G'Day Mate!

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Well now we are in Cairns. And i LOVE it!!

Its so beautiful here. The sea is right on our doorstep with a backdrop of lush green mountains. I much prefer it to Darwin. We have been here for three dyas now. We tried to get onto the OZ bus for today but left it too late. We are now booked on for Thursday and have booked a few stops after that.

You all would love Cains. The average age is around 45 which would be perfect for the Orion team. The resturants all look lovely with fresh seafood and other meals. Because we are poor backpackers we stick to the free meal vouchers given to us by our hostel. I have had chill and rice for the past two days. However i have varied it by splashing out for a piece of garlic bread (oh i am so wicked!!)

James and i went diving on the Great Barrier Reef yesterday. Saw lots of marine life including giant clams, Clown fish (Nemo), Parrot fish, Sting rays and the best bit was the Pinapple sea cucumber which i held. It looks like a huge slug with spiky things similar to those on a pinapple. However the best bit was snorkeling because we saw a TURTLE!!!!!! it was amazing. He was just swimming around looking for food, then diving down to eat the coral. We got really close and touched his shell. We hired an underwater camera and took some fantastic pictures and video footage.

All of us went on the day trip to the Reef on a 25ft Catemaran. We all had a really good time, although Sarah was sick on the way back. The sea did get a big choppy and the boat was all over the place.

I have heard that its a bit cold back in the UK, even snowing in some places?? well just to let you know that it was 36 degrees here the other day. Quite warm! we spent most of the time by the lagoon/swimming which was nice a cool.

The hostel is ok, the rooms are basic but that is reflected in the price. Off to Townsville on Thursday as there is an Army base there. But i am sure there are other things to see there too! Then after two nights we are headed to Airlie beach and from there the Whitsunday Islands.

I shall include some pictures soon, but i have forgotten to bring my camera memory stick with me. Brought the card reader though! must be the heat.

Anyway hope all is well and remember to keep warm!! Ha!

Kate xx.

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Photos

Outside our Hostel
I love this scene, the mountains are beautiful.

Outside our Hostel
The same scene, but at sundown which was around 7:30pm. i could look at it all day.

Our boat on the Great Barrier Reef
The sea was so blue and clear. We saw the turtle here.

Michaelmas bird sanctuary
The island we stopped at was a bird sanctuary. Our boat was one of the few allowed on the island.

Cains from sea
This was taken from the boat as we came back into the harbour from the Reef.

Out for a drink
Found ANOTHER Irish pub. Most of us were drinking Snakebite. Good evening. I look quite brown next to Debbie!

Me Diving!!
I like this photo. I was a bit worried when the photographer first handed me the sign though!

"OK"
Another one of me diving. James is in the background. We didnt wear wetsuits as the water was 28 degrees. We wore stinger suits instead in case of Jelly fish. Its currently jelly season.

Giant Clam
Awesome colours. I put my hand in a big open one. The flesh inside is really soft to touch, but got my hand out quick as it started to shut!

Our Turtle
You can see how close we got to it. An amazing experience.

The Team
This would have been a great picture, but once the camera was out of the water, it began to steam up. Shame really.

Comments

[Nic]

:O
Excellent pics :D That clam is great and the turtle too!!!! That water is sooo clear.... I love Cairns, but I loved Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays more ;) ... Whitehaven Beach is great... And still great diving to be done :D PS - You've started something with the bear - there are pictures on the map and another one travelling (it's been to the Sahara!) :D

[Krazy Kate]

Airlie Beach
We are here now, and going sailing tomorrow. I wasnt going diving , but as you have know recommended it i think i shall. We are also going to Whitehaven beach so really looking forward to it. Unfortunately its raining today! but hoping it will clear up for tomorrow. Will also be diving at Bryon Bay. I shall keep you posted.