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May 2002 - Mauna Kea - Hawaii | May 2002 - Boeing 767-300 Cockpit Tour - Lambert (STL) | December 2002 - Manhattan, New York | In Memory of Laddie | September 2006 - Australia - Introduction | September 2006 - Australia - Sydney | September 2006 - Australia - Melbourne | September 2006 - Australia - Cairns | June 2023 - UK - London | June 2023 - UK - Scotland | June 2023 - France - Paris | In Box

September 2006 - Australia - Cairns

We spent four days in Cairns. Cairns is a regional city and Local Government Area located in far northern Queensland. The city is rapidly expanding, with a population over 146,000 and is reliant on the sugar and tourism industries. Cairns is a popular travel destination for foreign tourists because of its tropical climate and proximity to many attractions. The Great Barrier Reef is only one-and-a-half hours away by boat. Located only 17 degrees below the equator the weather in Cairns was very similar to the weather in Hawaii. It was in the 80's during the day and 60's at night. We never encountered any storms and the weather for the most part was very tranquil. Chelle and I spent our time in Cairns snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef (Michaelmas Cay), visiting the Kurunda rainforest, and visiting with some Australian residents who used to live in our apartment community in St. Louis. Remember you can click on a photo for a larger image.
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Our transporation to the Great Barrier Reef is Ocean Spirit I. A 118 ton schooner rig catamaran
Our transporation to the Great Barrier Reef is Ocean Spirit I. A 118 ton schooner rig catamaran		 People hung out on the deck for the 1.5 hour trip to Michaelmas Cay. Numerous people unfortunately succumbed to seasickness
People hung out on the deck for the 1.5 hour trip to Michaelmas Cay. Numerous people unfortunately succumbed to seasickness		 The captain raises the sail as we hit 9 knots speed with a good 25 knot wind across the bow
The captain raises the sail as we hit 9 knots speed with a good 25 knot wind across the bow		 As we headed out of port there were some sprinkles but it soon gave way to mega sunshine
As we headed out of port there were some sprinkles but it soon gave way to mega sunshine
As we approach Michaelmas Cay the government allows us to feed the fish once a day. They go crazy as we feed them
As we approach Michaelmas Cay the government allows us to feed the fish once a day. They go crazy as we feed them		 Our Beach Buggy is already tied-up as our crew rides a tender to retrieve it
Our Beach Buggy is already tied-up as our crew rides a tender to retrieve it		 A view from the shore of Michaelmas Cay. The Cay was mind bogglingly beautiful
A view from the shore of Michaelmas Cay. The Cay was mind bogglingly beautiful		 Our group gets ready to snorkel. Ocean Spirit is one of only 3 vessels permitted physical access to the Cay
Our group gets ready to snorkel. Ocean Spirit is one of only 3 vessels permitted physical access to the Cay
Chelle with her flippers and wet suit. The wind was 25 kts and the water was 70 F requiring a wet suit for comfort
Chelle with her flippers and wet suit. The wind was 25 kts and the water was 70 F requiring a wet suit for comfort		 Chelle standing with the numerous birds in the background.
Chelle standing with the numerous birds in the background.		 Our Beach Buggy begins to take people to and from Ocean Spirit I
Our Beach Buggy begins to take people to and from Ocean Spirit I		 Indigenous birds to Michaelmas Cay. There were about 5,000 birds that day and they were very loud
Indigenous birds to Michaelmas Cay. There were about 5,000 birds that day and they were very loud
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