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Published: February 24th 2011
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Monday 21 Feb. Today was planned as a ‘hang around the town’ day with no particular plans. Unfortunately Tony developed a problem with his foot which hampered his mobility and so we decided to test out the local medical facilities. Port Douglas has a privately run clinic and people who have Medicare insurance can receive free treatment. Everyone else pays and boy do they pay – AU$110 for a 10 minute consultation plus prescriptions at AU$21. True we can claim most back under reciprocal healthcare arrangements and for really expensive medical treatment then you use your travel insurance. However, following our wonderful excursion into the Daintree Tropical Forest National Park on Tuesday 21, Tony’s condition worsened and he was unable to put any pressure on the foot that night or this morning so it was back to the clinic again and yes, you guessed, they wanted another AU$110 for another 10 minute consultation, another diagnosis and prescription and a referral to a physiotherapist right after. The physio was far more thorough and after a close examination, concluded that I had an infection – something that neither of the GPs had considered. He consulted with the GP who agreed to prescribe antibiotics
Rainforest canopy
Gap caused by fallen trees from by the cyclone (more expense) but he knew the pharmacist who reimbursed us for the earlier prescription. So today, instead of sailing as we planned to do Tony has been laid up while I’ve been nursing, shopping, washing etc. Oh well, at least he loves me more than ever now and at least he can do his Jake the Peg and Long John Silver impressions as he has to use a pair of crutches for support – a vast behind!!!
So back to yesterday’s excursion into the Daintree Rain Forest. An early pick up by our guide was followed by meeting and greeting the other 6 fellow tourists. Then off to Mossman Gorge for an enlightened introduction to the forest and walk along the new aerial walkway. The on a cruise up the Daintree River with Bruce (really) to get close to some baby crocodiles, a large female nesting up to 70 eggs (of which only one usually survives). This was followed by a fully guided walk through the world’s oldest rainforest and then a stroll on the beautiful Cape Tribulation beach followed by a lunch in a shady spot nearby. We were then dragged kicking and screaming into the Daintree Ice Cream
company to sample their wares before driving on to a very secluded but beautiful spot called Cassowary Falls (see picture). To get there required us to switch from out comfy air conditioned Mercedes people carrier to an open air 1960 beat up Landrover 110 long wheel base for an adrenalin rushed 10 minute drive across creeks and deep rutted dirt tracks. But boy was it worth it. Not many people know about this spot and long may it stay that way. After a swim, the drive home took about an hour and we felt that we’d had a worthwhile and informative day out making friends with 4 Aussies. I mentioned the Ashes once but I think I got away with it!. Home for a light tea and watch the Dutch innings against the ‘boys’, Not very impressive with our fielding and bowling after keeping them quiet for so long but the batsman came good and scrambled us across the line. It was late in the day that we heard about the terrible earthquake in Christchurch New Zealand, our destination in about 7 days time. We’ve been watching the extensive coverage on local TV and we are both shocked at the
devastation of Lyttleton and Christchurch. We will be keeping a close eye on what’s happening and whether we need to revise our plans.
Tomorrow? Let’s see how the old left foot is before deciding what to do. That’s all folks!
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A, G & S
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Ye olde foot
I can't believe they didn't realise it was an infection! That's the first thing I said when Giles told me - probably an infected bite I thought - you didn't go to a rogue GP????!!!! Hope it's getting better now - we need a pic of Jake the peg for Seán! Enjoying the Skype chats. x x x