Well folks looks like you're going to have me around for a while yet as the doc reckoned the bite is pretty innocent. A pretty non eventual day today waiting for my evening flight to Melbourne but a nice one nonetheless. I even took the time to prepare a letter to send to the UK, how often do we do that nowadays? Despite leaving Skinny Dips in the same manner as I arrived (i.e in the rain) some fond memories and memorable tours from this part of my adventures ...

Today we set off for Green Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef. I chose a glass bottomed boat in addition to the semi sub and Derek's option was to snorkel but in the end Derek decided not to in favour for a cup of tea! Despite the weather it was nice to see the fishes so close, especially since the Australian government has controversially granted mining rights near to the reef so we might not have this natural wonder for much longer. While I finished a nic...

Waking up to the usual monsoon it was a relief to find as we drive away from the rainforest that clings to cairns, we also escaped the rain. Port Douglas very much an upmarket version of Cairns is nice as is the miles of sandy beaches lined with palm trees although the threat of nearly deadly stingers and very deadly crocodiles put me off from venturing into the water! A visit to the other gay resort around here, called Turtle Cove was a bit like waiting for god...

Ok so I admit it I was a bit harsh on Cairns. It's amazing how you can take against a place on first impressions when greeted with monsoon like conditions. Granted, the city centre is a write off but on discovery of the esplanade today (when the sun (!) made an appearence) I was pleasantly surprised, not least by the eye candy provided by the joggers. Sitting here, reflecting on my adventures so far as I approach the half way mark on Friday, I'm really happy w...

Waking up with the return of the sore throat, having got caught in several downpours the previous day, we set off for the rainforest village, Kuranda. The scenic railway was delightful, as was my delight when I posed for photos with a Koala, wallaby and a cockatoo named Gaby! I felt like a novice indiana Jones when the rainfall caused the river to burst its banks...I decided against attempting that crossing. The return journey was via the spectacular Skyrail, ...