9/12/06 – We flew to Cairns and were deposited at a seaside resort.
9/13/06 – we had a full day of touring. First we were driven to the railway station for a scenic rail trip to a small village named Kuranda. There we toured a rainforest park, including a small zoo with native animals. Jan got to feed a kangaroo. We saw a butterfly conservatory, visited an aboriginal park where we learned about spear throwing, boomerang throwing and native dances, and went on an amphibious duckboat tour of the rainforest. It was interesting riding in WWII troop carriers that ran on land and in the water. Think about it, these vehicles were over 60 years old.
When we returned, we met Molly at the hotel.
9/14/06 – Today was another highlight. We checked out of our hotel and were bussed up to our adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. This was quite a production. We boarded a very large catamaran and rode for about 90 minutes out to a base station anchored at the reef. Molly and I took a 10 minute helicopter ride which provided spectacular views in all directions. The reef truly is one of nature’s wonders. Jan snorkeled near the base while Molly and I went out with the dive boat for a guided snorkel adventure. This was the best snorkel experience I have ever had. The views were just like watching the underwater movies. A broad diversity of fish, lots of different kinds of coral and other sea creatures and very clear water made for a fascinating glimpse into this other world on earth. The colors were radiant. This was too short a time. I wished we had planned more for this experience.
We were delivered to our hotel in Port Douglas for the night after the reef adventure. We stayed at the Radisson Tree Tops resort which is set in a beautiful forest scene. Very enjoyable. We took a bus into Port Douglas for a fresh fish meal at a seaside restaurant. It was a good meal but was upset by a torrential downpour. We ended up having to call a cab as it was raining too hard to walk back to the bus stop. At this point it has rained every day we have been in Australia. The natives tell us this is very unusual.
9/15/06 – We check out of our hotel and hop in the Billy Tea Bush Safari vehicle for our tour of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. This rainforest is thought to be the oldest on earth. We drove through sugar cane plantations and up into the McAlister range, entering the rainforest. We stopped for lunch and were able to feed some tame kangaroos (cool animals). On the way back, we stopped at Cape Tribulation which is the place James Cook (of Captain Cook fame) ran aground and had to put in for repairs. I think this is also the most eastern point of Australia. The view from the beach is into the Coral Sea.
On the way back, our driver dropped us at the Daintree Eco Spa where we are to enjoy a day of “vacation from our vacation”.
9/16/06 – The spa is a small resort set in the middle of a forest setting with its own waterfall. The spa is apparently famous worldwide. Today we found out why as we all had a massage. I think we all feel this was the best massage we had ever had. It is also full of the new age music, emphasis on natural herbs, etc. But, all in all, a good break from the hectic pace so far. And, the meals are served in an outdoor setting overlooking a little pond. Very peaceful.