Hello!! Well we've had many exciting adventures since our last update. Kirsty (from uni) came out to see us for just under 2 weeks and we had the best time ever. She arrived the next day after we did on the east coast. We had some really hot beautiful weather in which Kirst spent her time wisely giving herself a rather impressive tan to go home with! We took a trip up to Cape Tribulation for a few days, stopping in Port Douglas on the way back down to Cairns. The scenery is stunning out here, very tropical looking with impressive ranges in the background. The journey up to Cape Trib' was broken up as we stopped several times on the way, one time in particular in a place called Daintree where we visited a gorge via a short walk (or hike I prefer to think it as - sounds more impressive) through the rainforest, and then swam in the river which although was incredibly cold was very refreshing. Free entertainment was provided by 'Norman' the local aboriginal who seemed to have escaped from his community just down the road. He was somewhat of an interesting, although slightly scary, character. On our trek back through we saw an orb spider, which is one of Autralia's biggest, although completely harmless. Holy Mary was that thing big!!! Put it this was, it was bigger than my handspan... and it was still only half grown. We took a boat up the river and saw some actual REAL crocs before we made it to our final destination at Cape Trib. Our accomodation was basic but Kirsty didn't complain which made us very proud!! We were right next to the most beautiful beach I've ever seen (although via the bog of eternal stench) which was very quiet and undisturbed. We managed to persuade Kirsty to go jungle surfing... yes that's right, jungle surfing. Basically involves swinging from tree to tree via a rather speedy zip line. A lot of persuation later she was up there with the rest of us and loving it! Kirsty & Julie found a coconut on the beach, which they spent many an hour trying to pry open, and with much determination they succeeded. Unfortunately I'm sad to say I personally have no pictures of the big event. We spent a night there (and saw the world's largest stick insect I'm sure!!) and then headed down to Port Douglas for a few nights. There we got to know a girl called Naja from Denmark who we 'hung around with' for a few days. Port Douglas is a very pretty, small town and we really enjoyed our stay there. We went out for a day on a boat, while Katie did some more diving and the others snorkelled - Kirsty proudly invested in some classic snorkel pictures of herself to remind her of the best holiday she's ever had!! We headed back down to Cairns and then had a day and a night on Fitzroy Island. Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worst and became quite cloudy and boring which dampened our day. We arrived on the island quite early but couldn't check in until the afternoon... and the only thing to do is go to the beach which isn't pleasant in monsoon style rain, so we were a bit stumped. The travelling 4 (was originally Kirsty as well but she had to withdraw due to her bad back) went out on the 'Thunderbolt' which is a massive RIB boat with 600 horse power engines - absolutely fantastic fun literally flying over the waves with great force and speed. We stopped at a couple of snorkelling spots before heading back. It really was the wildest 3 hours of our lives, but we certainly paid for it the next day. Definitely not good for ones back - no wonder we had to sign a disclaimer form first. Our night on Fitzroy was OK but due to the bad weather hardly anybody stayed over and most got the ferry back to Cairns. We decided to go back a few hours early the next morning, although after the fright of our lives - certainly Alyson's. She & Emily had the biggest spider I have EVER seen in their room on the wall. It was so big I'm surprised nobody was sick. We bravely cleared the room of all their stuff, quickly and quietly so not to disturb it, although we had to call for the help of a German guy to rescue Alyson's hoody the spider took hostage. It was a very disturbing experience. Luckily it was only a huntsman which although do bite (and jump!!) are harmless. Somebody originally said it was a bird eater - I think that sounds more impressive. The weather unfortunately didn't really pick up, much to Kirsty's distress as she was no longer able to improve her tan. We spent her last few days hanging around, chilling out etc. We visted the 'Woolshed' where anyone who's anyone is seen in the evenings in Cairns. Many a story to be told there if anybody dare ask!! We also saw Rob from uni there... very strange!! We said a teary goodbye to Kirsty our 5th member on Saturday - it was so sad to see her go as she had just become our extra member of the travelling 4, but she is hoping she will be out to see us again before we're home so watch this space!! So on Saturday afternoon 5 became 4 and on Sunday 4 became 5 again with the arrived of Caspar, Katie's boyfriend. The new 5 spent the day together on Sunday, before 5 became a 3 and a 2 when Julie, Alyson & Emily made their way south to Magnetic Island, and from there on to the Whitsunday's, Fraser Island and on to Brisbane to look for some work. It's sad that we're not all together at the moment, but it's only a temporary measure. Hope that all is well back at home, and we hope to keep you all regularly updated with what everybody is up to out here. Love to everyone XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX