Breakfast at Wharf One Cafe -
The day started early! We were going to Fitzroy Island! Unlike the previous days, we did not have a bus transfer that day. Instead, we were to head to the Reef Fleet Terminal to check in at the Fitzroy ferry desk. This is one the considerations when we chose our accommodation. Just a walking distance would be good as I am still unsure of the public transport options in Cairns.
Mornings are so beautiful when you get to slow down and appreciate. Wharf One Cafe is of an open space concept, located beside the sea. In the early morning, the warmth from the sun is comfortable. And as we sat at the table, we got to observe one big beetle minding its own business at the bench beside.
My choice of breakfast was the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict (A$18) and my bf went with a lighter selection of the Eggs Benny Wrap (A$10). The drinks were one Iced Coffee (A$8) and one Lemongrass & Ginger Tea (A$4). The coffee there all seems quite expensive gosh. The lemongrass & ginger tea is basically plain water? I am not sure if it was because the taste did not diffuse out or if it was supposed to be that bland.
Both the wrap and salmon eggs benedict are quite nice. Breakfast in Australia can't be that bad. Although I have to say, the hollandaise sauce is a tad too sour. Bang and Grind is still the best!
After breakfast, there was some time for leisure walking and photo-taking. The ferry was going to depart at 9am and we checked in at about 8.30am. There were several counters, each from a different tour group. Raging Thunder was the nearest to the toilet. Upon checking in with the voucher on my phone, the lady staff saw our couple tee and commented excitedly that it was nice. We were wearing our "I conquered Cairns" freebie tank top!
We walked to the dock area with many boats waiting for its passengers. It was not difficult to spot the correct one since the boats are labelled by their company name, and Raging Thunder Adventures is a striking yellow and red. We sat at the top level and enjoyed the sunshine. Actually, it was pretty hot at that time already. As it starts to move off though, we got to indulge in the refreshing sea breeze.
The duration towards Fitzroy Island is about 45 minute. During this free time, the staff walked around identifying people from the Kayak tour. That would be us, with our yellow wristbands. As the guy staff sat beside us, we then realized it was Branden! Cam was also around. So fun to see each other again :D. So anyway, Branden was the main guide of our Kayak & Snorkel tour. Okay, let's not embarrass myself again.
He instructed us to meet him at the equipment store when we reached the shore. The preparation and waiting took some time. We were given stinger suits, flippers, snorkel & mask in a bag. In addition, he gave us 2 more bottles of water because our 1litre was not adequate for hydration on the hot day. We had fun putting on the suit & looking dumb dumb fully covered.
We were with another 4 couples for the same kayak tour. After putting on the life jackets, some basic guidance was given on the the paddle and technique. Then, we chose a kayak and packed our things securely at the compartment at the back. Our slippers were also hooked onto the ropes. Imagine falling into the water and watching your slippers floating away. But nah we did not fall!
It was my first time kayaking and the feeling was like I was going to fall in anytime! The swaying of left and right made me feel unbalanced, especially when it was done purposely by the naughty person behind me. Eventually, the body got used to it and felt less tensed up. My bf at the back controlled the direction of the kayak through the leg paddle, so I was just in charge of paddling.
At one point, I realized that the kayak could really move forward just purely by my own paddling! Made me feel like I am strong! My bf was busy using the Gopro for videos and it was indeed hard to paddle while holding the camera. We stopped at different spots to hear Branden describe the beautiful natural rocks and their significance. Every time we stopped, we gathered near each other and held on to each other’s kayak. Otherwise, we would just float away. When we move off, we then push each other away.
I believe the kayak probably took 30 minutes or so of paddling before we reached Little Fitzroy. Little Fitzroy is like small island by itself, which we would not be able to access ourselves if we did not book the kayak tour. After we came down from the kayak, the instructors assisted to "park" it at the side.
Those who would like to start snorkeling could go ahead or they could choose to go for a walk with Branden. How interesting. And I was there thinking it was really going to be like a usual stroll to explore the mini island. It was not something we wanted to miss since there would be some time reserved for snorkeling later on. Everyone seems to think likewise.
