Escape - travelling with Covid.

[Pushka]

I am in two minds posting this report - because so many of our AFF companions are locked down. On the other hand it does give some experience about what the future months will bring when restrictions ease. That will and can happen.

We booked this completely refundable booking back in July. After the second of our two cancelled overseas trips this year should have started. Remember Greek Islands? Rome? Malta? Yeah Nah. So when SA opened up to Qld, NT and WA we thought we might dare to dream of a break. Finally Qld opened up to SA and so refundable flights and accommodation were booked for Port Douglas FNQ.

When the three women did their thing from Qld into Melbourne and came back and started their cluster three weeks ago, our Premier in SA said not to consider travelling to Qld as he expected things to go pear shaped very quickly. But just another couple were infected, the Nursing Home didnt get impacted, and things started to ease. Each night we would ask each other the odds - I was always way more pessimistic and at the best I gave the odds of 50:50.

Then last week it seemed our venerable Premier took a quick trip to Brisbane anyway to see his son graduate. Hmmm. In that case....SA does like completely sealing its borders - even to its own legitimate SA residents if they have come from Victoria. But they do give two days notice. Time enough for us to scramble back in a day if needed even if we overnighted in Brisbane.

Only late yesterday did we pack. We were going. Unless Jetstar cancelled.

Yes, our first flight is on Jetstar. We did the Max package to get some status credits. Some consolation. We have packed masks, sanitiser and more masks.

So bright and early this morning we woke for our 7.30 on our Jetstar flight

 

[Pushka]

We only live about 10 minutes from Adelaide airport so we decided to take our own car and park in the long term park. Deserted. Arrived to a pretty sad airport. Pretty much all shops closed except cafes etc. We had checked in, sadly walking past the Qantas counters and to Jetstar. Yay. . Jetstar info person said my case was picking up mutliple bar codes (from trips to Paris, Croatia, Rome ) and with a big black texta he massacred all my stickers.. Mission accomplished.

Through security. Didnt even think about the priority line as for a Monday morning numbers were sparse. But of course I got the security check. And everything was closed up. Walked through to the Qantas club and granted access after a name check. And it is deserted and clean and shiny. Social distancing with I'd say 2/3 of chairs amd tables removed. It was so quiet. Which was scary.





Business centre deserted. No magazines or newspapers.



No self serve coffees etc.



No self serve buffet. You let the attendant know what you'd like and they hand it to you.





The dedicated Barista area is open.

I spoke with the front desk and the barista people to see how they were going and they were all so grateful they were able to work and had a job.

 

[Pushka]

So boarding was announced. Time to don the masks. First time having to wear one. Within a few minutes I was hot and my glasses fogged. Uggh. But then I remembered my SIL who works in Covid testing clinic in a Public Hospital wearing these things all day, so I put my big girl pants on and dealt with it. I'd say 70% of people wore them. Only one of three crew members did.

Boarding was orderly but the plane was full. A coughing guy up the back thankfully stopped after a few minutes and from then on it was the quietest three hour flight I'd experienced. No coughs since. i guess everyone is pretty healthy?

I decided to go full monty and had downloaded Contagion movie to the ipad to while away the time. Oh my God. This is a must see. They guy next to me (yes, I took one for the team, I was in the middle seat) refused to wear a mask. But other than that he was fine. No toilet break. We shared the arm rest. The woman in front of MrP and who had a spare seat next to her decided to recline. Now, there is absolutely no room to spare on the seats so strangely MrP's knees dug into the seat until she decided it wasnt a great idea. Problem solved. But Jetstar seats are very very crammed.

I havent seen a cleaner plane Every surface looked newly scrubbed but I still sprayed the seat belts, the trays and the handles and anything else that came to mind. MrP copped a dose.

 

[Mattg]

We only live about 10 minutes from Adelaide airport so we decided to take our own car and park in the long term park. Deserted. Arrived to a pretty sad airport. Pretty much all shops closed except cafes etc. We had checked in, sadly walking past the Qantas counters and to Jetstar. Yay. . Jetstar info person said my case was picking up mutliple bar codes (from trips to Paris, Croatia, Rome ) and with a big black texta he massacred all my stickers.. Mission accomplished.

Through security. Didnt even think about the priority line as for a Monday morning numbers were sparse. But of course I got the security check. And everything was closed up. Walked through to the Qantas club and granted access after a name check. And it is deserted and clean and shiny. Social distancing with I'd say 2/3 of chairs amd tables removed. It was so quiet. Which was scary.

