Sat 1 Oct - Tablelands

Again, we had a very small sleep in and this time was on the beach by around 7:30am.   Jumped straight in for a swim, then a run and then more beach volleyball.  Back to the room for a big breakfast (Linus up to 5 Weetbix) and we then got organised to go to the Atherton Tablelands.  First stop was Coffee works...

http://www.coffeeworks.com.au/

Sometimes you go to these attractions and they are lame.  this was not.  Brilliant personalised attention, access to taste about 20 coffees, 4 teas, 3 liqueurs and as much chocolate as you liked.  But the really cool part was possibly the largest collection of coffee makers, grinders and associated stuff you could imagine - all with audio guides and about 5 different "theme rooms" with music, video and heaps more.  it was great.  We decided to stay for lunch which was yummy home made BBQ and salad.

We then went to a highly recommended go cart track which was sensational - best machines I have driven and also a great track.  They boys (particularly Joey) loved it!  Joey managed to run off the road a couple of times trying to go too fast trying to avoid me passing him!  We then had a hit of mini golf.

We listened to the third quarter of the footy on the way home and caught the last quarter of the GF at the apartment while enjoying a corona.  Evidence below...

After watching the presentations, Linus Joey and I had a quick hit of VB before dark then we came back in and we decided to go into Cairns and have dinner at "Hanuman" at the Hilton.

http://www.hanuman.com.au/

We had so many dishes - mixing starters and mains :

• amritsari fish battered with besan flour, ajwaiin seed & ground turmeric
• nonya pork rolls flavoured with chinese five spices & wrapped in bean curd sheet
• sweet tamarind pork marinated, barbequed & served with a sweet tamarind sauce with a hint of chilli
• kashmiri chicken tikka marinated with yoghurt, ginger, kashmiri chilli & fragrant rose petal garam masala
• hanuman prawns wok tossed in a delicate coconut, wild ginger & curry
• red lentil dahl with tomato, cumin, turmeric & garam masala
• cottage cheese & vegetable dumplings cooked in a tomato & fenugreek leaf curry
• coconut jasmine rice infused with ginger & pandan leaves

Here is a shot of the last 4 - note Jen's very attractive imported Frech dress in the background...

It was all excellent with the prawns and the fist probably the highlights.  The boys ate like men possessed!  A late night - back home around 10:15.