Friday - A day of R&R. Swimming, tanning and for Maria, burning/tantrumming.

Saturday - Great Barrier Reef. Absolutely awesome experience, Maria was particularly fascinated by the geographical explanations that we had throughout out sailing experience. 30 mins in, with me feeling slighty queasy, we moved inside, off the netting of the catamaran, soaking wet. Before my eyes a boy chundered (was violently sick) everywhere. Needless to say that I soon moved outside and put my head in a paper sick bag. Other than that the snorkelling was fantastic. We swam among reef sharks, turtles and wrasse. Maria found dory, much to her excitement. Nemo, however, remains lost. We ended the day by strolling around the night markets. Maria also recevied a 40 min Thai massage whilst I chortled at the slapping sounds coming from behind the curtain.

Sunday - Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest. We were picked up and driven through the oldest rainforest in the world. We saw wild crocs, kangaroos and kingfishers. In the morning we wandered around the Port Douglas markets and indulged in some mango sorbet. We ate lunch on Cape Trib beach before jumping onto a boat for an hour long river cruise down the Daintree river. We saw many crocs, from babies to big males of 4-5m. Needless to say, we were happy our arms and legs were firmly inside the boat.

What next?

Well today will be spent around the lagoon practicing the beached whale position. Hopefully Maria will cope with the heat. This evening we will having a meal on the Esplanade with a couple of friends that we have seen on and off throughout the journey. Flight leaves 9:35 am tomorrow morning, the first of 3...YAWN.

Next summer....USA.