I flew in the opposite direction this morning and arrived at the Qantas Club in ADL about 3 hours after you would have left. As you say, it was very quiet but I thought the food on offer (you had to ask somebody to grab it for you) was very good. Staff were great too.

FWIW, I did ask somebody about the lack of magazines and newspapers and it turns out there's a whole cupboard full of magazines next to the service desk inside the ADL lounge that they can give you. You just have to know to ask the person at the service desk located within the lounge.

Enjoy sunny Queensland!

 

[Pushka]

I flew in the opposite direction this morning and arrived at the Qantas Club in ADL about 3 hours after you would have left. As you say, it was very quiet but I thought the food on offer (you had to ask somebody to grab it for you) was very good. Staff were great too.

FWIW, I did ask somebody about the lack of magazines and newspapers and it turns out there's a whole cupboard full of magazines next to the service desk inside the ADL lounge that they can give you. You just have to know to ask the person at the service desk located within the lounge.

Enjoy sunny Queensland!

Yes, the food offering was great and all I needed. The staff were cheerful and friendly and just so glad to be working.

 

[Pushka]

Just prior to arrival in Cairns we were told that an officer from Federal Police would be boarding and would be advising us what to expect on arrival. We had already printed off our Entry permit, and were asked to have photo ID ready on disembarkation. This was extremely orderly and everyone except one, there is always one, remained seated until the officer had finished. Lets just say the officer dealt with 'the one' rather appropriately.



We were in Row 4 and exited quickly. We were met at the exit gate and interviewed and had to show ID and our exit permit. All very friendly given that SA border is tighter than a cat ummm, it is tight. Then we could see that no one was wearing a mask so we removed ours and moved to luggage collection. Then over to Avis to collect the car and on to Port Douglas.

 

[Pushka]

The weather in Cairns and FNQ is simply stunning and likely to be that way for the week we are here. Our last two trips have been bleak with heavy rain so we have just discovered why people love FNQ.

Our car has NSW numberplates but so far we havent been pelted with rotten eggs etc.

It was around 11.45 by now so we decided to stop along the way at Palm Cove and go for a walk and get some lunch. Finally got a park and found many closed places but some nice ones open and which were busy.

Splendid weather. Adelaide is due for a week of rain and a storm.





We were very impressed that at this cafe, and every place we have had a drink or eaten at so far, even in the Hotel we are staying at, that we must provide full contact details. This simply does not happen in SA.

Enjoyed a quick lunch then off to see the stunning beaches all the way along to Port Douglas.

 

[Denali]

Ive been told by a friend (who is also a Dr and in this pic) that wearing your mask straps this way will help with the glass fogging issue. Maybe fold/tuck in the side of the mask so its not as open?

 

[Virgin Bart]

We only live about 10 minutes from Adelaide airport so we decided to take our own car and park in the long term park. Deserted. Arrived to a pretty sad airport. Pretty much all shops closed except cafes etc. We had checked in, sadly walking past the Qantas counters and to Jetstar. Yay. . Jetstar info person said my case was picking up mutliple bar codes (from trips to Paris, Croatia, Rome ) and with a big black texta he massacred all my stickers.. Mission accomplished.

Through security. Didnt even think about the priority line as for a Monday morning numbers were sparse. But of course I got the security check. And everything was closed up. Walked through to the Qantas club and granted access after a name check. And it is deserted and clean and shiny. Social distancing with I'd say 2/3 of chairs amd tables removed. It was so quiet. Which was scary.

View attachment 225591

View attachment 225592

Business centre deserted. No magazines or newspapers.

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No self serve coffees etc.

View attachment 225594

No self serve buffet. You let the attendant know what you'd like and they hand it to you.

View attachment 225595

View attachment 225596

The dedicated Barista area is open.

I spoke with the front desk and the barista people to see how they were going and they were all so grateful they were able to work and had a job.

I'm following closely. Out of interest what were the breakfast choices?

 

[sanne]

My son and DIL returned yesterday after 10 days in FNQ, staying in PD, Atherton, Palm Cove and Trinity Beach. They said everywhere they went people were so pleased to see them, they were taking every precaution to keep everyone safe up there. My son said he felt a lot safer up there than down here on the Sunshine Coast.

We forget just how beautiful and stunning our own backyard is, so let’s hope more people get out and see this great country of ours.

 

[Pushka]

I'm following closely. Out of interest what were the breakfast choices?

Croissants and pastries. Yoghurt and muesli. I saw some with toast which were prepared for them. There might be other offerings as I didn’t get too close. Croissant was excellent. Not soggy at all. And coffee and tea and fruit juice.

