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Published: November 17th 2005
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Lesser Spotted Rich's Tree Frog
This little beastie would occasionally, but not always, join us on Rich's verandah for a chat. November 1st
Spent the day at Hartley's Crocodile Farm, just outside Cairns.
Saw some very frisky (for them) Koalas. Kept the boys amused for ages.
Then on to see the Salt Water crocodiles being fed.
Learnt that they are lazy creatures with brains the size of a golf ball but are very strong. They move a lot faster in water than out.
Most of their energy is from the sun. They will eat or kill at any time even if they are not hungry. Looked really fearsome to me.
We moved to the freshwater crocs which are smaller and less of a threat to humans.
Still wouldn't like to meet one.
We were then loaded onto boats and taken for a trip round the pond. More dangling of meat above the water gives us some great views of the croc's undersides and the strength of their jaws.
Took a leisurly walk through compounds of Cassowarries and Wallabies. Visited the learning centre and found out more facts about the dangerous wildlife.
A walk up to the farm enlightened us on the reasons and practicalities of croc farming.
Rory cuddled a croc (again no pics I'm afraid). Wasn't too dangerous as his
Captive Koala
The only place we have seen koalae so far is at Hartley's croc farm. mouth was taped shut...the croc's that is.
Time to watch the snake show.
A ranger told us how to identify snakes and what to do if we got bitten. Hope I don't need to use this info, but it was very interesting.
Quick cup of coffee and then the finale of the day ...the Croc Attack Show.
A bare footed ranger stood in the pond with 'Yard' a large croc and prompted him to do a death roll and the head shake. Very amusing commentary and impressive moves.
Really enjoyable day and I'm not one for animals in captivity or meat farming.
Camped on Cairns' outskirts.
November 2nd
It was very warm in Cairns today. Steve took the boys to the air conditioned library in town while I did my own thing.
I sat on a shady natural terrace above the river, which is a fish and turtle sanctuary.
Every log, shadow and ripple had me checking it wasn't a crocodile.
Saw handfuls of turtle basking on large tree roots. I reckon if there were crocs around the turtles would have been targets ahead of me.
Day-dreamed, read and did number puzzles.
The pool took up the afternoon.
Salty
The Salty, or estuarine croc, is the one to watch out for. They are greedy, aggressive and strong enough to drag you in. ... And they also inhabit freshwater up to 80 km inland ! Steve: Late pm Back into Cairns to buy new trunks for Rory and I. Free parking in shopping mall. Trunks in Target. Boomerang for Owen's birthday from Crazy Clark's. Shops here are overflowing with Christmas stuff. Yes it is only seven weeks to go.
Bargain book 4 dollars 'How to win at Scrabble', including weird lists such as 120 legal two-letter words.
Owen and Rory made up a game of bush cricket using a palm frond and seed pods, with a lump of concrete for wickets.
November 3rd
We all went to the library this morning. It's a cool airy stone building with an old fashioned feel. The internet is free for research so I researched flights to Borneo and the current health risks in Asia.
Nothing too frightening.
Then sat in the comfy chairs and read a trashy novel while the boys finished their lessons.
Drove up to Crystal Cascades for a picnic lunch.
It's an easy stroll uphill alongside the river. There are swimming holes at the car park end although there were far more people swimming in the higher pools that are signed as too dangerous.
Described as a series of
Freshy
The freshy is rarely a problem to man. You can tell the difference by the narrow snout. waterfalls and swimming holes surrounded by rainforest. I was expecting something like Agua Azul in Mexico. No. An ugly concrete path runs along one side of the creek. Yes there are large boulders and waterfalls. It looked dark and slippery. We passed a reasonable picnic area at the bottom. I pushed on but there was nowhere else to picnic until we reached the very top and a grim concrete and corrugated iron shelter.
It is not possible to get right to the falls and we were a little disappointed.
The boys swam in one of the water holes on the way down. Not for very long as the marsh flies found us and would not leave us alone.
November 4th The Great Barrier Reef
Spent today sailing to and snorkelling on The Great Barrier Reef.
Got to the jetty with only minutes to spare...where does the time go in the mornings?