And there we go, as a group. Our walk goes upwards! Walking on the rocks and then climbing up up and away. Branden could climb barefooted. I remembered the rocks were quite hot though. We only had our slippers and they seemed to be quite a burden that could cause us to slip. If only I could magically make some covered shoes appear. At some point where I had to take bigger steps, I took off my slippers and stuffed it inside my stinger suit.
We had to go through leaves, hold on to branches to pull ourselves up. Branden must be so used to this route that it seems like a customized journey. "Hold on to this branch. And step on this to go to that part." As we reached one of the higher areas where we can pose at the edge of the rock, I was exclaiming to my bf how scary this would have been if not for our canyoning experience. Because of that crazy experience, I was able to fully immerse myself in the climbing of little Fitzroy. There was less fear and it was so enjoyable! The grip/friction, whether barefoot or not, was there and it provided me with more stability and control. On the other hand, it was more of a taking-careful-steps, slipping and bumping around kind of canyoning experience.
Back to us being near the huge rock, we could climb to the edge but it just looks quite scary. What if we were too heavy? But apparently, people after us all went further up for a photo lol. I am amazed how these people are so brave. Is it even normal when you signed up for a kayak tour and then suddenly you have to climb up the rocks with no harness or any safety measures? And donning just slippers, it was easy to fall if you are not careful. How is it that my fellow team mates were able to make such activity look like it was something so normal and easy. Why does everyone seem more adventurous than me?! Hahaha.
We went up further to the very top. Those that arrived earlier were busy posing and taking photos. It's a pity I did not have my phone since I placed it at the locker. Even though I had the waterproof pouch, I was just afraid we might capsize. Therefore, we only have our Gopro and photos with the fish-eye effect.. My hair was so messy. Such a beautiful instagrammable background with no beautiful face. How do people even climb mountains and take breathtaking photos with their face still looking flawless?
There is a helipad area on top. I cannot remember the story Branden was saying. We headed down after that, into a ‘jungle’ full of greens. The experience was so lovely! Even though we were surrounded by trees, leaves and branches, it was quite well lit. My face was twinkling with excitement and the bf was just "you didn’t experience this before? I always see this kind of scenery during outfield. Sian of it already”.
Branden was telling us about the rainforest trees but I guess I did not pay attention again. I was just enjoying the moment in the nice shade surrounded by the natural greenery. He has mentioned that we were going to do some sort of abseiling at the start of the walk. Looking at my startled face, he explained that it would be a different sort of abseiling. And so this was the part. Each one of us grab hold of the rope and slowly abseil down a steep slope.
It was scary at first because it felt really steep. I held on to the rope very tightly and descended. It was okay after that, and it was nothing much in terms of the height comparison. I much prefer abseiling on dry surface and it is really fun! In the process of coming down, I lost balance at the end and scrapped my hand again. There was then a vertical ladder which brings us back to ground level again.
That was the end of our mini walk. It was like an organized route for visitors with the ropes and branches all in place. I had lots of fun!! I declare it my favourite part of all the adventures!
We could go snorkeling already. We put on our snorkel mask and flippers and head out to the water. We were supposed to wrap ourselves fully, covering our head and our fingers as well, just in case jellyfish come and bite us. I don't know what was wrong though but water kept going into the mask. I ended up sniffing or drinking in water and coughing so badly. Salt water inside your throat is such a painful thing.
Another issue is that the mask always fogs as well, even though we already cleaned it with the saliva (we were taught to do so haha). Besides, the view below is not the same as what we have expected. There is no myriad of colours and sea organisms as portrayed on websites. It may be because we were not at the right area, that we were at the shallow end but little Fitzroy is quite a distance from the main island. We felt that the corals have all turned white due to coral bleaching. That is the effect of the changes in the environment and it is just sad.
Eventually I gave up on snorkeling and just swam and lazed around. My bf just did his own video-ing. It was quite a disappointing snorkeling experience. Our expectation was quite high and I was hoping my bf would be able to enjoy it fully. It was not long before we were called back to gather and return to the island. We were so ready for lunch!
The trip back was seemingly shorter. And I gave all my might to paddle. I was exhausted. This time round, I sat at the back to control the paddle. Unfortunately, my legs and arms don’t seem to coordinate well. Often, I forget my role of steering the kayak, and my bf kept reminding me about the direction. My face and the top of my feet were hurting then! It was most probably the sunburnt effect. There was supposedly a sea turtle that appeared randomly but we did not manage to catch the scene.
After we reached the shore, we collected our pre-packed cold sandwich and wrap lunch and sat at the rocks to eat. I was absolutely in love with the cold ham sandwich. The bread is like the thick kind, with the ham and cheese, which was still hard from being chilled. It was delicious!! Something was wrong with my bf's Gopro at this point and the changing of battery did not help in turning it on. Seems like some water went into the battery compartment sigh.
We rinsed and changed out of the stinger suits. The suits might be quite dirty because I don’t think they have time to properly dry it before they call it a day. Rinsing under the shower head beside the booth, the refreshing cool water on my face was quite stinging. With some time left before our transport arrives, we walked towards the Nudey beach. The walk there is quite long but I like the ambience of the nature.
Unlike the usual beach, the Nudey beach is filled with all the washed up corals instead of grainy sand. Rated one of the best beaches in Australia, I think it is quite unique and an interesting sight. However, I do find walking on this beach barefooted, a torture to the bottom of my feet. The white corals are beautiful but they are pokey as well. We could not stand staying too long at the beach under the sun since our face and feet were already sun-baked-red. The stinger suit had provided some protection to the rest of the body.
As we queued to get up the boat, we were determined to sit downstairs, rather than in the open air under the sun. However, they did not turn on the air conditioner downstairs! Omg, disappointed much. We were so exhausted that we fell into a deep napping session, with our heads bobbing up and down. Before we said goodbye, the Raging Thunder Adventures team thanked us for our support. They are a small local company filled with people who are determined to do what they love. Do sign up with them when you visit Cairns!
The feeling of walking along the sea after a fun and exhausting day was awesome. The feeling of taking a break from the hectic and just enjoying the moment is just so precious :).
Dinner at FOUR CINQ -
We were attracted by FOUR CINQ because of the ramen. According to its website, it is a cafe which brings the French and Japanese style combined in one. After a hot yummy bowl of ramen, you may indulge in their variety of French patisserie for dessert. Yum Yum.
As a starter to satisfy the hunger, we ordered a fresh salmon donburi. It just tastes and looks like sushi in a bowl form, cool and appetizing. The broth of the prawn ramen with char siew is so rich of sweet seafood goodness. There's a mixture of the taste of Singapore prawn mee and Japanese ramen in this one. The staff was quite funny to remind me that there would not be any real prawns in my order since I ordered the char siew version. Seems like some customers have misunderstood the menu before.
The spicy miso ramen is also quite good. But I think my bf had some regrets over his order. We are not a fan of miso ramen after all haha. The panfried gyoza here also looks great. The pork filling is well-marinated and comparable to O'Cha Cha. At that moment, I was once again missing those tasty takoyaki..
After dinner, we went to search for a cute magnet as a collection. We decided to buy something as a momento for each country we visited. However, I do feel that we would not be able to achieve much in terms of country wise. I have a tendency to revisit and reminisce on places I have went and loved. And I think it may be more of a collection from each area of Japan we visit.
To our many experiences together.
We could go snorkeling already. We put on our snorkel mask and flippers and head out to the water. We were supposed to wrap ourselves fully, covering our head and our fingers as well, just in case jellyfish come and bite us. I don't know what was wrong though but water kept going into the mask. I ended up sniffing or drinking in water and coughing so badly. Salt water inside your throat is such a painful thing.