 

[Pushka]

We arrived into Port Douglas at around 2pm and checkin was 3 but we decided to try our luck. Not like they were going to be packed.

And we were checked in and into the room at the Sheraton. Basic bog standard Sheraton room but which of course is really nice. Huge room and plenty of storage. Unpacked in no time. And we hit the resort to explore.

I had read reports that it was badly in need of a refurb but we just didn’t see it. All staff are wearing masks and gloves. Social distancing signs everywhere and sanitiser. Interestingly whenever we go to a bar or restaurant we have to give full contact details.

At reception we were told not to go swimming at the beach outside the resort because of the crocs around. MrP declined to ask if they realised crocs can walk on the sand.

30% occupancy.

Ive been told by a friend (who is also a Dr and in this pic) that wearing your mask straps this way will help with the glass fogging issue. Maybe fold/tuck in the side of the mask so its not as open?

View attachment 225618

SIL wears the surgical tie ones at The Covid clinic at her work which she says are much better for that reason.

 

[Pushka]

Croc Beach. 4 mile Beach. The safe flags are at the far end, a 30 minute walk in the sand . Because the crocs can read the signs that tells them to stay away from that area.





Lagoons everywhere.

 

[Pushka]

The first afternoon we took the car to check out dining options and more importantly alcohol supplies into Port Douglas Main street which is about where the flags are for croc free swimming. And also check out tour options at the marine harbour. Macrossan Street is a typical Qld style beach street. Many restaurants and bars are closed but those that are open have customers.

The Harbour was quite busy as we had arrived as tours were returning and sunset tours about to head out. Lots of big beautiful cats to go to the outer reef.



This sunset tour is on a junk. It did not look comfortable at all. After two hours sitting like this I would have had to crawl off to get out as it is the worst sitting position for my dodge back.









As you can see the weather is disgusting.

Now this place has taken Covid restrictions and security to a whole new level. We didnt try.

 

[Pushka]

Yesterday we decided to sort out a tour or two and enjoy the sun and the pools. Because it is another glorious day.

Breakfast - we have to book so they know numbers to prepare for. Arrived at the venue to a queue, they said they were full but it was more that they hadnt cleaned up the previous tables as there werent all that many people inside. Covid excuse. Anyway we had to sign in again and still no one had exited but we could see them cleaning up tables and within 10 minutes we were seated.

Terrible breakfast view.



And rather good poached eggs and bacon.



Then it was off to do absolutely nothing for a while.

 

[Pushka]

MrP went to the gym and I stayed by the pool. Well, I did have to move because they needed to edge clip the lawn for about 30 minutes. They left and silence was great. Then they arrived back with a blower and blew all the cough on to everyone. He finally left then the guy with the edger came back again and it was a case of rinse and repeat. Seriously dudes!

So I decided to get the reno quotes confirmed and deposits done so it was a case of handing over credit card numbers and handing over the money. For internal shutters, laundry upgrade, curtains and blinds, kitchen refresh and carpet and timber floor installation. Everyone seems very busy but have the work booked for November and December and to be done by Christmas although we will be staying at Henley Beach until late summer.

We didnt bother with lunch and the arvo weather was one of those days where a lunch would result in an afternoon sleep which neither of us wanted to do. And we did book am excursion for a day - the last one they are doing for the season - Whale Watching.

And which is where we are off to today.

Last night we went back into the main street for a sunset drink. We are so impressed with the seriousness that even pubs take Covid. Before we can enter we are told to disinfect then given a sterilised pen and told to write all our contact details, and given an order number stand. Anyone seated at a table without an order number has to leave. We were talking to the bar tender about it, who came from Adelaide and said that particularly in FNQ, they cannot risk a Covid outbreak or their tourism industry would collapse completely.

It makes me realise that SA hasnt really taken onboard the real issue of covid precautions in larger venues or even coffee shops. Not once in Adelaide have I been asked for details.

I will be back later today hopefully with pictures of whales!

 

[tgh]

Keep up all this praise and you may receive an invite from 'stacia to become a defacto qlder

 

[Pushka]

Keep up all this praise and you may receive an invite from 'stacia to become a defacto qlder

Its curious for me because my SIL was dead set against me travelling. Now I can respond that practices are much safer here than SA.

 

[Denali]

Whale watching in August is usually a 100% chance of seeing something so enjoy!

 

[Pushka]

Whale watching in August is usually a 100% chance of seeing something so enjoy!

The first time I saw whales in the wild was last year in Alaska. What a contrast to seeing them in FNQ!