay.

That ship was how we got back to Cairns, and was a great fun adventure in itself, very clean accommodation, very good food and great stories exchanged with the other passengers.

As two Americans we were always something of a novelty ("why are you here?" -- "same reason you are!")

Anyway the whole trip was a great adventure and smashing success (other than the "missing" Cassowary sighting), and a great deal of credit goes to you!

So thank you, thank you, thank you, and if you're ever planning travel to California (where I live) or Arizona (where my traveling mate Frank lives), let us know.

Cheers and best regards,

Mike

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