Day 44 – Mission Beach, Australia – 11:58a

I’m currently sitting on Brooke’s Beach on Bingil Bay.  This area is a section of Mission Beach, a 2-hour bus ride south of Cairns.  I arrived around 10:30 am this morning.  A shuttle was waiting to take me to Jackaroo Hostel, my accommodation for the night.  On the ride from the bus stop to the hostel, we passed a number of busy beaches and quaint restaurants and beach side eateries.  We continued to drive and drive.  Twenty minutes or so later we pulled up to Jackaroo’s.  I unloaded my bags and walked into reception.  The gentlemen behind the desk informed me that check in commenced at 1 pm.  I could have a look around town and return anytime after 1 pm.  The only problem was the next shuttle from the hostel to Mission Beach was not until after 3 pm.  Hitchhiking was an option but I’d prefer a different route.  Rather than thumbing my way to the popular Mission Beach, I walked 20 minutes to Brooke’s Beach.  It is a nice beach and I have more then enough space to spread out, as I’m the only person here.  I wish I were further south by a couple of miles.  There I’d find the beaches that are a bit more popular and offer beachside attractions.

My short duration at Mission Beach played a key decision in reserving Jackaroo’s.  I’m only here for one night so I can tolerate that there is not much within walking distance.  This is one instance where a car would work wonders.  Having a vehicle gives you freedom to go wherever you want and whenever you want.  Seeing as I do not have a vehicle, I must pay close attention to the locations of hostels that I research.

Jackaroo’s looks like a wonderful hostel and they provide much for their guests.  There is a pool, an outdoor movie screen, a large kitchen and seating area.  My only qualm is its proximity to town.  Even with my minor gripes, this beats the cold New England winter and working the usual 9-to-5.  I’ll be a victim to those things again before I know it.  For know, I’ll lay back down and continue to soak in the rays of sun that fight their way through the clouds.