Cairns 3

For our last day in Cairns we thought that we should really do the rainforest justice as we had missed out on our scheduled trip so we took a tour to the Daintree rainforest for the day. So 'another 'early pick up (7am) but first had a lovely skype with Teresa and Jacqui - reception bad and difficult to talk but great to see them and catch up.

We travelled via the rainforest in a 4WD vehicle which allowed access further into the terrain than other tours would be able to do. Started with a lovely journey along the coast road with its exposed reef (low tide) to Mossman where we boarded a boat to cruise the Daintree River to shoot crocodiles (with the camera that is!). Unfortunately they appeared to be camera shy although the trip was brilliant and we got a really good overview from the guide with regards to the Crocs habitat.

Back on track (literally) we got to go further into the rain forest and we were given a guided walk through the denser part of the forest. Sue really quite nervous about stumbling across our slithery reptile friends and began to think that maybe missing Bloomfields was a result?

Travelled further off road towards Tribulation beach stopping at a clear water creek at Emmagen. Having established that crocs would not be present we both dived into the fabulous, clear, fresh mountain water and a few others followed to have a lovely refreshing swim. Once on shore we were discussing the array of fish that had accompanied us on our swim and our guide unfortunately added that there were water snakes in those waters. Harmless though they were Sue would definitely not re-enter on hindsight!

Whilst drying off we had a fab tropical fruit tasting session - fruits that most would have never heard of and absolutely delicious. We ended up at Tribulation beach which has a terrific lookout and then finished off with homemade ice cream at a local orchard.

To return to Cairns we had to cross the Daintree River via its only means being the chain ferry (alike but quite a bit smaller than the sandbanks ferry). Back to Cairns at 6pm having completed a round trip of some 340km, long day but so very enjoyable.

Off to Bangkok tomorrow via Sydney and a 6 ½ layover, good opportunity to take time to edit our 2,000 + photos!!