An interesting night. Despite seeming to be dropping off quite early I then couldn't sleep. When I finally did a very drunk girl was brought into the dorm, and there was loud music nearby. Not sure when I finally went to sleep but I awoke at 0600 again.

Out at 0800 and went, after buyign some water and a postcard, to Rusty's Market, an open area with dozens of stalls all selling fresh produce - lovely smella! Purchased three peaches and, bizarrely, a pineapple. Then I went to Reef Encounter to book a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Decide upon a two day/one night package, with a bit of snorkelling and $70 for a dive proper. Amazing how quick and easy it was to part with $310. But, a nights sleep, meals, eqipment, the experience. All worth it, and it is why I'm here.

Then waited for the bus to pick me up for my day trip to Kuranda, which it did eventually, with a breezy 'Mr Curtis!' from the driver. After picking up from various places we then proceeded towards the Sky Rail station, about 15 minutes out of Cairns, to start the adventure.

The adventure took an eventful and unexpected turn when, on the third leg of the SkyRail, it stopped. Since I had been told it would stop for a couple of minutes on occasion, I wasn't too worried. However, five minutes became 10 became 20. In all I spent an hour dangling over the rainforest with just a Robert Shearman and Nick Briggs podcast for company. Not particularly exciting, but some lovely views of the rainforest.

Eventually I reached Kuranda and began to wander around. It felt like a very old fashioned American town, with plenty of shops and places to eat, all in the thrall of the jungle! Had a pie from Annabel's, a steak and bacon one, very tasty. $4.10. Then a walk along by the river, deciding against taking a boat trip, and then through the forest. Just one red-headed bird crossed the path, otherwise it was a quiet walk.

Having spotted the potential of getting lost and missing the train back to Cairns, I jogged through the forest back to the station, where a very grumpy attendant swapped my token for a ticket! It is a lovely old-fashioned train, reddy brown, which takes us back through the hills with occasional commentary on the history of the line. It takes just under two hours to arrive back in Cairns, were I wandered slowly back, seeing the main shopping area - a bit like Cribbs Causeway - then bought some water and cheap flip flops. They aren't ideal, but they are only really for trips to the shower. Back at 1800. Lizzie returns and we both go to the Rhino for the free meal around 1900. Chili tonight - it's ok. Then we chat and walk happily, arriving back at the hostel at 2300.

Looks like there is a big party tonight, so I am prepared to get no sleep! Nothing big planned for tomorrow - museum, internet, market, swim, read. In other words, a cheap day!