Rest and Recovery

Jim and Di headed off for another round of golf so we filled in our time by going in to town for coffee.


We drove to the Lookout and took in the views.








We had a lovely Italian lunch by the sea. Di went shopping, Jim and Don slept or ran along the beach and I retreated to cool off my sunburnt legs.
The evening ended with another round of Oh Hell!

- Posted when wifi permits

Coral Reefs and Sunburn

We were picked up at 7.55 am by the Calypso Blue Bubbles tour bus and taken to the Marina. This creature was also waiting with us at the resort!



We found my boat on the way.


The trip out to the reef took about an hour. We swam at three different points. It was calm, clear and wonderful. Unfortunately I was unable to take photos but we saw giant clams, beautifully coloured corals, brightly coloured fish and large sea cucumbers. All those documentaries about the Great Barrier Reef are true!


All I can show you are the effects of not enough sunscreen!



Don's feet!


Sue's legs


Don's nose!

- Posted when wifi permits

Medical and Technical

I was up early (5.30) to check out the dawn with Karl and Betina.











Those scary Min Min appeared on the beach!


Then it was off to breakfast coffees. Jim and Di went to the medical centre in town to find out what was causing Jim's sore toe. After a diagnosis of gout we dropped them off for golf. In town, we changed info for the dive tomorrow, had another round of coffees, and tried to find somewhere to fix Don's phone.
Fortunately Karl extracted another rice chip so the phone could be charged again.



We picked up Jim and Di and headed to the Daintree for another cruise. This cassowary is the only one we have seen so far!


Along the Daintree river this time we saw two crocs and a Jabiru.












After a quick swim and laze in the fading sun we went into town for our splash meal of the holidays. The celebrated Nautilus restaurant provided a meal of taste sensations, while we sat outside to observe the sunset -- and hear the fireworks-- framed by a cathedral of tall palms.



- Posted when wifi permits

Cape Tribulation and the Daintree River

We set off at 9.00 for Cape Tribulation. We took the ferry across the Daintree River and with Don navigating every hump and bump in the road headed for Lookout Point.





I met these secretive people and persuaded them to unmask!





On we went on to Kulki lookout and beach at Cape Tribulation.








Mangroves with mud skippers amongst the roots.


We moved on to the Dubuji boardwalk. We took a leisurely walk through the rainforest. This satinash tree grows flowers down the trunk to attract animals and insects to pollinate it below the canopy.






We came across a palm forest which grows in a nutrient low position.


Another stroll along a beautiful beach.


Feeling hungry, we drove 5 mins to a lovely restaurant- "Whet" and then on to one of two Daintree ice cream companies.
Plenty of choices so this photo is to help increase Josh's sorbet collection!


Finally we grabbed the last Daintree River cruise on the Crocodile express. Beautiful but lacking in croc sightings.





Don's phone ended up in water on the floor of the boat so was rushed back to a bed of rice to hopefully recover.- Posted when wifi permits

Another day in Port Douglas

Coffees for starters at the resort with Karl, Jim and Betina.






Then down to 4 mile beach across the road. This is our local beach!


Running, walking and swimming till lunch.











After a quiet restful afternoon we shopped. Don bought shorts and tops and Sue, with Di's help, bought bathers.
The evening meal was at the Courthouse Hotel with ice cream from up the street.


We finished the night with a smashing game of Oh Hell!

- Posted when wifi permits

Lazing in Port Douglas and taking in Mossman Gorge

We started with a coffee at the Rendezvous Reef Resort. Checking out the pools and familiarizing ourselves with the facilities.





Then it was off to Port Douglas to wander along the beach.


Watch out for the crocodiles!



After another a visit to the bookshop and cafe for our next coffee we headed back to wait for the golfers to return. They saw 2 crocs!
Then it was off to Mossman Gorge to walk the trails through the rainforest.









Strangler figs with wide buttresses to support themselves during the wet season.
We cooled our feet and tempted the fish in the Gorge.










The weary travellers then returned to the resort for a BBQ dinner and cards.

- Posted when wifi permits