A return to the land of Oz

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From the time we left home at chilly Sauble Beach on Thursday October 16th until arriving at our tropical resort at Palm Cove, north of Cairns, Australia on Saturday 18th, we had spent over 40 hours travelling by car, plane and bus plus several more hours waiting in airports.

But here we are and over any signs of jet lag.

We are travelling with brother - in - law Tim who is seeing Australia for the first time. We'll be here until early December.

Here are some pics from our first week. Click on the pic for a better look. Feedback is much appreciated. Don't hesitate to unsubscribe if you have seen it all before!

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Photos

Welcome back
With brother Garry and his wife Jan with a "Welcome to Oz" bbq on our arrival in Cairns.

Kuranda
Straight into tourist mode!
After a good sleep we took a full day excursion into the rainforest above Cairns.

Didgeridoo player
One of the best experiences was the aboriginal 'encounter' .... music, dancing, spear and boomerang throwing. No witchetty grub eating, fortunately.

Cassowary
One of Australia's most endangered and rare animals. A large flightless bird that lives in the dwindling rainforest.

Saltie
The saltwater croc is the most dangerous of Australia's many deadly animals. They don't hesitate to attack and eat humans.

Tropical fruit feast
As part of our trip to Daintree Country we were treated to a feast of tropical fruits.

Reef Encounter
We have had several previous day trips to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. This time we opted to spend a little more and stay overnight on the reef. A fast catamaran delivered us to this boat where we were treated royally - more staff than guests, great meals and many options to dive or snorkel

Suited up
Marlene and Tim ready to take the plunge. Tim and I had 5 snorkelling sessions and Marlene had 3 over the 2 days.

The reef
One snorkel was at 6.30am ... When the fish, and us, were just waking up!

Green turtle
It was difficult to photograph as the waves and current were bouncing us around.

Giant clam
Great to see one up close..this one was a metre across.

On the reef
The boat was very comfortable with a roomy cabin - no backflip needed to get out of bed as on Gust O'Wind!
Next stop - Sydney.

Comments

[Lorraine Runstedler]

Great Pictures
Hi you two: Good Morning from Kingsville(Tues.at 9:01) are you cheering there in Australia?? not sure of the time but it must be cocktail hour(ha) - Marlene, when did you get so brave - love hearing from you - keep them coming and take good care of you!! Lorraine xo

[Peg Travis]

Australia great.
Wonderful pictures. Have great time. (Mattress cover arrived in mail.)