Hello, I must apologise for my lack of communication. After taking over the hotel four weeks ago we are now enjoying the feeling of the place becoming our own, and have already inherited an "Old Man" (who has been living here in his old caravan for thirty years), a brood of teenage chickens, various varieties of cockroaches and bugs, a python and at least six goannas. It is an odd mix but we are happy to call them our own.
The pub is 134 years old, so all things considered it is not in bad condition. But as with any new place there are still things to sort out, junk to throw out and new plans to be made. We have had a mass chuck out of old shed junk and of course foodstuffs that were long past their 'best before' date....(mmmmm see what I mean about the benefits of even tempramental chickens?)
Our new neighbour Jim is a "Snake Man" at least that is how he is known around the district. He has a zoo of venomous snakes and works as a pest controller, a job that he revels in. We now gather our food scaps for the chickens and his pigs! Our first week an 8 foot Water Python was our new resident after escaping from Jim's truck. (Don't worry people they are not venomous and don't like humans).
Easter was a busy weekend and was our first real test of dealing with large numbers of people. It was a great success, with a band and an easter saturday BBQ a real hit with the locals and tourists.
The kids have adapted very quickly and having their grandma here over the past three weeks has been a great help. We could never have managed without our full time nanny over these early weeks....I think grandma will be glad to go home! HA
The weather is perfect and except for some rain over easter it has been magnificent for weeks. The wet season is definately over and I expect the Cape York roads to be open over the next few weeks.
Jake has started Kinder in Cooktown two days a week and Ella is 'hanging' to start at day care next week. She will go the same two days Jake is at Kinder and the other days Max and I will look after them with the assistance of a nanny, for those busy moments!
We have already had to lock them out of the kitchen as they love to slam open the door and sing songs or ask for biscuits right when we are busiest. There are currently three bar staff, a kitchen hand and cleaner that help us out here.
Jake and Ella are in love with the giant Rhinocerous Beetles that are everywhere up here. They find dead ones in boxes and create little bettle cities, lining them up and driving them around like matchbox cars...very funny. They also have become quite cosmopolitan, drinking babychinos every morning curtesy of our adoring staff and our "fancy" coffee machine.
What will they expect next?
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Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
APRIL 1st 2009 - LIONS DEN HOTEL, Cooktown, QLD
I can now, after nearly 5 months in the process, announce that Max and I have purchased the Lions Den Hotel in Queensland, 28 km south of Cooktown.
I am sure many of you have pondered over the past months, why we have spent so long around the Cairns district and far north Queensland. Other than being a gorgeous area we have been engaged in negotiations for the purchase of the historic Lions Den Hotel, three hours north of Cairns. Our return to the Far north after being in W.A late last year was triggered by the need to be back here and ensure the deal progressed. FINALLY last wednesday all our work paid off and we have now moved in and are calling Far North Queensland our new home.
Our time on the road was a vital part of our decision to take a chance and change our lives again, and dive into this brand new adventure. We are so excited about this new venture and are convinced that our travels have taught us and prepared us for the challenges that lie ahead. Our choice of a hotel was not an easy one, but it was an old idea that took flight once we visited the Lions Den Hotel last September after our trip to Cape York. It is a 125 year old pub made out of tin and timber set on seven beautiful acres of lawn and bushland, bordered by the gorgeous Little Annan River that is conveniently, this far north, croc free. So there is lovely swimming etc. It is a camp ground also that has 5 african style safari huts, camping and donga accomodation (rooms for workers etc).
I will have plenty of opportunity to fill you in more soon enough, but at the moment our settling in and planning continues. The kids are as excited and adaptable as always and the past 10 months have meant they have taken it all in their stride. Our sadness at leaving the road is dampened by the sheer fun and adventure that still lies ahead.....
Onwards and Upwards!
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I am sure many of you have pondered over the past months, why we have spent so long around the Cairns district and far north Queensland. Other than being a gorgeous area we have been engaged in negotiations for the purchase of the historic Lions Den Hotel, three hours north of Cairns. Our return to the Far north after being in W.A late last year was triggered by the need to be back here and ensure the deal progressed. FINALLY last wednesday all our work paid off and we have now moved in and are calling Far North Queensland our new home.
Our time on the road was a vital part of our decision to take a chance and change our lives again, and dive into this brand new adventure. We are so excited about this new venture and are convinced that our travels have taught us and prepared us for the challenges that lie ahead. Our choice of a hotel was not an easy one, but it was an old idea that took flight once we visited the Lions Den Hotel last September after our trip to Cape York. It is a 125 year old pub made out of tin and timber set on seven beautiful acres of lawn and bushland, bordered by the gorgeous Little Annan River that is conveniently, this far north, croc free. So there is lovely swimming etc. It is a camp ground also that has 5 african style safari huts, camping and donga accomodation (rooms for workers etc).
I will have plenty of opportunity to fill you in more soon enough, but at the moment our settling in and planning continues. The kids are as excited and adaptable as always and the past 10 months have meant they have taken it all in their stride. Our sadness at leaving the road is dampened by the sheer fun and adventure that still lies ahead.....
Onwards and Upwards!
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