Someone snatched up my camera and snapped me while I cleaned up breakfast. We planned to do some touring, and see what we could see to the north of Cairns.
We headed along Cook's Highway and stopped at any likely lookout points. Here was a big pier, full of people with fishing gear. And a big sign showing all the likely kinds of fish...I guess then you know what you will be eating later!
The rock formations on the beach were very interesting. Very distinctive.
And right off the beach a rugged looking hill covered in bush. Looks dry, but that's because of the time of year!
The landscape changed a bit as we went on. We even remembered to stay on the left side of the road the whole day!
At a lookout we stepped out. Not everyone was enjoying the fuel efficient car at this point. Leg room was less ample than we have been accustomed to!
What a beautiful view! I was really surprised that the reef was so far out. Nowhere could we see even a glimpse of it on the horizon!
While we enjoyed the view a hang-glider got all strapped in and took off.
It was a shockingly short run...less than 2 minutes. What a lot of work for that...but still fun, I am sure. Maybe you can learn to catch the updraft and hang in the air longer?
We made it to Port Douglas. We went off of the trail and checked out the shore line and tidal pools. There were some reclusive crabs hanging around.
The palm trees were pretty cool! They had very bright orange fruit, which was very hard.
It being a hot day, we figured it was time to enjoy the ocean. The water was really quite salty!
We stayed in the cordoned off area under the wary eye of the lifeguards. After all, we didn't want to mess with any salties or sharks! Lotsa fun waves to play in. And best of all, nice and cool.
We found some crackers and cheese in the grocery store. But no cheddar cheese, and the ritz was rectangular. Very weird. But tasty anyways. :)
There were a lot of farms to drive through. A lot of sugarcane.
To get to the Daintree National Park we had to cross the Daintree River. The Daintree ferry was fun. A cable ferry! I don't remember crossing a river by ferry before!
I liked how the locals got their own lineup and got on and off the ferry first. Us tourists got to wait our turn.
We weren't allowed out, and it was a quick ride. On and off and in less than 15 minutes.
The roads were much narrower and winding now. We stopped in a little town and could find nothing there but a river tour...and the next boat (not that we were planning to take it) was leaving in an hour. So quiet!!
Further on we stopped in the Park and went on a walk through the rainforest.
The trees had some pretty impressive roots! Daniel was charging for entry, "tickets, please!".
Big leaves!
Separate plants growing up the roots!(at least, that's what I think is happening)
On the boardwalk, the more traveled part it was busier.
Saw a cassowary (or two) down in the brush. I didn't want to get too close to take a picture, as they are dangerous and I'm not too familiar with their habits. But it is there somewhere...
Another viewpoint on our way back to Cairns
What a totally different part of the world that was to experience! The birds were so loud in the rainforest (and way up high, so you can't see them). Hard to imagine it is fall at home, with a potential of frost in the air, when we are taking ice drinks along that are melting fast, and swimming midday to cool off! (It turns out, we didn't feel that hot here...wait 'til next week in PNG! Yikes!!)
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