Posted by admin | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 30-05-2010
My initial glimpse of the Great Barrier Reef came from an airplane as I approached Cairns. At first I thought the reefs were little islands dotting the coast, but as I got closer, I could see that most of those “islands” were actually reefs. Sonia and I were so excited at the idea of actually going snorkelling on it
Great Barrier Reef
My first reef experience. Wow. My first thought, rather childishly, was “my mask is too big for my face.” But my second thought was “and I thought God was creative on dry land!” I can’t even begin to describe how amazing the underwater world is. But snorkeling from a boat so far out that you are surrounded by blue sky and blue water, then viewing the amazing coral and fish and learning how they all interact together to form a complex working system…well, it almost proves God’s exhistence.
My waterproof camera didn’t take very good photo’s, so I’ll try again later in the week with a better camera.
Our day trip to the Cape tribulation and the Daintree rainforest was packed full of adventure, not least of which was our Local guide’s um…enthusiastic driving on the narrow, windy roads. All in one day, we visited the Rainforest Habitat Zoo, Mossman Gorge, Port Douglas Beach (perfect!), and a Daintree River wildlife cruise to spot crocodiles! And yes, we did spot some.
Jungle Surfing
As Tuesday was Jerry’s last day in Cairns, we thought to break open the piggy bank. We though about doing Hot Air Ballooning, on the tablelandsJungle Surfing, a ropes course through the rainforest canopy but we decided on jungle swinging. Instead of floating slowly through the trees, we went what I like to call “bungee jumping basiclight.” Basically, we were strapped into harnesses and released from 45 meters (approx 150 feet) high down to 1 meter in 3 seconds. The metal cables caught us so that we swung back and forth through the rainforest…it reminded me of Tarzan and Jane!
Unfortunately, this day marked the end of Cynthia’s time in Cairns, and here is where we parted ways. Fred left for Sydney to spend Australia’s Labour Day weekend before returning to Europe. Meanwhile, my plans involve staying on in Cairns two more weeks to take a learn to dive course on the Great Barrier Reef and dive trip before travelling on to Sydney.
Farewell, Cynthia! You’ve been an awesome travel companion these past months. See you in January!