Welcomed aboad the Falla, a wooden Pearl Lugger and given a cup of coffee.
Shortly afterwards we cast off and sailed under motor towards the outer reef.
Lots of movement but no seasickness apart from one very young child.
After a couple of hours we
Salty farm
Estuarine (male) crocs are farmed because of the fine quality of skin and lack of supporting frame. anchored off Upolu Cay and took the small boat (Steve: I reckon it was one of the Blue Peter inshore rescue boats we saved silver paper for in 1967) to the tiny beach of pure white coral sand.
On with the flippers and masks and into the crystal clear turquoise sea to find the coral just offshore.
Wow.
Dark blue starfish, giant clams, impossibly coloured fish weaving in and out of the coral and shoals of fish just inches from your face.
Short but against the current swim to the boat.
If you want a gigle try watching people attempting to climb the boat steps with flippers on.
Buffet lunch (veggie option available) and then we sailed to another part of the reef.
At this location you had to jump off the deck into the water.
We were very near the edge or drop off of the reef and the coral and fish were different.
It was stunning.
Rory and I saw some really exotic fish. Steve and Owen managed to see a turtle and a Manta Ray. Wish we had had an underwater camera.
An hour or two later we headed back to port, being plied
Mad Dog 1
This dog was tied up on our campsite in Cairns ... to the awning pole with fruit, cheese and wine as we went.
We were then treated to some sea stories and the history of the boat by the owner/captain. Interesting and humourous.
It went something like this:
Pearling industry boomed when Japanese came to north Queensland late nineteenth century.
Built by two Norwegian brothers in 1956- where, Broome. Used initially for pearl fishing using traditional 'hard hat' and airline method. Plastics technology ruined mother-of-pearl industry, especially button manufacture. Brothers moved down west coast to Geraldton and bought a rock lobster permit for the Abrolhos islands costing $50. Became very successful.
Once again technology came along. Increased competition in fishing industry from modern boats of new materials meant the end of fishing for the Falla.
Next joined the replica 'First Fleet' in 1988 at Fremantle, and sailed via the Southern Ocean south of Australia then headed north to enter Sydney Harbour for the bicentennial celebrations.
Unfortunately fireworks from the celebrations landed on deck and set fire to the Falla.
Falla changed hands, was repaired (motor and quarters added ?), and sailed further north to Cairns.
Began reef tours in 1998 (?). Sank May 2002 in 30 knot wind
Mad Dog 2
It pulled and pulled ... note the angle of the awning. after hitting reef. Insurance paid for recovery but in a sorry state.
Rebuilt over 18 months by Cap'n Doug, including deck of Queensland white beech. He had learned how in the Caribbean where in his youth all-timber boats were still being made.
Drove back to Richard's in Mareeba to tell our tales and take advantage of his comfy bed.
November 5th Bonfire Night ?
No, they do not observe bonty night here.
Slept in, watched some of the Oz v Windies test and then a trip to the block of land Rich has just bought. We went in his 4 wheel drive: our car would not have made it.
The Block is great, well treed and various types of terrain.
There are some massive blocks of granite with amazing views.
Spied a wild kangaroo bounding through the trees..our first live wild roo!
4WD up some impressive slopes, Rory loved that.
Kicked the kids off the x box and watched 'Survivor' which lead to an in depth discussion of reality TV. We all watch them to see the physcologial interaction.....right!
November 6th Owen's Birthday
Owen's 16th birthday...he's old enough to leave home
Watch out William McGonagall
This is Owen doing Spike M doing Wm McGonagall now.
His birthday boomerang ended up up a tree, a good excuse for climbing. Next throw landed in next door's garden.
Steve, Rich and the boys, inspired by the test, spent an hour or two in the cricket nets. Hot work in this climate.
Steve has rented Fable for the x box for a couple of days in honour of the birthday and Owen and Rory soon got completely engrossed in it.
We interrupt it to see the end of the test and to force the boys outside to the local water hole.
Revolting ice cream cake for pudding.
The boys got plugged back into Fable and the grown ups retired to the front porch to gossip and contemplate the stars.
Monday 7th November
x-boxing, washing, blogging, burning photo CDs.
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