Wednesday, so it must be the Great Barrier Reef. We took a very rough 20 mile trip out of Cairns to the outer edge of the reefs, slipped on flippers, wetsuit and snorkel and sat on the platform at the back of the boat. Deep breath and in. Totally amazing dude! You could see all the way to the sea-floor which was about 20 yards below. We were instantly surrounded by fish just taking a look at us as we took a look at them. The boats are not allowed to go to near the reefs so we had a bit of a paddle (no scuba, doctors orders!) to get there. First thing I saw? A reef shark. Apparently they are harmless but I did not stay around for too long. Clear waters, all sorts of fish everywhere (no surprise there then...) and some weird corals. I also saw a loggerhead turtle and as I returned to the boat a green turtle floated up right underneath me and took a couple of lungs full of air not more than 6 feet from where I was.
Thursday was a bit of a rest day so we set of for Cairns via the local bus. Not a bad city but very small. Think Chatham if in England or Tullamore if in Ireland.) Browsed, bought a book or two headed home. Dinner in a very nice Italian restaurant (we have a choice of Italian, Chinese, Thai, Aussie-stralian so eat well) then back to base.
Today (Friday) we visited a place called Tjapukai which is an aboriginal cultural centre run by aboriginals alone with no governement assistance. Trish and I had a good attempt at spear throwing and boomeranging. No one got hurt in the making of this blog.
Tomorrow we depart this 27c paradise for 11C, rainy Auckland so tonight I have booked a bush-tucker special in a local eaterie. Skippy, croc and barramundi all on one plate. (Okay, who shouted fat b#####d?).
The Aussie mob have gone crazy again as their team got through to the next round of the World Cup. The are known as the Socceroos here but having seen 'em play under their Dutch manager, Gus, I have renamed them the Gus-ettes, mainly 'cos their playing style is pants.
Nice place Australia. Friendly people, good service, cheap and most of all sunny. Speak from the land of the Kiwi...(other shoe polishes are available).
Paul and Trish
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8 comments:
Inchcape have an office in Cairns.
20 yards - that be ten fathoms.
Boomerangs missing in Sheerness. Paul Steele despatched missile in darkness at Barton's Point Tuesday evening and it was lost in long grass.
Dave Blackmore despatched missile from Sheerness beach earlier in day. Directed towards the sun, he lost visual and couldn't find.
"Think Chatham" - sounds like a business development forum or tourist office slogan.
Meanwhile - and a bit late to be news, but, - a Gillingham player got a world cup goal. Unfortunately he put the ball in his own net.
Having fun? Gawd I miss having Kermit around, and the humans were a load of fun too. I finally got my blog going on theis site, go check it out. It's http://bears-to-travel.blogspot.com/
P.S. Keep the frog away from those sharks!
Boomerangs and spears....sounds like a night out in the Castle Bar in Shinrone to me......guys we've moved into the new house...Patrick was over with his big tool givin us a hand-out and then afterwards we took him out and showed him how to drink porter.....back to bed now....tea and sympathy for the rest of the week.....will check back in a few days....see how you're getting on in rainy auckland....all the best from rainy Tullamore (the Chatham of Offaly)....Anthony & Noeleen.....
Good morning all 3 of yey from soggy Corsham. Thank you for my beautiful scarves. I wore the green one yesterday when Bill took me out for a great lunch.
Sounds as if the trip is living up to all expectations, hope you have loads of pictures. Could you put a couple on the log?
Love to All
Pennie and Bill
G'day folks! Thanks for all the fridge magnets! Hope ye are enjoying the ozfest! Lonely planet's got nothing on this travelling threesome!!
Talk soon,
Mol and Deckers.
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