On Australia Safari

Marge and Ken Kantor’s fine Kuranda article Oct. 11 describes one of the many worthwhile attractions easily reached from Cairns, Australia. As part of a 16-member Canyon Explorers Club contingent on a July outing, we too had the pleasure to visit Kuranda and the Atherton Tableland. But to us an even greater far north Queensland satisfaction was an eight-day Cairns to Cape York safari that relied on rugged yet comfortable four-wheel-drive cars for the northbound leg and a plane for the return.

Our northbound drive included more than 600 miles of mostly dirt road, with some stream crossings so challenging that even a crocodile wouldn’t try; camping at undeveloped sites with some of the best freshwater swimming holes imaginable; being serenaded by the calls of tropical birds. The adventure culminated in a three-night base camp stay at Punsand Bay Private Reserve--spacious tents and a delightful six-mile beach ideal for swimming. Wild Track Camping Safaris and Going Places Adventure Travel Specialists were our tour operators out of Cairns. Arrangements can be made locally with Betty Jones of Bay Area Travel in Santa Monica, phone (213) 451-5566.

Canyon Explorers Club is a nonprofit organization based in Southern California at 1223 Frances Ave., Fullerton 92631.

JERRY and NANCY KEATING

Placentia