Adventures Around Northern Queensland feb. 14th, 2010

February 14th, 2010
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
Another week has flown by and we are still alive. Lynds would be jealous of the fruit and the garden. Every time I go out to the yard I think of her. We have been eating different fruits from our yard.
This week we ventured out a little. Tuesday, we drove into Townsville, about an hour from here and the closest major city. We went for dinner at Cactus Jacks, a well known Mexican restaurant then to a movie. We went to see Invicus. A Rugby movie with Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman who plays Nelson Mandela. It was a good intro to Rugby.
On Wednesday at Gilroy there was a launch of the Indigenous Heritage Project. The project recognizes the Warrgamaygan, Nywaigi and Banjin people as the traditional owners of the Great Herbert River. This project is taking place across the school board here.
On Thursday at Abergowire it was the induction of the leaders of the college. It was very moving, powerful and an experience to watch and listen to the boys.
We were supposed to go out for dinner in Forest Beach, about 25 minutes from our house with 2 other couples from Abergowrie and Gilroy but it had been raining all day and the rivers were getting high. We were scared we wouldn’t make it back in. The other 2 couples live in Forest Beach so they still went.  At the hotel in Forest Beach it is 2 for 1 dinners and it is delicious. Next week!!! I have a feeling it will become a Thursday evening outing!!
JC and I also made the Herbert River Express. It is the local newspaper. It’s thin and cost about one dollar. Our pictures were in the paper as new teachers to Gilroy and because we are on the exchange. Annette is famous here and we are too because of her!! 
Friday night we went to Forest Beach for a walk and to have fish and chips. The best fish and chips ever. Dad, Chantal and Yannick would love them. Of course, we ate on the beach!! Chantal would like that part too!!!
Saturday we were supposed to go to Magnetic Island for the night but the weather was rain all weekend. We were able to cancel and have 6 months to use our reservation. So, we got up early, spoke to Pauline and off we went into Townsville. We went to the local Mall and shopped around. Bought a few things we needed, such as sun hats, good coffee and a GPS that is easy to use. We went for lunch at a little Pasta Eatery; it seems to be that at small unique restaurants you order and pay at the same time. There is no tipping here. It seems expensive when you pay but you aren’t leaving a tip. We had a great lunch then went to see Avatar in 3D, it was a great movie. Afterwards we went to the Strand, a big beach area with hotels, restaurants, a casino and much, much more. On Fridays, they have a market as well. We walked about 5km’s checking it out. It was very pretty and lots to explore. Lots of tourist go there as well. Un Gros Bonne Fete to Sebastien in Sudbury. Go Sens Go et Pittsburgh!
Sunday, JC made me breaky and off we went again, exploring. We went up to Wallaman Falls. It is about an hour from here. A big, winding road up to the mountains and to see the Falls. See pictures on blog.
We then went to Forest Beach for lunch and a walk on the beach. It was great!! Yes, we celebrated the fact that I am 30!!! We came home and about 10 minutes later there was another huge thunder storm!!! That tops off the week!!!
We have managed to see the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics and trying to catch the events. GO CANADA GO!!!
Bye for Now,
Lots of Love from the Land Down Under,
Melissa & JC