Magnetic Island
So named b/c when Captain Cook passed by here his compas kinda went haywire. though there is not magnetic field to this island. Something i learned, actually, just one of the many things i've learned while on the island.
early this morning i was able to watch the sunrise through my window. I was unable to drag myself out of bed when my alarm went off. some part of me figures that since i've got to catch the 6:20 ferry tomorrow, i can catch the sunrise then. It made since at the time, so i just rolled over and went to bed. However, I was still up around 7 and grabbed some breakfast with Gus, the canadian dude, before starting my 5 hour jaunt.
It was such a beautifull day. Still is. But started off heading towards Balding Bay. The trails are all really well done, smooth sand or stone pathways heading up into the hills. Basically, you go up, across a ridge, and hike down into the bays. Easy, except the whole up and down part of it. I'm pretty sore. But worth all the gallons of sweat.
Balding Bay was beautifull, one of the smallest and secluded bays, and the unofficial nude beaches. Be glad this pc won't let me post pictures, bunch of rolly polly creepy old guys there. lol. Ain't that the way it always is? But i did talk to a few english girls who showed up as i was leaving, wished them all my best with the old codgers that were staring at them. I found it humorous, the girls, slightly less so. lol.
But then on to Radical Bay. Walking up and down the beach i was able to find washed up pieces of coral, and just kinda kick back and relax and recover my strength. Still somewhat early in the morning so not many people about. Met a nice Canadian, Robin. We kinda exchanged mini versions of life stories, and tossed out ideas about the future and how there's so much to do, and just so little time.
Ah, the journey continues to the Forts. Probably the best lookouts on the island. An old gun post set up to control the approaches to the harbor and an early radar station to warn against japanese attacks. Townsville was bombed durring WWII. But the fort is mostly just concrete foundations, though the gun foundations make for a good lookout. The old signal station is still in use, as a phone tower i believe, or relay? i dunno cause i get no cell phone service out here. But you get a good 360 view of the island. I got a few good pics. To be posted later hopefully.
I covered most of the northern part of the island, even got to see some native wildlife. Mainly a Koala's furry bum taking a snooze in a tree, and a rock wallabee running across the road.
Since being back, i've just been chillin, resting up my feet. Spending a little time at the beach. Though again, going to get some sunburn treatment for my shoulders soon. HAH! I bought a boonie hat to ward off the sun, and i lost it this morning as i set out on the first sunny day since i'd bought the stinkin thing! totally...ugh.
gonna wash up, pack up, so i can roll outta bed and hit the road. Probably gonna find a good spot to watch the stars for a while, and then sleep. Because Cairns is coming up and that place is gonna be rockin and rollin when i get there.
posted by Jordan @ 7/19/2006 04:06:00 pm
4 Comments:
Cairns Nightlife
Cairns has much to offer after dark - whether your style is theatre or movies, discos or karaoke bars. There are the pubs and bars where you can have a casual drink, enjoy great live entertainment, or visit the exciting world of the new Reef Casino and try your luck on the tables. For real life entertainment there are street buskers and a variety of performing artists in and around the taverns, clubs and bars where you can relax with the locals.
Dangerous Marine Life
Sharks
They are everywhere inhabiting all Australian coastal waters. But surprisingly they kill less, and cause less harm to humans, than snakes and all of the other creatures mentioned here. In the last couple of years Brazil has had many more shark attacks than Australia, and it seems they have enough food from the ocean, not to need human food. Anyway, it doesn't mean that you are safe. Pay attention when swimming. Some beaches in Australia have shark nets to protect the bathers. Note also that some canals in Australia, like the Gold Coast canal system, have become a reproduction area for some species and all care is recommended; do not swim at night in these beautiful and calm canals. (2 victims died in the last 2 years).
Talking about White Pointers, they are a protected species in Australia, and if you kill one, the Government will fine or jail you.
Crocodiles
Both freshwater crocodiles (dangerous) and saltwater crocodiles (extemely dangerous) inhibit Cairns waterways. Inhabited areas are well sign posted so be sure to aware of these before you take a dip.
As if it's not enough having jellyfish and sharks in the waters off Cairns, Port Douglas, North/East and Northern Territory; God decided to place another beautiful creature there to make paradise not so inviting. These places are full of salt water crocs, happily inhabiting the region. They are 7 metre long monsters; extremely strong, and very ugly! Human meat is not their favorite, but they attack anything that moves around them including sharks. They can be found in any river or beach and can go 200 Km (150 miles) inland or out into the ocean. Differing from the fresh water croc, the salt water one sleeps and swims on the bottom, making it sometimes difficult to spot. They never swallow a human, but have enough power to break us in half and slice us to pieces, leaving us ready to be crab food. This year a German tourist was killed while swimming in the Northern Territory. (In a place marked DANGEROUS - DO NOT SWIM, CROCODILES LIVE HERE!) That's why it is very important to ask local people if the place you plan to swim in is safe or not. By the way, Crocs are a protected species in Australia and if you kill one you are in trouble, but they can kill you anytime they want. Be sure about that.
Box Jellyfish
In the summer months, from November to April, sea swimming outside of swimming enclosures is highly dangerous as the box jellyfish is active off Cairns beaches. These creatures are not known to live on the Outer Reef, and generally only exist within about 1-2 kilometres of mainland beaches. Fully protected swimming enclosures are provided at the beaches and are well sign posted.
One of the more deadly animals on the face of the Earth, also called "Sea Wasp". The jelly-fish has a square body, and lives in Northern and North-Eastern Australia. It can be found near the coast along all the Great Barrier Reef which extends as far as 2000 Km. The toxin present on the tentacles (which may reach several feet in length) is so strong, that the few survivors from an encounter with a box jellyfish describe it more as an electrical shock than a burn.
After contact, the person will probably leave the water screaming and will faint on the sand with marks on the body that look like streaks. Depending on the area affected, Cardio-Respiratory functions may stop in just 3 minutes, and mouth to mouth resuscitation and first aid procedures are essential to keep the victim alive.
It's essential that you stay with the victim, and send someone to phone for or get an ambulance. Vinegar and peeing on the spot may reduce the pain a little bit, but medical assistance is vital to save the victim. The box jellyfish is responsible for more deaths in Australia than snakes, sharks, and salt water crocodiles put together.
The Box Jellyfish reproduces inside mangrove around Cairns and the Port Douglas region, and there has been an increase in numbers for the last couple of years. Scientists don't know why exactly, but they suspect it is due to the diminishing population of sea turtles which are immune to the poison because of their thick shell. Fortunately, the box jellyfish shows up only between November and March.
Many councils and beaches in these regions fence the beach with a net during jellyfish season, to protect swimmers. Tackle shops and beach gear shops also sell a kind of vest similar to the ones surfers use, that protects the body as long as you keep your head out of the water.
Irukandji
Another jellyfish but instead of having several tentacles, it is only 1 centimetre or half an inch in length. It can barely be spotted by the naked eye. In the week we wrote this article, 2 deaths were registered by this jellyfish which is the smallest animal on earth capable of killing humans.
They inhabit the same region, but instead of killing in a matter of minutes the symptoms are progressive and may take more than 24 hours to show up. Years before, the symptoms were associated with natural causes such as a heart attack or something else, because they are easily confused with pain in the back, difficulty breathing etc.. Only a few years ago scientist started to associate these symptoms and deaths with something so minute as this jellyfish.
If the symptoms are not treated in a hospital they may cause death. At present, a University in Cairns has been conducting research on this animal.
Tip: On many beaches in the North-Eastern part of Australia you may find that at the main beach access, there will be a box (like a letter box) containing a bottle of Vinegar to be used in emergencies for box jellyfish and other jellyfish. If there isn't one, most people have vinegar in their homes and are always happy to help someone who has been stung.
There's MORE
See: http://www.yesaustralia.com/Curiosidades-animaising.htm
I warned you about the nude beaches. Also, and this is really a non-passive-aggressive question... do you ever talk to guys? I know you eat breakfast with them occassionally... but do you ever talk to guys? ((12^2) - 2)
sounds like your having fun jordan. you could've warned my about the naked butt picture. unfortunately my mom found it before i did. :)
These last two comments highlight a fundamental difference between the two cultures. Aussies, being generally laid-back and relaxed hardly notice whether a beach is a "nudist beach" or not. The main attention is focused on the waves, weather and whether there are any "white pointers". As for showing a bit of coin slot (arse), if you are really that sensitive you better not come over here love, the streets are full of blokes and shielas with a bit of crack showing.
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