Folks are doing it tough in FNQ.

[markis10]

As many of you would be aware I do a lot of my travels to FNQ, which is part of my territory that also includes NT and the Pacific Islands. As many of you would also be aware I got caught in my first cyclone in DRW this year, so I have had first hand experience at what a weak cyclone is all about.

Two weeks ago I decided to do the drive to TSV from rather than fly from CNS to get a look at what Yasi did and I have to say it was not what I expected. Anyone who has driven through Cardwell before Yasi knew what an idillic country coastal town it was, sadly a lot of that is gone now, with little of the vegetation remaining, and seafront homes now just concrete bases. I did not get a chance to go to Mission Beach but I am told it's much worse, and Dunk is closed for some time as they rebuild yet again.

The experts say the effects of such disasters are felt mentally around three months after the disaster, when the TV trucks have gone and life is trying to return to normal, which is around Easter time. If anyone is still not sure where they may take a break this year I ask that you consider FNQ despite the high dollar, the people up there need all the support they can get, while the people of Christchurch and Japan have my deepest sympathies and best wishes, I truly believe charity starts at home, which is why I am going to Cairns for Easter, hopefully to put some money into the economy and help local busineses try and get back on their feet.

As for the floods in BNE, well I am helping the locals out as well, living in West End , Brisbane is not a bad destination either if FNQ is too far

 

[dfcatch]

Well said Markis.

You're always welcome for a beer in Cairns

Everyone is!

 

[NM]

FNQ is a little far the NM's to travel this Easter. But we are heading to Toowoomba (as we do each Easter) and have extended our stay there to 4 nights instead of our usual 2. Toowoomba will be buzzing for the Easter weekend and hopefully there will be a huge injection into the local community. I am sure the January weather events will be a major focal point and be central in drawing the community and visitors together.

Hopefully other affected places (such as those mentioned by Markis10) will experience similar injection and community/visitor support.

 

[lovestotravel]

Heading to Port Douglas for my bday! Once again thanks to DJ for letting me change flights to a different destination even though the T&C's state otherwise :mrgreen::mrgreen:

Will be eating out at the local restaurants every night and having a few bottles of wine

Happy to spend locally and help out!

 

[medhead]

Our family trip is to Brisbane and tenterfield this Easter for a week.

 

[whereishome]

Well, residing in Cairns I have been servicing the local community with both patronage and professional services.

My Easter vacation will be spent undertaking an economic stimulus mission to Japan.

 

[Jacques Vert]

Mrs JV & I will be spending our $ in CNS, Pt D, etc in Sept; hope it helps a little.

JV

 

[docjames]

Heading to Port Douglas for my bday! Once again thanks to DJ for letting me change flights to a different destination even though the T&C's state otherwise :mrgreen::mrgreen:

Will be eating out at the local restaurants every night and having a few bottles of wine

Happy to spend locally and help out!

As long as they accept Amex?

 

[drmikki]

Already booked to CNS for my JASA SC run - although only doing an overnight in CNS. I am sure I can spend several hundred bucks in the restaurants of Cairns though :mrgreen:

 

[lovestotravel]

As long as they accept Amex?

Of course!! Accomodation was booked through Earn 10 Membership Rewards Bonus Points for every $1 spent on transactions of $350 or more for the 11.5 points per $1... Two restaurants to go to, that give 3 Qantas FF points per $1 and accept Amex Will of course visit other places that accept cash only no doubt so all is not lost!!

 

[zig]

As long as they accept Amex?

.... and without a surcharge

 

[Groundfeeder]

I've been doing some donating thru Cairns hotels and bottle shops this week, with a lovely helo charter to the Cape for the working requirement of my visit.

Got to go in Brazakka's new R66 with 4 other beefy blokes and was surprised by the performance nearing max weight.

I want to go again

 

[Simsy85]

Had I known you were in DRW I would have invited you around for my Cyclone Party!!

 

[dfcatch]

Had I known you were in DRW I would have invited you around for my Cyclone Party!!

I've missed every CNS Cyclone Party for the last 3 years!

All by coincidence but I seem to have missed all the cyclones by a day or two as a result of pre-arranged travel plans

Although being at sea when they form or approach isn't as much fun as enjoying the booze-stash in the Cyclone Kit

 

[markis10]

OK, I am beginning to think maybe I should stay at home.......

NORTH Queensland has been rocked by a 5.4 magnitude earthquake, with reports from across the region of buildings "shuddering''. New Zealand city Christchurch was hit with an aftershock of the same magnitude just 18 minutes later.
The Queensland quake struck at 3.31pm local time, according to a preliminary report by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The USGS said it hit about 124km southeast of Townsville and 991km northwest of Brisbane.
The quake's epicenter was at a depth of 10km near Bowen and Ayr.

Read more: North Queensland rocked by 5.4 earthquake, 124km southeast of Townsville | News.com.au
​

 

[cove]

Markis10 hang in there and don't go weak at the knees.
That shaker is not a frequent occurrence.
If more of us go or help in other ways it makes Australia a better place and FNQ will be back in a full on recovery.

 

[markis10]

I was only kidding, must admit 2011 is looking like an annus horribilis with only a third of the year gone!

Anyone want to catch up for a BBQ on the esplanade in CNS over Easter or a drink let me know!

 

[dfcatch]

I was only kidding, must admit 2011 is looking like an annus horribilis with only a third of the year gone!

Anyone want to catch up for a BBQ on the esplanade in CNS over Easter or a drink let me know!

Markis - I'm in. I'm out to sea Mon through Wed, but I'll be around the rest of the time.

 

[lmere12]

Thanks Markis for your words, they would be appreciated by many in the Tully/Cardwell region. I'm from Innisfail and HAD 2 productive banana farms...! Some repairs starting to happen now we've had sunshine for a whole week, something we haven't seen much of. Tully's rainfall since Yasi 2548 mm's to date.
The weather at the moment is great and the ocean flat, trout for dinner tonite - FNQ great place for a holiday

 

[markis10]

Got to love the sense of humour in El Arish post Yasi:

The Bruce Highway at Cardwell:

The Cardwell CWA wont be meeting for a while in the normal place:

Meanwhile the mining boom continues with half a truck taking up more than half the road:

The other half was a minute behind: