Rainforest- Cairns Day Four

Today was my last full day in Cairns. I began with another early morning, waking up at 7:00AM. We began the day at Lake Barrine Teahouse. I had a wonderful scone with strawberry jam. We then took a small cruise and saw turtles, 3 pythons, eels, and ducks. Next we worked out way to see a curtain fig tree which was beautiful. We also saw the most amazing spider there- she’s now my hero! She seduced her lovers and then after she gets pregnant, she eats them- talk about a man-eater. We then went to Milla Milla Falls and saw a spectacular waterfall. Next we got lunch which was fantastic tour food- fish and chips AND apple crumble with ice cream!! There we saw the Mungalli Falls. Next we went to the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway where we could see almost everything around- I got some pretty good pictures. Finally, we went to Paronella Park which was beautiful. A Spanish immigrant built a Castle for his family and friends which sat right beside a huge waterfall. Most of the castle burned down or was washed away by floods. It was incredibly beautiful but also haunting. I LOVED my time in Cairns---and don’t want to go back to Melbourne 

White Water Rafting- Cairns Day Three

Today was amazing! Our hosts name was Ashley. Apparently A-S-H-L-E-Y is the boys spelling of Ashley. Additionally, I have only met male Ashley’s in Australia...I think I’m outnumbered. Anyway, rafting was sick! On the way out, it was raining lightly and we saw a huge rainbow over the mountains. At first I thought that fog was blocking the green mountains but I later realized that the clouds were so low that they concealed the mountains- truly beautiful. The sun came out, the clouds rose, and the mountains were full of amazing green trees. We saw the most beautiful cobalt blue and black butterflies and dragonflies. Honestly, I would’ve been happy sitting there and simply enjoying nature. But I am soo glad that I went rafting. The rapids were levels 2-4 (the highest if 6) and we rafted all day. We even got to swim down a rapid but I climbed back in when I found out about the freshwater alligators. So far- best day in Australia. Tomorrow I’m going to Panronella Park.

Great Barrier Reef- Cairns Day Two

Today we awoke at 6:45 for our cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. I was supposed to go scuba diving and snorkelling but I got sea sick on the way out and I could only snorkel. But as the Australian’s say “no worries, Mate.” The water was beautiful and warm! The Reef itself was amazing. Just from snorkelling, I was right on top of it. The fish were so peaceful and paid us no attention, occasionally swimming right past us. I took some pictures with an underwater camera so I am praying they come out well! Tomorrow we awake at 6:00AM for white water rafting through the rainforest.

Cairns Day One

We arrived in Cairns late last night and it was incredibly humid! It rained all night and most of today but boy is it beautiful here! We stopped by an aboriginal art gallery and the artwork was truly spectacular. I saw a painting that I would love to have but it was $5000. Later we walked around Carins when the rain stopped. The shops are very nice—lots of hand made crafts. I already love it here. Tomorrow we go to the Great Barrier Reef- luckily we weren’t affected by the oil spill!