Another issue is that the mask always fogs as well, even though we already cleaned it with the saliva (we were taught to do so haha). Besides, the view below is not the same as what we have expected. There is no myriad of colours and sea organisms as portrayed on websites. It may be because we were not at the right area, that we were at the shallow end but little Fitzroy is quite a distance from the main island. We felt that the corals have all turned white due to coral bleaching. That is the effect of the changes in the environment and it is just sad.
Eventually I gave up on snorkeling and just swam and lazed around. My bf just did his own video-ing. It was quite a disappointing snorkeling experience. Our expectation was quite high and I was hoping my bf would be able to enjoy it fully. It was not long before we were called back to gather and return to the island. We were so ready for lunch!
The trip back was seemingly shorter. And I gave all my might to paddle. I was exhausted. This time round, I sat at the back to control the paddle. Unfortunately, my legs and arms don’t seem to coordinate well. Often, I forget my role of steering the kayak, and my bf kept reminding me about the direction. My face and the top of my feet were hurting then! It was most probably the sunburnt effect. There was supposedly a sea turtle that appeared randomly but we did not manage to catch the scene.
After we reached the shore, we collected our pre-packed cold sandwich and wrap lunch and sat at the rocks to eat. I was absolutely in love with the cold ham sandwich. The bread is like the thick kind, with the ham and cheese, which was still hard from being chilled. It was delicious!! Something was wrong with my bf's Gopro at this point and the changing of battery did not help in turning it on. Seems like some water went into the battery compartment sigh.
We rinsed and changed out of the stinger suits. The suits might be quite dirty because I don’t think they have time to properly dry it before they call it a day. Rinsing under the shower head beside the booth, the refreshing cool water on my face was quite stinging. With some time left before our transport arrives, we walked towards the Nudey beach. The walk there is quite long but I like the ambience of the nature.
Unlike the usual beach, the Nudey beach is filled with all the washed up corals instead of grainy sand. Rated one of the best beaches in Australia, I think it is quite unique and an interesting sight. However, I do find walking on this beach barefooted, a torture to the bottom of my feet. The white corals are beautiful but they are pokey as well. We could not stand staying too long at the beach under the sun since our face and feet were already sun-baked-red. The stinger suit had provided some protection to the rest of the body.
As we queued to get up the boat, we were determined to sit downstairs, rather than in the open air under the sun. However, they did not turn on the air conditioner downstairs! Omg, disappointed much. We were so exhausted that we fell into a deep napping session, with our heads bobbing up and down. Before we said goodbye, the Raging Thunder Adventures team thanked us for our support. They are a small local company filled with people who are determined to do what they love. Do sign up with them when you visit Cairns!
The feeling of walking along the sea after a fun and exhausting day was awesome. The feeling of taking a break from the hectic and just enjoying the moment is just so precious :).
Dinner at FOUR CINQ -
We were attracted by FOUR CINQ because of the ramen. According to its website, it is a cafe which brings the French and Japanese style combined in one. After a hot yummy bowl of ramen, you may indulge in their variety of French patisserie for dessert. Yum Yum.
As a starter to satisfy the hunger, we ordered a fresh salmon donburi. It just tastes and looks like sushi in a bowl form, cool and appetizing. The broth of the prawn ramen with char siew is so rich of sweet seafood goodness. There's a mixture of the taste of Singapore prawn mee and Japanese ramen in this one. The staff was quite funny to remind me that there would not be any real prawns in my order since I ordered the char siew version. Seems like some customers have misunderstood the menu before.
The spicy miso ramen is also quite good. But I think my bf had some regrets over his order. We are not a fan of miso ramen after all haha. The panfried gyoza here also looks great. The pork filling is well-marinated and comparable to O'Cha Cha. At that moment, I was once again missing those tasty takoyaki..
After dinner, we went to search for a cute magnet as a collection. We decided to buy something as a momento for each country we visited. However, I do feel that we would not be able to achieve much in terms of country wise. I have a tendency to revisit and reminisce on places I have went and loved. And I think it may be more of a collection from each area of Japan we visit.
To our many experiences together.