Up in the tropics

Well it's just about a year to the day since I last wrote on my blog. I guess with everyday life and boring old work, thing's just don't seem so interesting to write about these days? And I doubt anything that anyone else would really want to read either! But now it's holiday time, so that's another story. What better time to start blogging away once again...

So I am up in far North Queensland right now. Cairns to be precise. Just a short 9 day break, but well earned! And I have to say I really like Cairns. Most people I speak to are not fans of this big ol' country town. But I really, really like it. It's so relaxed, everybody is super friendly and hospitable. The weather is fabulous. Balmy 26 degree days in the middle of winter...can't beat that! All the old Queenslander's. The beautiful lush, green surroundings. It has a really nice feel to it and I enjoyed my first two days hanging about and lapping it all up. Yes, my first two days consisted of checking out the town, strolls along the esplanade, a visit to the night market, some pampering, some lounging by the pool, generally winding down...you get the picture :)

Day three I ventured further North with a trip up to Cape Tribulation. Had a few little stops along the way. First Palm Cove which reminded me of a cross between Palm Beach in Sydney and the main drag of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. Another former sleepy town turned trendy, however very quaint all the same. Port Douglas was another stop. One place Christopher Skase could be proud of. What a great little location. Now this tiny town may too be trendy and full of money, but you can see a lot of thought went in to it's making and it really has a great feel to it. Even being all trendy and popular, there is still something "real" about the place. They have designed it perfectly. I would definitely return for a little getaway to this little piece of paradise.

Mossman Gorge was another stop. Now this place is amazing. My nature nerd self was oozing with delight while doing a bit of hiking around this beautiful place. All mountainous and rainforest, it was absolutely divine. I could have stayed here for days. I surprise myself when I get so excited about flora and fauna...maybe I really am in the wrong business? If only I had booked another week of leave, I would have definitely spent quite a bit more time here and Port Douglas for that matter!

As for Cape Tribulation, it was exactly how the postcards look. Add quite a few tourists swanning about on the beach. Again, it was really lovely but I have to admit it had nothing on Mossman Gorge. That place was truly the highlight for me so far. But the Daintree as a whole is really spectacular. It is certainly nothing like I had imagined this little piece of the world would be like.

I also did a boat trip down one of the rivers...the name escapes me right now? However it was well worth it as I saw 4 croc's in the wild! Lazing on the muddy river banks, basking in the sunshine. One in particular was absolutely massive. Thank god these trips don't do any crazy crocodile feeding to bring them closer to the boat. Watching from a few meters away was quite sufficient. I have never seen a croc in the wild here in Australia. I saw alligators in the Bolivian jungle, but they have nothing on these gigantic beasts!

Well, I definitely have more to report but my Internet time is just about up. I will post this entry to please those few family members who like to continually ask when am I ever going to update the blog again....so this is for you :)