Day 85 to 91 24-8-2007 to 30-8-2007 Cairns

Amazingly iv'e now past the halfway point. In someways it's gone quick, even though New York Seems a lifetime away.

Cairns is a great resort, hot all year around and the ideal place to either go to the barrier reef or up to Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas and the Rainforest tours. Its also idel to go in the winter here, since most of the poisonous spiders and snakes dont come out until the Summer.

Supprisingly there isn't much of a beach, but to make up for this, they have created a large outdoor pool called the Lagoon. Alongside this and continuing along the seafront is a part park part activitives area, including a skateboard/bmx park, 2 kids play areas, a multitude of monuments / sculptures and a boardwalk continuing in to the distance. it's like Cleethorpes could be, if someone actually sat down and planned something for a change (in fact Cleethorpes has a much better beach, so we have an advantage over Cairns who would have thought that!)

One thing i have noticed, is that alot of activities are free.....e.g. the lagoon the skateboard parks. There are even barbecue areas where people can come along, turn on the electric hot plate and cook their meals. AND YES ITS FREE! Plus, people clean them before they leave. Everyone here has a sense of pride in the town. Even though most people are not from here. I wonder what state a BBQ would be in say in Peolples or Grant Thorold Park. It would be a great idea, but probably vandalised or stolen before the morter has set. If nothing else it would give the druggies something to cook up some munches!!

Cairnes is the best place to access the Barrier Reef, however if you were thinking of going to the reef, best make it in the next few year. Climate change is expected to wipe out some of the reefs coral in the next ten years or so, nows the time to see it.

Its also worth taking a day trip to Cape Tribulation to take in a few walks in the rainforest, and see the crocs in their natural habitat or if youre lucky (or unlucky) a cassowary. They may be flightless birds, but they are big, have massive claws and love to chase down their pray. plus their indangered, so you cant hurt them!!

Cairnes is a good place to come for about a week. Just to chill out and take in some diving.

Tried Morton Bay Bugs whilst here. Yum. Yum.