Jasper eventually moved across Cape York and into the Gulf of Carpentaria – a slow moving devastating procession. In its wake however – on the Brightside of Jasper, came sunshine. 

Cyclone, what cyclone? 

Our house was remarkably cyclone-proof. Not a leak, scratch or blemish. A few sodden plants and an underwater lawn, but hey, in the scheme of things. SCOTT FREE! 

Rusty’s Market has been a Cairns institution for over 30 years. It’s the most amazing fruit and vegetable market I think I’ve ever seen, Mexico Mercados aside. It’s like a slice of Thailand with an abundance of tropical fruits, some of which I’d never seen before – the perfect place to stock up on the wherewithal for a Christmas Eve Green Papaya Salad. Delicious, if I don’t say so myself. 

We woke early to a hot sunny Christmas Day. We face nor-east, so sun rises very early around these parts. A gorgeous jet-blue sky day unfolded. A perfect day for lunch with newly found friends at a nearby jam packed restaurant. It was incredibly hot, there’s no denying that, with ramped up humidity (after the rains) that challenged even the most weathered of locals, but a good time was had by all. Our first Far North Queensland (FNQ) Christmas.

We’re loving our life in FNQ, cyclones aside. We’ve made fantastic new friends. We have amazingly supportive and cheerful neighbours. And, we’re surrounded by a gorgeously friendly community. 

Paradise found. (Confirmed)